By: debbie lynn elias
Set in 1890 Paris, BEL AMI is based on Guy de Maupassant’s novel and the story of George Duroy. One time soldier, he has been down on his luck ever since, that is until an old army buddy, now Editor of a major newspaper, gives him a job. Of course he gets the job not because he has any talent for news or writing, but because the editor’s wife and her socialite female friends are quite smitten with George’s hidden talents.
Making Richard Gere’s “American Gigolo” look like an amateur, George spends his time manipulating three prominent women through sex. Madeleine, who has designs on her own career as the woman behind the men manipulating politics and fortunes, spearheads George’s campaign by introducing him to the lovely and nubile Clotilde. Married to a somewhat older and often absent husband, Clotilde embarks on an affair with George that lasts for years and no matter what transgression he may commit, her love and desire is unwavering. And then there’s Virginie, an older desperate woman past her prime. Married to the newspaper publisher, Virginie clings to George worse than a ratty old vine, but he knows the value in keeping her satisfied.
But while George believes he is manipulating these women to attain his own success, Madeleine has another game plan entirely.
Directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod based on a screenplay by Rachel Bennette, the film excels with Attila Kovacs’ exquisite production design and breathtakingly rich period costuming of Odile Dicks-Mireaux. Sadly, Stefano Falivene’s cinematography and some short-shrifted editing choices fall short of the other technical excellence of the film.
But where BEL AMI soars is with the performances, starting with Uma Thurman. Watching and listening to Thurman’s Madeleine, one could swear it’s Bette Davis on screen with a duplicitous coquettish act from “The Letter”. Phenomenal. Absolutely transformative. And then there’s Christina Ricci’s Clotilde. Ebullient, joyous delight. Ricci’s chemistry with Robert Pattison’s George is heated, intense and playful. As for Pattison, while I believe Daniel Radcliffe would have been a better choice for the role, Pattison does step beyond “Twilight” and give us a bit more depth, not to mention some nice ass, er, ass work.
Robert Pattison – George
Uma Thurman – Madeleine
Christina Ricci – Clotilde
Directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod based on a screenplay by Rachel Bennette
