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Lost Illusions

Play trailer 2:20 Poster for Lost Illusions 2022 2h 29m Drama History Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 55 Reviews 91% Popcornmeter 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 07/07/2022
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. Go to Full Review Noëlle D. Lilley Chicago Reader 07/01/2022
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. Go to Full Review Pat Padua Washington Post 06/28/2022
3.5/4
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. Go to Full Review Stephanie Bunbury Deadline Hollywood Daily 09/16/2023
It may not be innovative, but it is certainly grand. Go to Full Review Kathy Fennessy Video Librarian Magazine 10/01/2022
4/5
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. Go to Full Review Neely Swanson Easy Reader (California) 08/18/2022
Xavier Giannoli’s truly sumptuous adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s novel Lost Illusions is prescient, modern, and yet thoroughly grounded in its time. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Jim R @RT41563624 12/29/2024 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. See more darren m @DarrenM 05/12/2023 A masterpiece film, but with two minor flaws imo. One two many sex scenes and too much narration. See more s p @S1337 01/17/2023 Superbe, the essence of the human soul is captured. See more 08/07/2022 The greatest 02 hours: and 29 minutes ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! See more Alan H @Howie10 07/08/2022 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. See more heather c @RT86080563 06/23/2022 I love a good French film but sometimes they can be boring, even for me, but luckily Lost Illusions will keep your attention from start to finish. The Honoré de Balzac story might have been written from 1837-43 but the themes of selling out and fake news are completely relevant today. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. See more Read all reviews
Lost Illusions

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Cast & Crew

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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
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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
Curiosa Films, Umedia, Gaumont, Pictanovo, France 3 Cinéma, 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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