The character of Nathan d'Anastazio, played by Xavier Dolan, is actually a synthesis of three characters from the novel: Raoul Nathan, a scheming journalist, Daniel d'Arthez, a hard-working writer and Melchior de Canalis, a successful poet.
The plot of the movie mostly focuses on the second part of Lost Illusions, the novel it adapts, called "A Great Man of the Provinces in Paris".
Illusions perdues (2021) had its world premiere at the 78th Venice Film Festival on September 5, 2021. It is released in France on October 20, 2021, by Gaumont. The film received 15 nominations at the 47th César Awards, winning in seven categories, including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor for Vincent Lacoste, and Most Promising Actor for Benjamin Voisin.
EPILOGUE: "I think of all those who must find inner force after the time of disenchantment." --- Honoré de Balzac
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 92% of 51 reviews are positive; the "critic's consensus" states that Illusions perdues (2021) "honors its classic source material with a beautifully acted drama that untangles knotty themes with infectious energy."