Lost Illusions

Lucien is a poet, hoping to achieve fame and fortune in 19th century France. Easier said than done. When he meets the rake Lousteau, a reporter, and joins a newspaper, he finds himself mired in corruption and power. Winner of 7 César Awards–the French version of the Oscars–including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Set Design, and Best Costume Design.

Abandoning the family printing house in the countryside for life in the big city, young Lucien comes to Paris where the greatest poetry is being written. Scraping by as a waiter, fatigued by life, he comes upon a sudden stroke of luck: Lousteau, a reporter who can get Lucien a good job that will help pay the bills and get him in the door of the salons. But the tabloids of the day were as vicious and duplicitous as today, and soon Lucien is a lost soul. Based on Honoré de Balzac’s brilliant novel. “[A] sweeping narrative of love, lust and literary ambition.” –Lovia Gyarkye, Hollywood Reporter

Director Biography

Xavier Giannoli is an acclaimed director whose films have appeared at festivals around the world. His features include Eager Bodies (2003), Only the Night (2005), The Singer (Quand j'étais chanteur) (2006), In the Beginning (2009), Superstar (2012), Marguerite (2015), and The Apparition (2018). Lost Illusions (2021) is his most recent film.

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