Lost Illusions

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Lost Illusions

Released Jun 10, 2022

2h 29m

Drama

History

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

55 Reviews

92%

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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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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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

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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

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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

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Stephanie Bunbury

Deadline Hollywood Daily

It may not be innovative, but it is certainly grand.

Sep 16, 2023

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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

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Jim R

I was surprised how good this was. On his first appearance Voisin seems another forgettable pretty boy but soon emerges as very talented. it is Lacoste, however, who steals the show, a complex character at once likeable and despicable. The narration offers a generous slice of Balzac's direct, cutting prose. And to think I thought today's literary scene was corrupt! It can't hold a candle to these flip scheming rogues. Depardieu is fun as the crass witty publisher. However, if he gets any fatter, they'll have to bring back Cinerama.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

12/29/24

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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

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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

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s p

Superbe, the essence of the human soul is captured.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

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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

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Audience Member

The greatest 02 hours: and 29 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/28/23

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Xavier Giannoli

Director

Benjamin Voisin

Lucien

Cécile de France

Louise de Bargeton

Vincent Lacoste

Etienne Lousteau

Xavier Dolan

Nathan d'Anastazio

Salomé Dewaels

Coralie

Lost Illusions: Trailer 1

2:20

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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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