Paris theatre farce follows a director’s frantic Macbeth opening night
Bertrand Usclat and Martin Darondeau’s French comedy follows a Paris theatre company in the chaotic three hours before its opening-night production of Macbeth. Director Nina faces a string of mishaps that put the performance in doubt, making the film a fast-paced farce about the disorder behind a theatrical production.
Nina contends with absent and distracted actors, technical problems, a stoned veteran performer and the imminent arrival of the culture minister. She must also take over as Lady Macbeth, while her former partner leaves their toddler with her, introducing a less convincing thread about balancing motherhood and work. The review praises the cast’s comic timing and the affectionate portrait of theatre professionals, despite questions about the production’s small cast.
- A Macbeth premiere is threatened by backstage chaos.
- Nina takes over as Lady Macbeth and cares for her toddler.
- The review praises the cast’s comic timing.
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This is a French comedy about the chaos that can occur when staging a theatrical production. It follows director Nina at a Paris theatre company during the three hours immediately before the opening night of a production of Macbeth. The film depicts the disorder that emerges when multiple problems compound in a high-pressure environment.
The director confronts multiple challenges in rapid succession: actors are missing or distracted, technical failures occur, a veteran performer is impaired by drugs, the culture minister is arriving soon, and she is unexpectedly left caring for her ex-partner's young child. To salvage the production, Nina must also play Lady Macbeth herself. The film treats these mounting obstacles as a fast-paced farce unfolding in real time.
The film provides insight into the world of theatre professionals and the practical realities they face. It shows the kinds of problems and improvisation that go into staging a theatrical production for an audience.
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Originally published by The Guardian as “Comédie Française review – pre-show bedlam plays theatrical chaos for laughs”.