"Bel Ami" Movie Review

Before we start, I want to know if it's possible for Robert Pattinson to go through a movie (with the exception of the 4th Harry Potter film and the first three Twilight Saga installments) without having sex with someone. Not that I don't get some sort of satisfaction by watching this kind of thing in movies, since part of me is still an immature eleven-year-old when it comes to sex, but seriously, he needs to expand upon his talents. (That's the word I'm going with, pardon the unfortunate coincidence). 

But on with the actual review. Bel Ami is based on the novel of the same name and takes place in 19th-century Paris, where Georges Duroy is a struggling journalist who can barely keep food in his stomach and a prostitute in his bed. However, as he makes his way around Paris, he meets a well-to-do young woman (Christina Ricci), and the two begin an affair. This goes well for a while, with Georges making new acquaintances and climbing his way up the social ladder, until a former prostitute reveals an earlier relationship and Christina Ricci's character feels betrayed. No matter, for Georges then moves on to a much older, wealthier widow, Madeline (Uma Thurman) and subsequently marries her. But the age gap is enough to make Georges feel like a pawn, and he begins another affair with an older woman, and at the same time Madeline is beginning to have other interests as well. Georges must deal with his new reputation and the old affairs that haunt him before they consume him entirely. 

The movie's biggest strength is the wonderful female cast. Ricci, despite being known for oddball-type roles, plays her part excellently, and you can really feel the tension between her and Pattinson. Thurman is fiercely charming as Madeline, though the interactions with Georges is sometimes uncomfortable to sit through, and may give the appearance of Georges being dependent and whiny. But, all things considered, isn't that what the film is supposed to do? As for Pattinson, he does his role justice, even if he appears to be upstaged by his costars. 

It should be noted that the film heavily relies on sex scenes to keep itself going, but in nearly every instance of this type of encounter, the two characters don't seem to be enjoying it too much. In the disturbingly rough (but clothed) sex scene that Pattinson shares with Thurman, he actually starts yelling at her to slow down, giving the impression that she may be raping him, which may cause some discomfort among viewers. But all things considered, the movie itself is well done, even if the central theme of sexuality seems to lag quite a bit. 

Overall rating: 7/10