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:Â 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*
Fantastic! Thank you so much Roberta and Maria oxoxo. and just confirms what we all said most of those “critics” Talentless hypocritical hacks.
Thankyou so much for taking the time to do this Roberta – I’ve been so looking forward to your review, a perception from a well informed, capable and credible source. As jealous as I am you’ve seen BA twice, am so thrilled for you at the same time.
As for the two faced antics of the people that were present at the PC – I have my theories which won’t be confirmed until a little later, in wait of certain events. It was very interesting to read your feedback from behind those walls.
Thanks for posting Maria.
@Roberta – Twice??? *whimper*
Thank you for your insight and review. Your appraisal of Rob’s talents and Bel Ami seem better in keeping with the trailers we have all seen than most of the other reviews.
Twice!
I have so been looking forward to reading your review Roberta. Words from an intelligent viewer who knows what they are talking about – as Vertigo said above – a credible source. Thank you so much for sharing with us, I enjoyed reading it so very much.
So interesting to hear the thoughts of the people at the press conference. How they change their tunes once they put that pen to paper. *shakes head* these people just love to hate don’t they. Why can’t they just speak the truth. No time for them, none at all.
You’ve seen the movie twice Roberta!! Awww am so jealous but SO thrilled for you as well 😀 Thanks so much once again for sharing & Maria for posting here.
Awesome review, Roberta ~ thank you. It actually felt like a proper, insightful critique of Bel Ami, which makes for a pleasant change. I honestly can’t wait to see those moments of the movie you described ….
Congrats on having seen BA TWICE already!!!! You must be in heaven …… I’m jealous enough watching Jules’ countdown (4 days to go!) ….. here’s hoping we get good news re BA in Oz soon.
Fave Pic of the Day, Promo Pic and Current Mood Pic are beyond beautiful …..
@ Maria, Michelle and all of you ladies: thank you!!!! You make me feel so good about myself and the little infos I brought to you from my experience in Berlin. Maria has flattered me enough so I won’t go on. I’m grateful for all your thanks and I cannot wait to hear your opinions, which I treasure and trust much more than the critics ones! Jules: you go girl! I look forward to your review as well… and let me say, what a treat for the eyes! I got back yesterday and wasn’t in such a great mood, today I feel much better… Bel Amì put something special deep inside of me, i will carry it on for a while… at least until Eric comes along…. hehehe!
Thank you again Maria! I love you!
We love you too @Roberta *mwah*
Rob is such a talented actor.
I am hoping Bel Ami comes to where I live in the USA, on March 1?
I promise to go with another friend, if she can handle it!
He is a dream!
@Roberta – the 1 March date isn’t correct for the US. It hasn’t had a release date confirmed as yet, but don’t worry we are keeping an eye on it for all of you. I had heard rumours it wasn’t until maybe either July or September. It has a distributor so it will happen …
Thanks Roberta for your very insightful review – your intelligence shines – as does our beautiful Rob as Georges. Moments you will never forget to be able to attend – a dream, sighhh! Thanks for posting Maria.
I felt the exact same way about Uma and Rob (i was a lucky one at the red carpet tickets distribution!), Kristin Scott Thomas just get to the point as Mme Rousset (the laugh in the cinema was contagious) and i liked a lot the enjoyable “flavor” of Clothilde or should I say Christina Ricci? Loved the “checkmate” Georges vs. Mr Rousset (a great Colm Meany). I can understand the “emotional” negativ critics, its like i felt after reading the novel of Maupassant. i just wanted to smash all the characters! Just don’t be too rude to all the journalist who had to check this story out (i’m kidding). Thanks a lot for your review!