Bel Ami
Robert Pattinson stars in this period drama about a young Parisian who rises to power via manipulation of the city's most influential and wealthy women. Based on Guy de Maupassant's 1885 novel, co-starring Uma Thurman, Christina Ricci and Kristin Scott Thomas.
Georges Duroy (Pattison) travels through 1890s Paris, from cockroach ridden garrets to opulent salons, using his wits and powers of seduction to rise from poverty to wealth, from a prostitute’s embrace to passionate trysts with wealthy beauties, in a world where politics and media jostle for influence, where sex is power and celebrity an obsession.
Reviews & comments
Flicks, Dominic Corry
flicksStay in the Dark
I went along to the lovely Lido Cinema in Auckland to have time bymyself to watch Bel Ami. I was surprised to find that I was the only one in the Cinema! Not to long into the film a realised why. At first I was intrigued, and found the error fascinating and was looking forward to what was going to happen, I soon discovered nothing was. The acting was fine,...
Total Film
pressA good-looking yet curiously tame adaptation that showcases Pattinson's ambition if not his full abilities.
The New York Times
pressAlthough this is potentially juicy stuff, it is as dry and tasteless as a shrunken piece of fruit left in the refrigerator far too long.
The Guardian
pressRobert Pattinson has to do an awful lot of hollow-eyed smouldering in this hammily enunciated French period drama.
Roger Ebert
press[Patterson] successfully seduces three of the most powerful beauties in Paris society despite having no talent, no money and no conversation.
Los Angeles Times
pressIntriguing political aspects of the story would have more resonance if the human drama had more heft.
Little White Lies
pressToo reliant on lavish costumes, heaving bosoms and all the other trappings of the period drama.
Empire Magazine
pressEven with a strong cast to gild its endless chambers and salons, there's barely a spark of soul to fuel its story. Pattinson is no Malkovich either.
A.V. Club
pressThis new Bel Ami has a lot to recommend it, but it never seems as artful or smart as Dangerous Liaisons, the film it most resembles.
Flicks, Dominic Corry
flicksTotal Film
pressA good-looking yet curiously tame adaptation that showcases Pattinson's ambition if not his full abilities.
The New York Times
pressAlthough this is potentially juicy stuff, it is as dry and tasteless as a shrunken piece of fruit left in the refrigerator far too long.
The Guardian
pressRobert Pattinson has to do an awful lot of hollow-eyed smouldering in this hammily enunciated French period drama.
Roger Ebert
press[Patterson] successfully seduces three of the most powerful beauties in Paris society despite having no talent, no money and no conversation.
Los Angeles Times
pressIntriguing political aspects of the story would have more resonance if the human drama had more heft.
Little White Lies
pressToo reliant on lavish costumes, heaving bosoms and all the other trappings of the period drama.
Empire Magazine
pressEven with a strong cast to gild its endless chambers and salons, there's barely a spark of soul to fuel its story. Pattinson is no Malkovich either.
A.V. Club
pressThis new Bel Ami has a lot to recommend it, but it never seems as artful or smart as Dangerous Liaisons, the film it most resembles.
Stay in the Dark
I went along to the lovely Lido Cinema in Auckland to have time bymyself to watch Bel Ami. I was surprised to find that I was the only one in the Cinema! Not to long into the film a realised why. At first I was intrigued, and found the error fascinating and was looking forward to what was going to happen, I soon discovered nothing was. The acting was...
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