Lost Illusions

Starring Benjamin Voisin, Cécile de France, Vincent Lacoste and Xavier Dolan, Lost Illusions is a seductive and lavish exploration of the post-Napoleonic Restoration era. Based on the original works by French writer Honoré de Balzac, the film traces the tumultuous life of handsome poet Lucien (Voisin), from his beginnins working at a provincial printing press to infiltrating the upper echelons of the Parisian bourgeoise.

We first meet the humble Lucien, a poet who is having an affair with Marie-Louise-Anaïs de Bargeton (de France), a rural aristocrat trapped in a loveless marriage. Summoned to the chateau by de Bargeton to read poetry, the pair enjoy the chance to express their love. Lucien then follows his mistress to the beau monde of Paris and meets the Marquise D’Espard (Jeanne Balibar), a well-connected Royalist who operates behind the scenes. 

In hopes of becoming a published author, Lucien meets a venomous and conniving circle of publishers, writers and journalists – played by Gérard Depardieu and Dolan). Lucien eventually gains employment at an “independent” newspaper working for Etienne (Lacoste), but soon learns to forgo his morals and love of poetry for chasing profit, status, money and women. But with a number of foes out to get him, what are Lucien’s chances of survival in the snakepit? 

Right off the bat, Lost Illusions is superb. It is a masterpiece. It is a joy to watch. It is the sort of film that swiftly introduces you to a world you can immerse yourself. The characters are fleshed out and have depth. The stellar cast put on fine performances. In particular, Voisin is captivating in the lead role, successfully depicting Lucien’s successes and hardships. De France – known for her performances in The Young Pope and The New Pope – is a vision in her role as the long-suffering wife and lover. Indie film darling Dolan – filmmaker and actor, known for I Killed My Mother, Mommy, Matthias & Maxime, to name a few – is a joy playing the villianous author. 

What is interesting about the life and times of Paris in the 1820s is the stark similarities it shares with the present day. Lost Illusions explores themes of media buying, of journalists controlling populist narratives, of newspapers being the central cog in a complex societal machine of wheeling and dealing, of sly deals and buy-outs, and the frightening reality that contrary opinions or dialogue can be cancelled, iced out, and outlawed so easily by the minds of very few. Sounds familiar, right? 

Lost Illusions has a running time of 149 minutes, but don’t be scared off. It is worthy of its length; the final pay-off is worth it. 

4.5/5 

Lost Illusions
In cinemas now
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