Jean-Gaspard Deburau is a very successful mime, the most famous in his category. One day, he falls head over heels in love with Marie Duplessis, a courtesan better known as "La Dame aux Camélias". But he soon realizes that he is but a number in her long list of lovers. He will find comfort in devoting his time teaching his art to his son Charles.
Acting
Guitry's self-directed vanity becomes genuinely moving.
Direction
Stagey by design — Guitry refuses to hide his theatrical roots.
Costume
Belle Époque excess that whispers 'she's expensive, not yours.'
Director
Sacha Guitry
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sacha Guitry was so notorious for self-casting that critics joked he only hired other actors because mirrors couldn't hold scripts.
Marie Duplessis was the real-life 'Lady of the Camellias' whose death at 23 inspired Dumas fils, Verdi's Violetta, and now this very meta meditation on being remembered.
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