Lost Illusions (2021 film)

Lost Illusions
Lost Illusions
	Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Xavier Giannoli
Screenplay by	Xavier Giannoli; Jacques Fieschi;
Based on	Illusions perdues; by Honoré de Balzac
Produced by	Olivier Delbosc; Sidonie Dumas;
Starring	Benjamin Voisin; Xavier Dolan; Vincent Lacoste; Cécile de France; Gérard Depardieu; Jeanne Balibar;
Cinematography	Christophe Beaucarne
Edited by	Riwanon Le Beller; Cyril Nakache;
Production; companies	Curiosa Films; Umedia; UFund; France 3 Cinema; Canal+; Ciné+; Gaumont;
Distributed by	Gaumont
Release dates	5 September 2021 (Venice); 20 October 2021;
Running time	141 minutes
Country	France
Language	French
Budget	$17.5 million
Box office	$8.6 million

Lost Illusions (French: Illusions perdues) is a 2021 French drama film directed by Xavier Giannoli, from a screenplay by Giannoli and Jacques Fieschi, based upon the first two parts of Illusions perdues (1837–43) by Honoré de Balzac. It stars Benjamin Voisin, Xavier Dolan, Vincent Lacoste, Cécile de France, Gérard Depardieu, and Jeanne Balibar.

It had its world premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival on 5 September 2021.^[4] It is released in France on 20 October 2021, by Gaumont.^[5] The film received fifteen nominations at the 47th César Awards, winning in seven categories, including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor for Lacoste, and Most Promising Actor for Voisin.^[6]

Plot summary

In 1820s France, 20-year-old poet Lucien de Rubempré travels from his provincial home in Angoulême to Paris after a contentious affair with a local society lady. He is sensitive, idealistic, handsome and determined to force the literary world to take notice. Contrary to his expectations, however, he discovers that he must make ends meet by writing scurrilous theater reviews and ends up beholden to the world of low-brow journalism.

At the behest of his crass boss, Étienne Lousteau, Lucien succumbs entirely to bribery and cronyism, achieving wealth and standing only at the cost of his artistic integrity and former friendships. In a last attempt to free himself from the all-consuming filth he is undone by his greatest weakness, his desire to transcend his low origins and illegitimate birth by buying a title of nobility. This too proves illusory and finally he is defeated and socially destroyed by the prevailing "fake news" cycle, returning home to defeat and obscurity.

Cast

Benjamin Voisin as Lucien de Rubempré
Cécile de France as Marie-Louise-Anaïs de Bargeton
Vincent Lacoste as Étienne Lousteau
Xavier Dolan as Raoul Nathan
Salomé Dewaels as Coralie
Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard
André Marcon as Baron du Châtelet
Louis-Do de Lencquesaing as Finot
Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat
Jean-François Stévenin as Singali
Candice Bouchet as Florine
Jean-Marie Frin as Camusot
Saïd Amadis as Matifat
Isabelle de Hertogh as Bérénice
Maryne Bertieaux as Eve
Jean-Paul Muel as Bargeton

Production

In September 2019, it was announced Benjamin Voisin, Xavier Dolan, Vincent Lacoste, Cécile de France, Gérard Depardieu, Jeanne Balibar, André Marcon, Jean-François Stévenin and Louis-Do de Lencquesaing had joined the cast of the film, with Xavier Giannoli directing from a screenplay by himself and Jacques Fieschi, based upon the novel Illusions perdues by Honoré de Balzac.^[7] Principal photography began in July 2019.^[8]

Reception

On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 51 reviews are positive; the "critic's consensus" states that the film "honors its classic source material with a beautifully acted drama that untangles knotty themes with infectious energy."^[9]

References

^ "Lost Illusions". Venice Film Festival. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.
^ Keslassy, Elsa (7 November 2019). "Gaumont Bows Sales on Xavier Giannoli's Adaptation of Balzac's Masterpiece 'Lost Illusions' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
^ "Lost Illusions". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
^ Vivarelli, Nick (July 26, 2021). "Venice Film Festival Full Lineup Unveiled – Live Updates". Variety. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
^ Lemercier, Fabien (28 January 2021). "Filming to wrap imminently on Claire Denis' Fire". Cineuropa. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
^ Keslassy, Elsa (25 February 2022). "'Lost Illusions' and 'Annette' Lead France's Cesar Awards — Full Winners List". Variety. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
^ Lemercier, Fabian (3 September 2019). "Gaumont touting Xavier Giannoli's Lost Illusions". Cineuropa. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
^ Triches, Lisa (3 September 2019). "Avec "Comédie humaine", Xavier Giannoli tourne une adaptation des "Illusions perdues" de Balzac". Les Inrockuptibles. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
^ "LOST ILLUSIONS". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 17, 2022.

External links

Lost Illusions at IMDb

[1] "Lost Illusions". Venice Film Festival. 16 July 2021. Retrieved 26 July 2021.

[2] Keslassy, Elsa (7 November 2019). "Gaumont Bows Sales on Xavier Giannoli's Adaptation of Balzac's Masterpiece 'Lost Illusions' (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved 23 May 2020.

[3] "Lost Illusions". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved July 15, 2022.

[4] Vivarelli, Nick (July 26, 2021). "Venice Film Festival Full Lineup Unveiled – Live Updates". Variety. Retrieved July 26, 2021.

[5] Lemercier, Fabien (28 January 2021). "Filming to wrap imminently on Claire Denis' Fire". Cineuropa. Retrieved 28 January 2021.

[6] Keslassy, Elsa (25 February 2022). "'Lost Illusions' and 'Annette' Lead France's Cesar Awards — Full Winners List". Variety. Retrieved 1 March 2022.

[7] Lemercier, Fabian (3 September 2019). "Gaumont touting Xavier Giannoli's Lost Illusions". Cineuropa. Retrieved 23 May 2020.

[8] Triches, Lisa (3 September 2019). "Avec "Comédie humaine", Xavier Giannoli tourne une adaptation des "Illusions perdues" de Balzac". Les Inrockuptibles. Retrieved 23 May 2020.

[9] "LOST ILLUSIONS". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved June 17, 2022.

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