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.
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.