Balzac

"Balzac", the 200 minute French TV docudrama, cannot portray Balzac the man with fidelity and be any more interesting than the man himself. And, judging from this film, Balzac was not all that interesting as historical characters go. Though the series beautifully represents 19th century France with perfection in costuming, sets, locations, props, etc. and Depardieu turns in a solid performance as the title character, the teleplay spends most of its time buried in the minutia of Balzac's many relationships with women to the exclusions of countless other aspects of his life and times. A "must see" for anyone interested in life of the classical novelist, "Balzac" is not likely to be a satisfying watch for those interested in the period piece solely for entertainment. (B)