You are here:

Le Tartuffe

Name: Le Tartuffe
Director: Gérard Depardieu
Released: 1984
Duration: 140 min

Representation Score

2.9/10

Limited

1984

Director

Gérard Depardieu

Runtime

140 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Gérard Depardieu’s adaptation of Molière functions as a classical period piece that prioritizes historical accuracy over modern diversity. The film operates within the demographic constraints of its 17th-century setting, resulting in low scores for racial and LGBTQ+ diversity. However, the film finds strength in its intellectual subversion. It challenges the stability of social hierarchies by centering women's ability to drive the story and providing a scathing critique of religious hypocrisy. The narrative effectively uses the domestic sphere to deconstruct the performative nature of authority and dogma.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Le Tartuffe have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses on a strictly heterosexual and cisgender perspective set in 17th-century domestic life. There is no presence of LGBTQ+ identities or queer undertones in the plot.

How does Le Tartuffe portray gender?

Fair

While men hold formal positions of power, women play a significant role in driving the narrative's resolution. Characters like Elmire and Dorine use their wit and social skills to expose the antagonist and challenge patriarchal structures.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Le Tartuffe?

Limited

Casting is uniform, reflecting the demographic realities of the French upper class during the Louis XIV era. The film avoids casting actors from diverse backgrounds in favor of historical accuracy.

How does Le Tartuffe represent religion and culture?

Good

The story offers a sharp critique of institutionalized religion. It portrays religious piety as a tool used by the antagonist to achieve personal gain and systemic corruption.

Does Le Tartuffe include disability representation?

Minimal

No visible or invisible disabilities are portrayed as central to the character arcs or the progression of the plot.

Present on Screen

The film provides a sophisticated critique of institutionalized religion and hypocrisy.
Female characters demonstrate significant intellectual ability to act and tactical intelligence.
The narrative successfully deconstructs traditional social and patriarchal hierarchies.

Limited or Absent

The film lacks representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
Casting is homogeneous and lacks racial or ethnic diversity.
There is no portrayal of disability within the character arcs.

Official Synopsis

Orgon is a man of property duped by the false piety of the penniless Tartuffe. Orgon takes him into his house, believing him a paragon of virtue. Orgon orders his daughter to reject her fiancé and marry Tartuffe. First Dorine, the family servant, tries a strategy to avert the marriage; then Orgon's son tries his hand. They anger Orgon, and to prove paternal power, he disinherits his son and makes Tartuffe his heir. Next Orgon's wife tries to bring her husband insight, a stratagem that partially backfires. With the bailiff at the door ordering Orgon to vacate his own home and with Tartuffe at court to prove Orgon's a traitor, all seems lost.

How are these scores produced? →