Impromptu

In 1830s France, the writer known by her pen name George Sand moves through Parisian artistic circles while raising her two children and defying the conventions expected of a woman of her standing. She encounters the composer Frédéric Chopin and becomes determined to win his affections, though his reserved nature and fragile health stand in contrast to her forceful, unconventional character. Their growing connection unfolds among friends and rivals of the era, including Franz Liszt, Eugène Delacroix, Alfred de Musset and the jealous Marie d'Agoult.

James Lapine directed the film from a screenplay by Sarah Kernochan, with Stuart Oken and Daniel A. Sherkow producing. It was Lapine's first feature as director, followed later the same year by Into the Woods, then Life with Mikey, Custody and Falsettos. Judy Davis plays Sand opposite Hugh Grant as Chopin, with Mandy Patinkin, Bernadette Peters, Julian Sands and Ralph Brown in supporting roles across a credited cast of 26. The British-French production, made by Les Films Ariane, Hemdale Film Corporation, Sovereign Pictures and C.L.G. Films, runs 107 minutes and mixes comedy, drama, music and romance.

It took about 4 million dollars worldwide at the box office, a modest result. On IMDb it holds 6.8 out of 10 from around 5,900 votes, while on TMDB it sits at 6.1 from a much smaller base of 68 votes. The critics' rating stands at 6.1 from 19 reviews, close to the audience score recorded there.