Watch The Libertine [Le Libertin]

The Libertine is a French drama film from 2000 that tells the story of a wealthy aristocrat named Denis Diderot, who is best known as a philosopher, writer, and encyclopedist. Played by Vincent Perez, Diderot is a controversial figure in his time, challenging the status quo and championing free thinking and expression. At the same time, he is a notorious womanizer who lives a life of excess and indulgence.

The film takes place during the final years of the 18th century, a time of great social and political upheaval in France. It is a period when the ruling elite is being challenged by a growing middle class and a restive population that is beginning to demand greater rights and freedoms. Against this backdrop, Diderot seeks to spread his ideas and spark a revolution of the mind.

The opening scene of the film introduces us to Diderot as he lounges in bed, surrounded by his mistresses. He is visited by Madame Therbouche (Fanny Ardant), a famous painter who has agreed to do a portrait of him. It quickly becomes clear that Therbouche is not just interested in Diderot's physical appearance but in his mind and his ideas. She is a feminist who sees in him a kindred spirit, and the two strike up an intense intellectual and sexual relationship.

As the film progresses, we see Diderot engage with other intellectuals, politicians, and artists, including the Marquis de Sade (played by an uncredited actor). He also finds himself at odds with the Catholic Church, which sees his work as a challenge to its authority. In one memorable scene, Diderot is called before a group of bishops and forced to defend his ideas in the face of their condemnation.

The Libertine is a film that explores many themes, including personal freedom, political change, and sexual liberation. It is a rich, complex work that rewards multiple viewings. The performances of the three main actors (Perez, Ardant, and Balasko) are all superb, with each bringing their own unique perspective to their roles.

Despite its many strengths, The Libertine is not without flaws. Some viewers may find the film slow-paced or overly long. Others may take issue with its portrayal of women as mere objects of male desire. However, these criticisms do not detract from the film's overall quality or impact. It is a powerful, thought-provoking work that is well worth seeing.

In summary, The Libertine is a French drama film from 2000 that tells the story of a controversial aristocrat who challenges the status quo and champions free thinking and expression. The film explores many themes, including personal freedom, political change, and sexual liberation. It features excellent performances from its three main actors and offers a rich, complex viewing experience.

The Libertine [Le Libertin] is a 2000 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.