Xavier Giannoli directed Lost Illusions (working title, “Comédie humaine”) a French drama from screenplay by Giannoli and Jacques Fieschi, based upon Balzac’s famous novel, “Illusions perdues.”
Grade: B
In 1820s France, young poet Lucien de Rubempre travels from his provincial home to Paris after contentious affair with a local society lady. Sensitive and idealistic, he is determined to make his impact on the literary world.
Contrary to his expectations, however, he must make ends meet by writing scurrilous theater reviews and ends up in the world of low-brow journalism.
At the behest of his crass boss, Étienne Lousteau, Lucien succumbs to bribery and cronyism, achieving wealth and status at the cost of his artistic integrity and former friendships.
In last attempt to free himself from the all-consuming filth he is undone by his greatest weakness to transcend his low origins and illegitimate birth by buying nobility title. This too proves illusory and finally he is defeated and socially destroyed by the prevailing “fake news” cycle, returning home to obscurity.
It stars Benjamin Voisin, Xavier Dolan, Vincent Lacoste, Cécile de France, Gérard Depardieu and Jeanne Balibar.
World premiering at the 78th Venice Film Festival, it was released in France on October 20, 2021, by Gaumont.
The film received 15 nominations at the 47th César Awards, winning in 7 categories, including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor for Lacoste, and Most Promising Actor for Voisin.
Despite critical acclaim, Lost Illusions failed to find viewers and was a commercial failure.
Cast
Benjamin Voisin as Lucien de Rubempré
Xavier Dolan as Raoul Nathan
Vincent Lacoste
Cécile de France
Gérard Depardieu
Jeanne Balibar
André Marcon
Jean-François Stévenin
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing
Salomé Dewaels