We like movies about writers. Especially when the writers are theater critics hand-scribbling overnight reviews with quill pens. Lucien de Rubempré (Benjamin Voisin, who carries the picture) is an aspiring poet in 19th century France. His artistic mien, along with beautiful costumes and mise-en-scene evoking Restoration France, is the main attraction of the 150-minute LOST ILLUSIONS, based on a novel by Balzac. A provincial guy, Lucien traipses to Paris only to be dumped by his perfidious lover (the luminescent Cécile de France). His road only gets rockier when he attaches his moral compass to a behemoth crooked publisher (Gérard Depardieu). A zoftig chorus girl-turned-actress (the aptly named Salomé Dewaels, a weak cast member) also gets Lucien sorted out. This richly produced period drama explores the gnarly roots of 'pay-for-play' journalism. Winner of 7 César Awards.
