Xavier Giannoli’s French film The Lost Illusions (Illusions perdues), which was already a favourite with 15 nominations, is still available in Spanish cinemas and has won 7 César awards, including Best Film.
Xavier Giannoli adapts the acclaimed French literary classic of the same name by Honoré de Balzac in this film starring Benjamin Voisin (Best Newcomer), Cécile de France, Vincent Lacoste (Best Supporting Actor), Xavier Dolan and Gérard Depardieu.
The film’s screenplay (also an award-winner) tells how Lucien, a young, unknown poet in 19th century France, has high hopes and wants to forge his destiny. He leaves the family printing press in his home village to try his luck in Paris. He is soon abandoned and will have to fend for himself. In this fabulous city, the young man will discover what goes on behind the scenes in this world dedicated to the law of money and false appearances. A human comedy where everything can be bought or sold, literary success as well as the press, politics as well as feelings, reputations as well as souls. Lucien will love, suffer and survive his illusions.
