Talk:Ronan Vibert
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A couple of points:
1.) According to his entry on the International Movie Database, Ronan Vibert has (so far) only appeared in ONE episode of 'Jeeves and Wooster' - episode 3.1: 'Safety in New York', also known as 'Bertie Sets Sail', first broadcast on 29 March 1992.
He played the role of mother's boy Wilmot.
2.) Although Vibert's portrayal of Robespierre was apparently based very closely on the most accurate eye-witness descriptions of the historical figure, it cannot be pointed out forcefully enough that Baroness Orczy's understanding of the French Revolution and the reasons for it was not exactly wonderful.
And that's putting it mildly!
You need to be aware that as part of the research for his groundbreaking study of the Revolution, the great French historian Michelet interviewed a number of people who had known the real Robespierre, all of whom went to considerable trouble to point out that he definetely was neither 'evil' nor 'insane'.
Several of Robespierre's friends also published their memories of him - and, again, emphasised that he was rather different to the public legend.
For example, he apparently told one of his mates that he often suffered from excruciating shyness and self-consciousness. He was well aware that some people considered him to be cold and aloof as a result.
He hated speaking in public so much that he frequently felt he was about to pass out or throw up. He knew that many observers considered him to be a poor or indifferent orator, so he deliberately made the text of his speeches speak for itself.
Ronan Vibert is an extremely intelligent actor, who demonstrates a subtle and penetrating perception of every part he plays.
Vibert's greatest achievement in this particular role is to understand the lonely, isolated, misunderstood individual behind the public persona, and to gradually reveal the true, tragic humanity of Robespierre.
Fiona Pymont
