Balzac

"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)

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.

it is an useful introduction to Balzac universe. it is a splendid meeting with great actors in brilliant roles. it is occasion to remind a history who seduces generation by generation. in same measure, it is one of Depardieu movies and this fact is important to discover the metamorphose of a literary legend in a character who preserves the force and the charm, the vulnerability and the sins of original. Balzac by Depardieu is passionate , strange and idealistic. it is a character so it can be different, original, unrealistic. important is just the manner to explore his life. to remind his extraordinary work. to seem identify pieces of reality. that is all. and the presence of Jeanne Moreau, the special manner to create a beautiful sketch for madame Hanska by Fanny Ardant are the real virtues of this film about a hero of universal culture.

I love Gerard Depardieu. The man works ALL the time, and he is one of the most gifted actors in the history of cinema and theatre. However, I just couldn't watch all of this mini-series. It was too painful. Yes, geniuses and artists can be difficult to live with--as Picasso's many wives and mistresses can attest. But Balzac just seemed to be a JERK! I know that some of it he couldn't help--such as having a mother who blew hot and cold (mostly cold)--but everyone here either was a manipulator or an enabler. Balzac's behavior was like that of an alcoholic or compulsive gambler: so sure that this time things were really going to come together, and wheedling people out of desperation, promising the moon and the stars, only to revert back to his old ways when yet another crisis was averted. Having lived with a man like him more than a decade ago, this one brought back too many bad memories for me to finish it on the second night, when I hear that Fanny Ardent gave a memorable performance. I tried to tell myself, "this is Gerard playing a character," but in this case, he almost succeeded too well.

To the producers' credit, the set, costumes, and photography were beautiful. And I did think it was a very clever "inside joke" for them to include dialogue about Balzac's book "Colonel Chabert"--which was made into a movie starring Mr. Depardieu several years ago. It's just that Balzac, unlike Edmond Dantesor or even Georges from "Green Card," is just not at all the type of character I could muster up any sympathy or empathy for. It will not stop me from seeing what Gerard and Josee Dayan do next. I'm looking forward to Les Miserables already:)

Great movie, and great acting! Gerard Depardieu is convincing as usual, and Fanny Ardant is superb! She looks incredibly gorgeous in this movie. I don't speak very good French, but I still find this TV movie very entertaining to watch.