Bel Ami (2012)

A chronicle of a young man's rise to power in Paris via his manipulation of the city's most influential and wealthy women.

Directors:

Declan Donnellan, Nick Ormerod

Writers:

Guy de Maupassant (novel), Rachel Bennette (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Pattinson	...	Georges Duroy
Uma Thurman	...	Madeleine Forestier
Kristin Scott Thomas	...	Virginie Rousset
Christina Ricci	...	Clotilde de Marelle
Colm Meaney	...	Monsieur Rousset
Philip Glenister	...	Charles Forestier
Holliday Grainger	...	Suzanne Rousset
Natalia Tena	...	Rachel the Prostitute
James Lance	...	François Laroche
Anthony Higgins	...	Comte de Vaudrec
Timothy Walker	...	Solicitor
Pip Torrens	...	Paul the Butler
Christopher Fulford	...	Police Commisioner
Amy Marston	...	Nanny
Frank Dunne	...	Bishop

Storyline

Georges Duroy is a penniless soldier returning from war. He travels to Paris in a search for ways to improve his social and financial status. He uses his wit and powers of seduction to charm wealthy women.

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Plot Keywords:

adultery | 1890s | prostitute | bare chested male | male rear nudity | 

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Taglines:

Temptation. Seduction. Obsession.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for some strong sexuality, nudity and brief language

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

UK Italy

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 March 2012 (UK)

Also Known As:

Bel Ami, historia de un seductor

Filming Locations:

Budapest, Hungary

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

$38,018 (USA) (8 June 2012)

Gross:

$119,919 (USA) (27 July 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Redwave Films, 19 Entertainment, Protagonist Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

102 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Marion Cotillard turned down a role.

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Quotes

[from trailer]
Georges Duroy: [to Clotilde] What do you enjoy?
Clotilde de Marelle: Everything.

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Connections

Version of Bel Ami (1947)

User Reviews

Devastatingly good 19th Century drama

The is an exciting production of Guy de Maupassant's classic novel of society in late 19thC Paris. There is nothing clichéd or dated with the passion, betrayal, political and media machinations that take place. It charts the rise of a humble man through Paris society and the newspaper business via several women. The characters are realistic not one dimensional - no one is a all good or bad. In a short time one can see love, insecurity and ambition. The pace is good and doesn't lag. It's intense but not melodramatic. A couple scenes are a bit explicit for some of R Patz's younger fans.

Top acting from a European and American cast. Robert Pattinson has grown a lot as an actor. He used to have 2 basic expressions - the charming grin and the monstrous look. Here his monstrous look is well used to show the darker side of the central character. He also manages to show a multitude of emotions required by this complex role. He more than holds his own against accomplished actresses. Kristin Scott Thomas is terrific as always. Her devastation and vulnerability are fascinating to watch. Uma Thurman plays an enigmatic independent woman quite well. One fault is the casting of Christina Ricci - she isn't A list and isn't attractive enough maybe a Continental actress would have been better.

Production wise, the interiors include some lovely rooms. For the exteriors it would have been more authentic if they had actually shot in Paris with some familiar landmarks.

It's such a treat to have a fresh exciting adaptation of great literature that hasn't been done many times. Do watch this one. This is the kind of movie that should be rewarded by box office success instead of the decapitation a minute type movies that rule these days.