In any event, I wanted to also include this little comment Roberta made concerning the press conference because in light of what I posted yesterday and your comments, I thought it was interesting to say the least.
“I cannot wait for you all to enjoy this film. You will be floored by Robert performance. On this I have no doubts. No memories of anything he has done before, he did a great job and beside from the critics I have been told are already spreading around not too flattering, I must say, at the press conference nobody, I say it again, nobody said a bad thing about his performance. Then they go to their devices and write bad reviews. I will never understand why is so. Maybe it will help, no matter what, his career and his growing, which is absolutely showing, ladies. Our beloved boy is a man today. He said so, not I. [My emphasis]
Roberta hope you don’t mind that I shared that – I thought it was very enlightening (said in Daliesque voice).
Here’s the review *SPOILER ALERT*
“First thing that came to my mind when the movie finished was: Robert was Bel Ami’. I think I could not pay him a better compliment. I knew very well what was it all about, being the novel itself one of the many books among my favorites. Right because of that, I hope I can give you an honest opinion.
The story is well put and doesn’t miss the author intentions, since the laziness and the main details that signify its leading character are all there very well expressed. A couple of missing passages quite important for the story leave a gap I felt could have been in a way or in another been better told.
The setting, the photography, the costumes are all perfect details. One too many close ups could have been better arranged. The direction is good, a bit too much theatrical I would say. But, on second thoughts, after a second vision of the movie today, and a more objective one, I’d say, that particular touch gives the film its proper setting being as a matter of fact, a period movie. [Maria: Roberta you are just teasing us by saying you saw the film twice *cries*]
The acting is great, mainly from Robert and from Uma. She is amazing as Mado Forestier, intense and strong. As I said before, Robert is Bel Ami. He gives an intriguing, different, adult interpretation of the scoundrel that Maupassant wanted to portray. To me, totally, engaging. He’s charming but most of all, he nails completely the rudeness of George’s soul, at its very bottom. As Robert himself put it in the press conference, Georges is a total opportunist, a society climber and uses people to reach the top not just because he wants it all, but just because he honestly think he’s entitled to get it all. He doesn’t accept his poor origin, the life his parents lead hoping God will preserve them healthy to work until the day they die and maybe will get a better life after death. Georges doesn’t agree he simply doesn’t accept it.
Three are the moments in which you can see his ability of expressing his feelings. In the darkness of his poor, dirty single room, where poverty is all around him, his faces transforms. Ugliness is painted all over his face, which even seems to blow up, tighten his muscles and makes him look totally out of his mind from anger and contempt.
Then, in his relationship with his wife, Madeleine, when even him succumbs under her determination and strength. He will destroy her life too, but, she is the only one capable to put him down, literally on the floor and capable of bringing out of him his real animalistic side. Their relationship is strong and a battle between two too strong wills.
In his determination to get to the top, to get to be king, his coldness is very well expressed. No fear,”
Roberta love your work *hugs*
Thanks so much once again for sharing & Maria for posting here.
