Maestro (2014 film)

Maestro is a semi-autobiographical French dramedy inspired by actor Jocelyn Quivrin’s experiences on the set of Eric Rohmer’s final film. It follows Henri, a struggling actor who dreams of becoming an action star but finds himself cast in a low-budget, poetic costume drama directed by the enigmatic and aging auteur Cedric Rovere. Initially dismissive of the film’s artistic style, Henri focuses on pursuing a romantic interest in his co-star Gloria, but the real story lies in his evolving mentorship with Rovere.

As the film progresses, Henri undergoes a transformation, learning to appreciate culture and art under Rovere’s subtle guidance. Meanwhile, Rovere’s interactions with Henri bring a playful, modern energy to his otherwise quiet and reflective life. The relationship between the two becomes the emotional core of the film, evolving into a tender exploration of personal growth and intergenerational connection.

Set against the picturesque French countryside, the film captures the aesthetic charm of Rohmer’s style, with sunlit visuals and a reflective tone. Featuring standout performances by Pio Marmai as Henri and Michael Lonsdale as Rovere, the movie offers a light yet poignant behind-the-scenes look at the world of cinema and mentorship.

• Pio Marmaï as Henri Renaud
• Michael Lonsdale as Cédric Rovère
• Déborah François as Gloria
• Alice Belaïdi as Pauline Vatel
• Nicolas Bridet as Nico
• Dominique Reymond as Francine
• Micha Lescot as José
• Scali Delpeyrat as The Druid
• Grégory Montel as Sam
• Marie-Armelle Deguy as Marie-Jeanne

The Hollywood Reporter gave it a positive review with some reservations. In summary it stated that while the film starts off light and somewhat shallow, it gains depth, showcasing a touching mentor-student relationship. Strong performances by Pio Marmai and Michael Lonsdale elevate the film, with Lonsdale delivering a particularly nuanced and memorable portrayal. The movie captures the essence of Rohmer’s style through its visuals and pacing, though the score is overly sentimental. It is expected to appeal mainly to niche audiences and Nouvelle Vague enthusiasts.^[3]

On Rotten Tomatoes, the audience has given it a 52% rating on the Tomatometer.^[5]