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Le Libertin

Vincent Perez plays Denis Diderot, the real-life French Encyclopedist, though director Aghion is more interested in the play of love and chance in the 18th century rather than with the historical role of the principal character. Filmed in Paris, Le Libertin began production on July 19, 1999 through the efforts of Bel Ombre Films and Mosca Films and was produced by Gaspard de Chavagnac.

Story: Set in France at the end of the 18th century, Le Libertin reveals the eventful journeys of Denis Diderot, philosopher and originator of the famous Encyclopedia. The point of departure in the film was two true stories about the character. The first story describes how Diderot accepted having a painter do a nude portrait of him. Being in front of a beautiful woman exposes his desire, but when the painter blushes, the writer says in a low voice “Calm yourself. I am not as strong as he is.”

The second story has to do with the protests caused by the monumental encyclopedia, since Diderot had omitted the voice of virtue from it.  With the result that, according to history, one of the most important philosophers of the century of Enlightenment has remained the prototype of an intellectual libertine, open to sexual plurality and against chastity, and of course, marital fidelity.

CAST

Vincent Perez........................Denis Diderot Fanny Ardant..........Madame Therbouche Josiane Balasko..........Baronne d'Holbach Michel Serrault.........................Le Cardinal Arielle Dombasle........Madame de Jerfeuil

CREDITS

Directed by.........................Gabriel Aghion Written by..........................Gabriel Aghion Based on the play Le Libertin by Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt
Music by..............................Bruno Coulais Cinematography by..................Jean-Marie Dreujou
Distributed by...............UGC International

Premiered in France on March 15, 2000

DVD & video available in France

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