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Lost Illusions

Play trailer 2:20 Poster for Lost Illusions Released Jun 10, 2022 2h 29m Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
93% Tomatometer 55 Reviews 93% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
In 1821, Lucien de Rubempré (César winner Benjamin Voisin) arrives in Paris as a sensitive, and idealistic young poet determined to write a reputation-making novel. Instead, he finds himself swept into journalism, whose influence and reach is booming with the help of the printing press, widely available of late. Under the mentorship of cynical editor Étienne Lousteau (César winner Vincent Lacoste), Lucien agrees to write rave theater reviews for bribes, achieving material success at the expense of his conscience. With this sweeping adaptation of one of Balzac's greatest novels, Xavier Giannoli crafts a contemporary tale of corruption amidst an early form of "fake news".
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Lost Illusions

Lost Illusions

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Critics Consensus

Lost Illusions honors its classic source material with a beautifully acted drama that untangles knotty themes with infectious energy.

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Critics Reviews

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Steve Davis Austin Chronicle The only way to avoid a disastrous debut is to shell out a higher fee to the provocateur in return for applause and a standing ovation... Lost Illusions deserves this rave simply based on its commendable merits. Jul 7, 2022 Full Review Noëlle D. Lilley Chicago Reader Xavier Giannoli’s film is hilarious and always moving with vivid colors and rapid-fire narration that in another movie might feel heavy-handed but here is a guiding force that gives a fascinating quasi-history lesson. Jul 1, 2022 Full Review Pat Padua Washington Post Lost Illusions vividly depicts a time when life was more hands-on, when writing with pen and ink stained the skin and disgruntled audiences hurled actual rotten tomatoes at performers. Rated: 3.5/4 Jun 28, 2022 Full Review Stephanie Bunbury Deadline Hollywood Daily It may not be innovative, but it is certainly grand. Sep 16, 2023 Full Review Kathy Fennessy Video Librarian Magazine Students of French history and literature, particularly the post-Napoleonic/Bourbon Restoration era and the works of Honoré Balzac, are likely to find Lost Illusions of interest. Rated: 4/5 Oct 1, 2022 Full Review Neely Swanson Easy Reader (California) Xavier Giannoli’s truly sumptuous adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s novel Lost Illusions is prescient, modern, and yet thoroughly grounded in its time. Aug 18, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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darren m A masterpiece film, but with two minor flaws imo. One two many sex scenes and too much narration. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/13/23 Full Review Haldun A INNOCENCE LOST TO HIGHEST BIDDER Haldun Armagan Xavier Giannoli's adaptation of Balzac offers a masterfully crafted period piece of Paris in 1820s following the steps of young Lucien who dreams of being a famous writer. As he struggles through artistic merits, class discrimination, sexual awakening and corruption, also he faces the manipulation of art, media and finance. The lost of innocence goes along with story of Lucien (brilliant act by Benjamin Voisin) which puts one's mind so many references to current media world. Winner is the highest bidder whether it happens to be art and entertainment or simple news. Art directing is wonderful so are the main cast. The voiceover narrative in this movie serves as perfect choice. Fake news, fake applause! "Illusion perdues" unfolds many storylines related to past and present, and deserves to be seen again and again. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/12/23 Full Review s p Superbe, the essence of the human soul is captured. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review matthew r Unfairly I give this a better review simple because its a period piece. But on top of that it was excellent. Acting, writing, direction all top notch. 2.5 hour movie could have been cut down to 2 hrs so there are some dragging on that happens but overall, one of the better French films to come out in recent years. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member The greatest 02 hours: and 29 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/28/23 Full Review Alan H Wonderfully produced and superbly acted. It was almost a private screening as only two (separately) of us in the cinema, but unlike so many films which rely on ‘crowd reaction' this engulfs you without need for anyone else's responses. The rise and fall of a dreamer consumed by desire to aspire to artistic brilliance thwarted by the elitist class set to keep such talent in their place. Class system at its worst. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 07/08/22 Full Review Read all reviews
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Lost Illusions

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Lost Illusions

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Movie Info

Synopsis In 1821, Lucien de Rubempré (César winner Benjamin Voisin) arrives in Paris as a sensitive, and idealistic young poet determined to write a reputation-making novel. Instead, he finds himself swept into journalism, whose influence and reach is booming with the help of the printing press, widely available of late. Under the mentorship of cynical editor Étienne Lousteau (César winner Vincent Lacoste), Lucien agrees to write rave theater reviews for bribes, achieving material success at the expense of his conscience. With this sweeping adaptation of one of Balzac's greatest novels, Xavier Giannoli crafts a contemporary tale of corruption amidst an early form of "fake news".
Director
Xavier Giannoli
Screenwriter
Jacques Fieschi, Xavier Giannoli, Jacques Fieschi, Yves Stavrides
Distributor
Music Box Films
Production Co
Umedia, Pictanovo, Curiosa Films, France 3 Cinéma, Gaumont, Gabriel
Genre
Drama, History
Original Language
French (France)
Release Date (Theaters)
Jun 10, 2022, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA)
$124.6K
Runtime
2h 29m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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