The Count of Monte Cristo

The Count of Monte Cristo is brilliant. Dimitri Rassam, producer of The Three Musketeers and Milady, with Pathé, brought together the same team to produce a great popular, epic and romantic film, a French blockbuster. 180 years after its first publication, Alexandre Dumas' novel is given a new lease of life with this movie adaptation.

Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, screenwriters of The Three Musketeers, wrote the screenplay and directed this movie. They skillfully adapt this story with multiple twists and turns, without downtime, over three hours. The story unfolds in three acts: the youth of Edmond Dantés, his captivity and his revenge. They modified and added some characters, while keeping the spirit of this masterpiece. Because beyond the adventure film, The Count of Monte Cristo carries a humanist message about revenge, love, forgiveness and redemption.

The strength of the film also lies in the cast. Pierre Niney carries the film, and brilliantly embodies this tormented hero, in this journey from the darkness of suffering, to revenge and redemption, even if he is very young. As Hitchcock said, the success of a thriller lies in its villains. Laurent Lafitte (the prosecutor Villefort), Patrick Mille (the banker Danglars) and Bastien Bouillon (General de Morcef) are perfect in these roles. Anais Demoustier reveals herself to be a talented tragedian in her incarnation of Mercédès. Anamaria Vartolomei (Haydée) confirms her talent, after her moving interpretation of Maria Schneider in Maria. The directors could have avoided making her play with an accent.

Behind this new adaptation by Alexandre Dumas, works the same team of technicians as the Three Musketeers and Milady. Nicolas Bolduc signs the light, rediscovering the flamboyant images of the great films in Technicolor. Stéphane Taillasson magnifies sumptuous settings such as the Hôtel de la Païva in Paris. Thierry Delettre creates flamboyant costumes.

The music of the film is particularly successful. Pierre-Marie Dru supervised the film's music, composed by Jérôme Rebotier. Powerful orchestral themes amplify epic scenes, while darker compositions reinforce the hero's torments.

The Count of Monte Cristo is one of Alexandre Dumas's best-known works. Let us hope that this successful adaptation enjoys the success it deserves in France and internationally.

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
Art Design : Stéphane Taillasson
Costumes : Thierry Delettre
Edited by Célia Lafitedupont
Production companies: Chapter 2, Pathé Films
Distributed by Pathé Distribution (France)
Release date : May, 22 2024 (Cannes Film Festival), June, 28 2024 (France)
Running time : 173 minutes

Seem May 31, 2024 at Publicis Cinémas, Salle 1

Sabine's Mark:

The 2024 adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo is a veritable return to the greatness of classic cinema, a tour de force that exemplifies the very best of cinematic art. Presented for the first time at the Cannes Film Festival, this three-hour epic by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière is a testament to the enduring power of Alexandre Dumas' tale, and the ability of filmmakers to bring it to life for contemporary audiences.

At the heart of this adaptation is Pierre Niney's remarkable performance as Edmond Dantès. Niney captures the essence of Dantès with a nuanced portrayal that spans the character's transformation from hopeful young sailor to vengeful Count. His journey begins with a depiction of innocence and joy as Dantès reunites with his beloved Mercédès (played by the talented Anaïs Demoustier) and prepares to marry her. Niney's ability to convey the devastating betrayal and subsequent resolve to seek revenge is both convincing and heartbreaking. His performance anchors the film, providing a complex emotional core that drives the narrative forward.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, with outstanding performances that enrich the story. Anaïs Demoustier brings depth to Mercédès, whose life is turned upside down by Dantès' wrongful imprisonment. Bastien Bouillon excels as Fernand de Moncerf, whose jealousy and betrayal set the tragic events in motion. Laurent Lafitte as Villefort, the corrupt prosecutor, and Patrick Mille as Danglars, the envious shipmate, deliver powerful performances that arouse the audience's contempt and underline the depth of their characters' betrayal.

Pierfrancesco Favino's portrayal of Abbé Faria, Dantès' captive companion and mentor, is both touching and inspiring. Pierfrancesco Favino imbues Faria with wisdom and a sense of tragedy, making his mentorship of Dantès a pivotal and emotional aspect of the story. Anamaria Vartolomeï, in the role of Haydée, adds another layer of complexity to the story, portraying a strong, resourceful young woman who becomes an integral part of Dantès' elaborate plan for revenge.

The film's production values are nothing short of spectacular. Nicolas Bolduc's cinematography captures the lush, vibrant settings of 19th-century France in breathtaking detail. From the dark, oppressive confines of the Château d'If to the opulent ballrooms of Parisian high society, every scene is meticulously crafted to create an immersive visual experience. Period costumes and sets transport viewers back in time, reinforcing the authenticity and grandeur of the story.

Jérôme Rebotier's dynamic score elevates the film, perfectly complementing the emotional highs and lows of the story. The music underscores the tension, drama and triumph of Dantès' journey, adding an extra layer of depth to the visual experience.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this adaptation is its ability to resonate with contemporary audiences. In an era marked by political strife and personal vendettas, Alexandre Dumas' exploration of revenge and its corrosive effects is particularly relevant. Delaporte and de La Patellière treat this theme with sensitivity and insight, making the film not only a historical epic but also a profound reflection on human nature.

Dantès' transformation into the Count of Monte Cristo is not just about revenge; it's a journey that questions the value and cost of vengeance. As Dantès meticulously dismantles the lives of those who have wronged him, the film explores the psychological and emotional consequences of his actions. This exploration of the darker aspects of revenge adds a layer of moral complexity that elevates the story beyond a simple tale of retribution.

While remaining faithful to the spirit of Dumas' novel, Delaporte and de La Patellière infuse the film with a touch of modernity that keeps the story fresh and captivating. The directors' ability to balance grandiose storytelling elements with intimate, character-driven moments is a testament to their storytelling skills. They avoid the pitfalls of over-the-top spectacle and concentrate on the emotions and human relationships that drive the plot.

The film's pacing is perfect, maintaining a rapid pace that ensures the audience remains captivated throughout its three-hour running time. The filmmakers' decision to include dynamic one-shot action sequences and elaborate set-pieces pays off, adding excitement and energy to the film without detracting from the emotional depth of the story.

While the film is a remarkable success, it is not without its very minor flaws. The sheer number of characters and subplots can sometimes lead to moments of confusion, and certain aspects of the plot would benefit from better explanation. However, these are minor imperfections in an otherwise well-crafted film.

The 2024 adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo is a cinematic masterpiece that stands out as one of the finest interpretations of Dumas' classic tale. With outstanding performances, stunning production values and a profound exploration of timeless themes, the film is both a tribute to the original novel and a compelling piece of modern cinema. Whether you're a long-time fan of Dumas' work or new to the story, this film promises an unforgettable journey through love, betrayal and the ultimate quest for redemption. Finally, it's an immense pleasure to see our beautiful town of Meaux featured once again in this French blockbuster that has nothing to envy of the big Hollywood productions.

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 : 173 minute

Seen June 19, 2024 at Forum des Images, Room 500

Mulder's Mark: