Bel Ami

My review: Bel Ami

“Bel Ami” is a period drama based on the novel of the same name by Guy de Maupassant. Directed by Declan Donnellan & Nick Ormerod movie stars Robert Pattinson , Uma Thurman, Kristen Scott Thomas & Christina Ricci. Rachel Bennette has written the screenplay.

Movie traces the life of Geroges Duroy played by Pattinson who is a soldier returning from North Africa , how he uses his charm & cunningness to raise up the social ladder. On his way to top he uses & then hurts three women without any remorse.

Problem with the movie is that the screenplay seems to be written in such a hurry that there is no time for the characters to develop. So none of the characters make much of an impact on the viewers. Even the main protagonist’s characterization is poorly etched out that the anger that one should have on him never comes. Same way there is no sympathy for the women whom he has used & thrown mercilessly. The reason may be that they have tried to squeeze the novel into a 100 minute movie.

Robin Pattinson fails to impress in what might could have been a very challenging role. His reactions & emotions don’t connect with the viewers. At most of the scenes he is plastic. Uma Thurman impresses in a role which is not that clearly delineated. Her vast experience is put to proper use in creating life into such a poorly written role. Christina Ricci looks charming as ever while Kristen Scott Thomas is sincere in her effort. All the others in the support cast have done their part well.

Laksman Joseph De Seram & Rachel Portman have done the musical score which tries to elevate the movie above the below-average script to some extent.

Stefano Falivene’s cinematography is world class.

On the whole, “Bel Ami” fails to impress because of poorly etched out characters & hurried screenplay.

Bottomline: Haste makes waste

2/5