Le Comte de Monte-Cristo

It is always tricky to approach something as complex as this novel and try to get a coherent movie that features all the plots, and sub-plots, and sub-sub-plots, let alone book accurate characters.

I enjoyed the Richard Chamberlain TV movie, and the 2002 film despite some wholesale plot chopping in both. Even the 1998 6 hour 23 minute miniseries couldn't do the complete story and that's been my definite adaptation for the last 25 years.

The point being that to fit into 3 hours it was clear that some plot-lines were going to axed, characters changed and a streamlining of the narrative.

It then becomes a case of whether it was done in a way that allows those who don't already know the story, those who may have read the book three or four times, and all those in between to enjoy it.

Clearly the producers understood the underlying themes and (apart from one quibble I had which I'm not going to post as a spoiler) did great service to the original and still managed to include some sub-plots I thought they were going to cut out.

Of course, if you're a purist who hated Lord of the Rings because Peter Jackson changed characters and aspects from a 100% faithful adaptation of the book then you aren't going to like this either.

Totally entertained and it never once felt like a 3 hour film.

It also has a great soundtrack, the reprise of which had me stay for the whole credits.

Have you ever had something really unfair happen to you?

Have you ever been betrayed by people you trusted?

Have you ever had the feeling of wanting to show them all and teach them a lesson?

Have you ever been mad with rage?

Have you ever thought that if you had the chance you would do so much good in the world?

Have you ever wondered about what cost your actions and words have on other people far out in the future?

Have you ever been consumed with an idea you wouldn't separate from?

Have you ever held onto someone even though they moved on?

Have you ever had your life fall apart?

Have you ever convinced yourself that you were right, only to learn that you were wrong?

If you can say yes to just one of these things. This movie is for you. A masterpiece. I sat with profound feelings of mercy and grace towards myself and others after watching this movie.

I will not deny it, I think the film is really beautiful : production design, costumes, props... and of course lighting (congrats M. Bolduc) and many other details helped make it a wonderful experience for the eyes, in my opinion.

Now with a plot so huge as with Dumas', so many characters, theads, sub-stories and such, the authors had to cut things, adapt, re-write... betray, as is often necessary or critical with any adaptation!

That's a given.

But why dishonor the original author's choices (Dumas')?

Why betray the lessons he wanted to impart : Monte Cristo's moral dilemma, his good nature overall, his help to so many, and unrivaled loyalty to anyone who had been good to him or deserved it in any way ?

Why change Haydée's love for him for a silly romance?

Even Mercedes' understanding of Monte Cristo's actions and why she can't be saved, and why Albert has to follow her are admirable, in the book...

And what are we left with, here?

Pure show?

I can assure you it's not what remains, when you read it.

So I have actually read the book, the real book(s), and not the watered down version you find in the book store. That story is compelling, charcter driven, intricate and the details tell how it all comes together. This while a totally ok movie has nothing of that besides the outlines of the main plotlines. There isnt the good besides the bad, there isnt the ambivalent ending and there isnt the base of it all, the relationship between the Abbé and Edmond who basically becomes a son. Also missing is the back story from the escape to Edmonds arrival in Paris that makes the whole revenge plot believable in the first place. I also cant help but miss the old Mr Villefort whose story while peripher is so central to who Edmond really is as a person. So want to see a french drama during the 19th century that is pretty ok with some good actors, go ahead. Want to immerse yourself in the real story of the Count of Monte Christo? Find and Antiquarian because that is the only place you find this masterpiece.

Not once was I bored. Not once did I find inconsistencies. Sceneries and sets were to notch. The acting never pulled me out of the story, it keeps you there from start to finish.

French cinema produces a lot of forgettable movies (in my opinion), a lot of fun ones, some greats and here and there a movie that actually makes me love cinema and the theater. Le comte de Monte-Cristo is of the latter.

Rarely do I find a movie that depicts love, friendship, treason, courage, solitude, caring, vengeance, and much more, in at least a decent manner. Nothing felt rush to me. The three hours were deserved and it felt like less than two.

I encourage you to watch this movie, it has many qualities and it won't be a waste of time.

Now if you are a Dumas enthusiast, you opinion will certainly differ.