Day 7 of Berlinale - and lot's of Bel Amis..

Welcome again! Not too much time left of Berlinale..

~ Berlinale 2012 ~

You might remember: Yesterday I wrote about DIE WAND (THE WALL) which is based on the novel by Marlen Haushofer.  As far as I know there is no other adaptation for the screen besides that one. Well - other books are apparently frequently adapted - like a certain one satirical novel by Guy de Maupassant from 1885..

BEL AMI (2012)

In late 19th century Paris a young - not too lettered but very much self-centered - man (Robert Pattinson) climbs the social ladder - thanks to his luck with women - no matter of their marital status.

The stars of this film are two actors I couldn't care less for: Uma Thurman and Robert Pattinson. Actually I almost decided to not watch this film when I found out that also two of my favourite modern actresses are also starring in it: Kristin Scott Thomas (who in my book is the epitome of a British lady) and Christina Ricci (who I adore).

~ Kristin Scott Thomas - every inch a lady.. ~

The cast also includes the wonderful Colm Meany and Natalia Tena (who some of you might remember as Tonks in the HARRY POTTER films or maybe as Osha from GAME OF THRONES), Philip Glenister (from BBC-adaptation CRANFORD and TV-series ASHES TO ASHES, LIFE ON MARS and MAD DOGS) - and also Pip Torrens (of WAR HORSE (2011), EASY VIRTUE (2008) or MY WEEK WITH MARILYN (2011))..

~ Robert Pattinson looking at Christina Ricci
- who's looking a bit like Helena Bonham Carter.. ~

Besides that - the late 19th century just fascinates me. Yes - I love those dresses - I won't deny that. 

~ Kristin Scott Thomas, Uma Thurman and Christina Ricci
- waiting for Bel Ami  Patterson to make his decision..~

This novel (another one on my to-read-pile..) is as I said not adapted for the first time 

- have a short history of BEL AMI films (not including all..):

The first might be an Italian version of 1919 by director Augusto Genina 

- I didn't find any picture or clip to post - so we go on with the German version of 1939:

~ Olga Tschechowa and Hilde Hildebrand surrounding Willi Forst
- he did not only play the lead: he also wrote the script, directed and produced this film.. ~

Then the version I don't know yet and would love to see:

THE PRIVATE AFFAIRS OF BEL AMI (1947)

~ My beloved George Sanders and the amazing Angela Lansbury!! ~ 

The same year a Mexican version was released - I am yet to see that one, too:

~ EL BUEN MOZO - starring Armando Calvo ~

In 1955 there was an Austrian version released:

~ Johannes Heesters (who passed away on christmas eve 2011 - aged 108 years) and Marianne Schönauer ~

There were of course several adaptations for Telly.. I spare you those.. 

So just a quick picture of bygone days of Berlinale:

~ Charles Aznavour, Eddie Constantine and Sidney Poitier at Berlinale, 1963 ~

Thank you very much for listening!

Yours truly

Irene