The Film Stage reviews Bel Ami: Robert Pattinson is "intriguing", "more developed" & "completely embodies Duroy"
The review started out with a summary of the film and this excerpt is the critique. From The Film Stage/Jack Cunliffe:
It is essentially a rags-to-riches story, but with the section of Duroy’s life that was spent in poverty left practically untouched. Instead, the film chooses to focus on his rise through the ranks of Parisian aristocracy, as he ruthlessly powers his way along. He uses his winning smile to attract women to him, and then sleeps with them, almost as something he must endure. One particularly uncomfortable scene sees him engaging in a sexual act with a pained anger on his face. The only thing he desires is power, but what he will do with that when he gets it is something that isn’t really explored.Nice. :) A male critic (in the US!) that gave a constructive review and understood the story and character.
There is a subplot involving complex political details, which is rather confusing, and detracts from the main story. The film is at its most absorbing when focusing on the flagrant exploits of Duroy, for at its core, Bel Ami is a character study. There are certainly many intricacies to the side-characters, but the essence lies in Duroy’s conflicted character and the way in which he goes about doing things. He is not an inherently vicious character, and does not do deliberately cruel things, but he certainly is amoral in many ways and Pattinson makes him all the more intriguing.
His performance is certainly a big step away from the world of Twilight. Here, he is more matured, more developed as an actor. He shows a diverse array of emotion, and completely embodies the character of Duroy. It must have been difficult to know how to play a character that is very hard to read, but Pattinson makes a valiant effort with a complex portrayal of shallowness.
In addition to the strong show from Pattinson, the rest of the cast is also effective. A special mention must go to Colm Meaney for his commanding performance as the proud, authoritative figure that also had a tender side. Also to Thurman, who depicts Madeleine’s cool, understanding character with a subtle and sincere portrayal. And given the intensity of the roles, it is impressive that none of the cast really takes anything over-the-top, something which would have lessened the impact of the film overall.
Considering it is set in Paris, the directors (Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod) could have ordered the actors to use French accents. Instead, they speak with English ones, and it is left to the imagination that they are speaking the native tongue. And this works, for had they used faux Parisian accents, it might have come off as unauthentic and showy. Bel Ami contains some stellar performances, meticulous art design and an absorbing atmosphere. It may be slightly underwhelming, but there is a certain poignancy to be found here, livening up what could have been a stale romantic tale.
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