Movies - The Count of Monte Cristo: A Modern Renaissance of a Literary Classic

By Mulder, 07 may 2024

In an electric atmosphere of anticipation, the world of French cinema is marked by the release of the new trailer for the film The Count of Monte Cristo, unveiled this Tuesday. Orchestrated by talented directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, and scheduled for a grand release on June 28, 2024, this cinematic work promises to be a landmark in the adaptation of French literary classics.

The film, a retranscription of Alexandre Dumas' famous novel, plunges into the epic tale of Edmond Dantès, a promising young sailor betrayed by his friends and sentenced to an unjust punishment. After fourteen years of incarceration in the infamous Château d'If, he escapes, stealing hidden treasure and returning under the mask of the Count of Monte Cristo. His mission? To exact measured vengeance on those who orchestrated his downfall.

Produced by Dimitri Rassam, best known for his previous Duma adaptations with the Three Musketeers diptych, the film is deeply committed to respecting the original work, while at the same time bringing it into a captivating modernity. With Pierre Niney at the head of the cast, supported by renowned actors such as Anaïs Demoustier, Laurent Lafitte and Italian Pierfrancesco Favino, the cast promises performances that are sure to be memorable.

Directors Alexandre de La Patellière and Matthieu Delaporte, who had already announced the project before the filming of Les Trois Mousquetaires, express their passion for Dumas, saying: "It's a real privilege to be able to revisit such a work, rich in twists and emotions. We wrote this script with Pierre Niney in mind from the outset, which has profoundly influenced the artistic direction of the project."

Spanning 173 minutes, the film is an exploration of the universal themes of betrayal, love, revenge and redemption. It also offers a reflection on the nature of justice and power, while remaining true to the spirit of adventure and romance that characterize Dumas' work.

Shot on location in several picturesque regions of France, as well as in Malta and Cyprus, the film's breathtaking backdrops promise to transport viewers back to a tumultuous period in French history. Cinematography is by Nicolas Bolduc, while Célia Lafitedupont handles the editing, creating a visual narrative as dynamic as it is spellbinding.

The film is due to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 22, where it will be given a special presentation, before a national and international release in June. This launch is highly anticipated not only by film lovers, but also by literary enthusiasts who are waiting to see how this modern adaptation honors a much-loved classic.

Synopsis:
The victim of a plot, young Edmond Dantès is arrested on his wedding day for a crime he didn't commit. After fourteen years in the Château d'If, he manages to escape. Now immensely wealthy, he returns as the Count of Monte-Cristo to take revenge on the three men who betrayed him.

The Count of Monte-Cristo
Written and directed by Alexandre de La Patellière, Matthieu Delaporte
Produced by Dimitri Rassam, Jérôme Seydoux, Ardavan Safaee
Starring Pierre Niney, Bastien Bouillon, Oscar Lesage, Anaïs Demoustier, Anamaria Vartolomei, Laurent Lafitte, Pierfrancesco Favino, Patrick Mille, Bruno Raffaelli, Françoise Gazio, Vassili Schneider, Julien De Saint-Jean, Axel Baille
Cinematography : Nicolas Bolduc
Edited by Célia Lafitedupont
Production companies: Chapter 2 (Mediawan), Pathé Films, M6 Films, Fargo Films, Umedia
Distributed by Pathé Distribution (France)
Release date : May, 22 2024 (Cannes), June, 28 2024 (France),
Running time : 178 minutes