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 Virginie after throwing her down] I despise you!

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Connections

Version of Bel Ami (2005)

User Reviews

Exactly how I pictured the book

I was fully surprised by how much I enjoyed this film. I love the book, so was sure I'd be disappointed by the movie, which is typically the case. I was also skeptical of the casting, particularly of the lead role. But even so, I couldn't NOT see it.

I soon found myself completely taken in, watching the vision in my head (from reading the book) come to life on screen. The wardrobe and sets and music and lighting were rich and beautiful. The pace was excellent and kept me engaged every minute - the time just flew by.

I was also completely won over by the casting, including Pattinson in the lead role, which was probably the biggest surprise. Not only did he manage to hold his own in the role and with a far more experienced cast, he completely nailed George Duvoy. This required him to convey a depth and range of nuanced emotions and intentions through expression and tone and manner as well as interpretation of script. Kudos must go to the director as well.

Some of the criticisms of the story or of the Duvoy character are mistakenly pinned on the actor's performance, when what they are really reacting to is actually how the character is depicted in the book. That's an argument for the author, not the actor or director. So I have to assume they haven't read the book or would not like it if they did. And certainly there are a lot of people who just can't be objective about Pattinson because of a strong need to belittle his teen idle celebrity and association with the tweenage-targeted Twilight films.

I do think the movie is probably more enjoyable for those who have read the book and can, therefore, connect the dots and fill the gaps that a movie just doesn't have time to do - but that's true of any movie that tries to stay true to the book.

I highly recommend the movie (and the book) to anyone who loves period dramas with great characters. It is beautifully done.