Balzac

it is not a surprise. but the right film about Balzac. smart because it does not gives a statue. seductive because Depardieu - who could be , in admirable manner, each great hero -, has the chance in this film to work with the best partners. especially, off course, Fanny Ardant who gives the most inspired countess Hanska who you imagine. it is a memorable film for the grace who translates a life. for the precision of nuances. for cinematography, for the flavor of period, for the impressive story of a man and his women, his art and his vulnerability. a film who must see. not for discover Balzac. but for an useful kick to read, again, his work.

"Balzac", the 200 minute French TV docudrama, cannot portray Balzac the man with fidelity and be any more interesting than the man himself. And, judging from this film, Balzac was not all that interesting as historical characters go. Though the series beautifully represents 19th century France with perfection in costuming, sets, locations, props, etc. and Depardieu turns in a solid performance as the title character, the teleplay spends most of its time buried in the minutia of Balzac's many relationships with women to the exclusions of countless other aspects of his life and times. A "must see" for anyone interested in life of the classical novelist, "Balzac" is not likely to be a satisfying watch for those interested in the period piece solely for entertainment. (B)

A beautiful cast makes a beautiful film! I recommend looking for this one...I do understand French but even if I didn't, I'm sure this would still be a most enjoyable movie. Acting by Fanny Ardant was especially magnificant. I give this 8/10

This is one of my favorite Gerard Depardieau movies. All his charms are displayed -- plus a GREAT story!!! I really LOVED Jeanne Moreau in this film -- so beautiful in her mature age that it gave me a new view of how beautiful women can be even when old (which was a huge one for me).

I never knew the story of Balzac's life before and this was a delightful way to learn about him. It made me want to read about him now and read his books.

One warning: if you are sound-sensitive as I am, I find that listening to voice-over in English to RUIN the film ENTIRELY...! I do not understand French at all, but I love to listen to the French as I read the English subtitles. It was a huge disappointment to me when I purchased a DVD of this film on eBay only to discover that listening in French was not even an option!! I cannot bear to listen to Gerard's voice being voiced over and must only watch it now in silence with subtitles until I manage to find a copy with FRENCH soundtrack. That language is truly like music to my ears and is at least nearly half the "art" of this film in my opinion!!

Wonderful drama, romance, scandal, inspiration, laughter and tears in this wonderful, wonderful film. I have it a 10 as it is one of the FEW films I liked enough to actually purchase!!

Usually made-for-TV biographies of artists are pretty silly: there's just too much concern to get all the major works mentioned without taking care also to bring the person to life. I did enjoy Drach's Maupassant, with a terrific Claude Brasseur, and now I've seen Josee Dayan's Balzac and like it a lot.

The actors tear into their parts with such gusto. Depardieu is really feeling his way through the part, and his lover in life as well as in this film, Fanny Ardant, does a great job as Eve Hanska. Virna Lisi as his first lover Mme de Berny was very touching; she knew she couldn't hold on to him forever, given that she was two decades older than Balzac. Jeanne Moreau has got a froggy old woman's voice now, and she uses it to great effect. The lack of any great love between mother and son comes out in their scenes.