Highland movie buffs can look forward to trying a flavour of the Auld Alliance over the next few weeks as cinema group Inverness Film Fans present a selection of films starring legendary French actor Gerard Depardieu.
Screenings are held fortnightly at Eden Court Cinema and are followed by an informal discussion, which is always great fun.
The first to be screened is Jean de Florette (Tuesday, May 13, at 7.15pm).
Directed by Claude Berri and starring Gerard Depardieu, Yves Montand and Daniel Auteuil, the story revolves around what happens to city dweller Jean Cadoret (Depardieu) after he inherits a farm in Provence.
Moving there with his wife and daughter to start a new, idyllic life in the country, he falls victim to the envy and greed of his neighbours, who want the land and its precious natural spring for themselves.
Superbly acted and beautifully filmed, Jean de Florette is a captivating story of jealousy, human greed and fate, with Depardieu’s magnificent performance as the ill-fated Jean at its heart.
Nominated for eight Cesar Awards and 10 Baftas, this much-loved adaptation of Marcel Pagnol’s novel remains one of the finest films of the 1980s and a classic of French cinema.
The sequel to this film, Manon des Sources, will be screened on Tuesday, May 20, at 7.15pm.
Now a shepherdess living on the land, Jean Cadoret’s grown-up daughter, Manon, seeks revenge on the men who conspired against her father.
Those going to see both films can take advantage of a special ticket price of just £10.
The next outing for Depardieu fans is on Tuesday, May 27, at 7.15pm, when Bon Voyage will be screened.
Directed by Jean-Paul Rappeneau, and also starring Isabelle Adjani and Virginie Ledoyen, this film, made in 2003, is set at the start of World War II.
Depardieu plays a cabinet minister joining a movie actress, novelist, journalist, petty criminal, a scientist and his assistant as they attempt to escape the Nazi occupation of Paris by fleeing south to Bordeaux.
Taking refuge at the Hotel Spendide, their lives and fates become entwined in a race against time to evade capture and imprisonment.
Combining comedy, suspense and romance, Jean-Paul Rappeneau’s stylish and entertaining adventure boasts a fine ensemble cast and rich period detail.
The final outing for Depardieu is on Tuesday, June 10, 7.15pm. The Singer, directed by Xavier Giannoli, also stars Cecile De France and Mathieu Amalric.
When ageing dance-band singer Alain Moreau (Depardieu) encounters younger estate-agent Marion (Cecile De France) in the crowd at one of his gigs, a tentative relationship begins to unfold, testing their expectations of themselves and each other.
Xavier Giannoli’s quietly assured and affecting drama features fine performances from charismatic leads Depardieu and De France in a bitter-sweet story about the choices we make in life and love.
Depardieu’s performance as the middle-aged, sentimental crooner is perfectly pitched, bringing subtlety and pathos to a role which he inhabits with ease.
For tickets, contact the box office at Eden Court on 01463 234234 or visit www.eden-court.co.uk