Is Tartuffe Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1978)

📖 The Core Premise

Tartuffe returns to the screen in 1978, bringing a fresh narrative to the Comedy, TV Movie genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Donald Moffat stars in Moliere's classic comedy about lovable scoundrel Tartuffe, who befriends the wealthy Orgon and then attempts to seduce both his new friend's wife and daughter in this TV presentation from the Broadway Theatre Archive. Tartuffe pretends to be a pious man whose faith convinces Orgon and his family to succumb to his influence, but he's undone when his womanizing ways make it clear that his piety is a charade."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Donald Moffat feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Tartuffe worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, TV Movie films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Tartuffe misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 114 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.