Sometimes a great man like Alexandre Dumas, one of the best French writers of all time, needed a sounding board, or a collaborator, if you wish, to bring his ideas to the written page. Such was his relation with Auguste Maquet, a man that was a historian, as well as well regarded man of letters in the literary circles of the times. In this chapter of both Dumas and Maquet's lives, we are presented with an interesting premise, which makes the basis of the wonderful film directed and conceived by Safy Nebbou the director of "Angel of Mine", which we enjoyed.
We are taken on a boat trip to Trouville, a coastal town in the Calvados region near Deauville in Normandy. Dumas, a womanizer and bon vivant, is visiting the area. Accompanied by Maquet, he is prepared to enjoy the food, drink and women. Aguste, more interested in exploring the area, decides to pay a visit to Charlotte Desrives, a young woman whose father has been imprisoned for revolutionary activities. Maquet decides to pass himself as his friend Dumas to the excitement of the young woman who believes the great writer will be able to help her get her father out of jail. She gives Maquet a letter to be delivered to her father.
Things get complicated as the travelers get back to Dumas' castle. Celete Scriwaneck, who was Dumas' lover, sees the excitement in Maquet. When he asks her to lend him her Paris apartment, she complies with his request, figuring he has a lover, not realizing what he is about to do. Maquet, supposedly happily married to Caroline. They have several children. Intent in getting Charlotte, he invites her to come to his place hoping for more than just a visit. As the young woman arrives, he realizes she loves a younger man who is a revolutionary.
"Dumas" is made more enjoyable by the high values Mr. Nebbou has given the production. Praise must go to the art direction of Cyril Gomez- Mathieu and the costumes designed by Karen Muller Serreau who reproduce in vivid details the sets of that era. The acting is first rate. Gerard Depardieu, bigger than life here, was born to play Dumas. The real surprise comes from Benoit Poelvoorde in the dramatic role of Maquet. We had only seen this actor in light fare, and he proves he is up to the task of carrying the picture, being he the central character. Beautiful Melanie Thierry appears as Charlotte. The excellent Dominique Blanc, with a long career in the cinema appears as Celeste. Among the supporting players Philippe Magnan, Catherine Mouchet, Michel Duchaussoy, Roger Dumas and the rest contribute to the enjoyment.
Lovingly photographed by Stephane Fontaine with a musical score by Hughes Tabar-Nouval. It is after all Mr. Nebbou's vision on a chapter in the life of Alexander Dumas which he co-adapted with Giles Taurand and based on a play by Cyril Gely and Eric Rouquette.
We are taken on a boat trip to Trouville, a coastal town in the Calvados region near Deauville in Normandy. Dumas, a womanizer and bon vivant, is visiting the area. Accompanied by Maquet, he is prepared to enjoy the food, drink and women. Aguste, more interested in exploring the area, decides to pay a visit to Charlotte Desrives, a young woman whose father has been imprisoned for revolutionary activities. Maquet decides to pass himself as his friend Dumas to the excitement of the young woman who believes the great writer will be able to help her get her father out of jail. She gives Maquet a letter to be delivered to her father.
Things get complicated as the travelers get back to Dumas' castle. Celete Scriwaneck, who was Dumas' lover, sees the excitement in Maquet. When he asks her to lend him her Paris apartment, she complies with his request, figuring he has a lover, not realizing what he is about to do. Maquet, supposedly happily married to Caroline. They have several children. Intent in getting Charlotte, he invites her to come to his place hoping for more than just a visit. As the young woman arrives, he realizes she loves a younger man who is a revolutionary.
"Dumas" is made more enjoyable by the high values Mr. Nebbou has given the production. Praise must go to the art direction of Cyril Gomez- Mathieu and the costumes designed by Karen Muller Serreau who reproduce in vivid details the sets of that era. The acting is first rate. Gerard Depardieu, bigger than life here, was born to play Dumas. The real surprise comes from Benoit Poelvoorde in the dramatic role of Maquet. We had only seen this actor in light fare, and he proves he is up to the task of carrying the picture, being he the central character. Beautiful Melanie Thierry appears as Charlotte. The excellent Dominique Blanc, with a long career in the cinema appears as Celeste. Among the supporting players Philippe Magnan, Catherine Mouchet, Michel Duchaussoy, Roger Dumas and the rest contribute to the enjoyment.
Lovingly photographed by Stephane Fontaine with a musical score by Hughes Tabar-Nouval. It is after all Mr. Nebbou's vision on a chapter in the life of Alexander Dumas which he co-adapted with Giles Taurand and based on a play by Cyril Gely and Eric Rouquette.