Balzac: A Life of Passion (1999)

Synopsis: Gerard Depardieu stars as the title character in this biopic about the great 19th-century French novelist Honore de Balzac, author of 97 novels, of which the most well known is perhaps the classic... Gerard Depardieu stars as the title character in this biopic about the great 19th-century French novelist Honore de Balzac, author of 97 novels, of which the most well known is perhaps the classic COUSIN BETTE. The story follows Balzac from his tormented childhood, during which he despaired over the lack of love he received from his demanding mother, Charlotte-Laure (Jeanne Moreau). However, when he meets Madame de Berney (Virna Lisi), Balzac's life changes. Twenty years his senior, she introduces him to French society and countless women, including Countess Eva Hanska (Fanny Ardant), a married woman with whom he falls in love. Unfortunately, though Balzac's writing career soon takes off, he is shunned by the critics, plagued by debt, and hounded by creditors. An all-star cast and authentic European locations help make this biopic both visually and dramatically fascinating. [More]

Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Jeanne Moreau, Virna Lisi, Fanny Ardant

Starring: Gérard Depardieu, Jeanne Moreau, Virna Lisi, Fanny Ardant, Katja Riemann, Claude Rich, Francois Marthouret, Gottfried John, Marianne Denicourt

Director: Josée Dayan

Director: Josée Dayan
Screenwriter: Didier Decoin
Producer: J. P. Guerin
Composer: Bruno Coulais

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