Le Grand Role

Laughter and tears vie for top billing in this lovely second feature by French director Steve Suissa (Taking Wing). For years, friends and actors Maurice, Sami, Simon, Elie, and Edouard have been waiting for their big break. The future looks bright when famous American director Rudolph Grichenberg (Peter Coyote) offers Maurice the part of Shylock in his Yiddish screen adaptation of “The Merchant of Venice”. But his fortunes reverse quickly when Maurice learns that his beloved wife Perla is seriously ill. With his friends’ help, Maurice takes on the greatest role of his life, and in playing his part, illuminates the meaning of art, love, and truth. Stéphane Freiss as Maurice and the beautiful Bérénice Bejo as Perla give touching, memorable performances. –Boston Jewish Film Festival