Paris, 1894. The City of Light loves to dance and indulge in mischievousness. The ‘Bal des Folles’ is one of its most prestigious balls, organised by the notorious Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital for ‘madwomen’.As all of Paris gathers in the grand dining hall of the hospice, the interned patients prepare to parade in whimsical carnival costumes…
Party of Fools draws back the curtain on the imprisonment and mistreatment of women deemed unfit for respectable society. Starring Mélanie Thierry (Memoir of War) as Fanni, a woman who voluntary admits herself to the grim institution to look for her mother, the incredible cast also includes fellow 'madwomen' Marina Foïs (Freestyle, AF FFF23), Carole Bouquet (Kiss & Tell, AF FFF19), Josiane Balasko (The Hedgehog) and Dominique Frot (Titane).
As the curtain is drawn back, revealing the preparatory chaos of the ball, the film paints a gripping portrait of the friendships and alliances formed between Fanni and the other women she encounters within the oppressive walls. An unmissable and incredibly compelling story full of suspense and emotion, which will resonate with the viewer long after it has finished.
Tuesday 5th March
99 min
M
Mélanie Thierry, Marina Foïs, Carole Bouquet, Josiane Balasko, Dominique Frot
Arnaud des Pallières
Film Festival
Palace Moore Park
