Take this for what it’s worth as Production Weekly also broke the false word that Nicole Kidman was set to star opposite of Robert Pattinson in Bel Ami back in November. This cast was updated later in the month when Uma Thurman assumed the role earlier attributed to Kidman in this adaptation of Guy de Maupassant’s short story (which you can read online). That role was described as someone “who is extremely involved and connected in the goings-on of Parisian society” and “wife of Duroy’s friend”–my assumption, assuming if the role mirrors the story, is that Thurman will be Madeleine Forestier. Who will Ricci Play?
The report indicates her role will be that of Clotilde; or from the story, Clotilde de Marell, a wife of a railway inspector who is often out of pocket. Christina Ricci is one of those actresses that I always describe as very much a fixture of ‘my generation’, but I’m never sure (or correct) in why? Everyone knows the name, but she’s not girl from Beetlejuice (which is what I always find myself wanting to say!). I have to be reminded that she was in and relatively great in Black Snake Moan, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Monster.
Robert Pattinson plays the role of Georges Duroy, the lead character, who basically is king-mack (no, not Nine) and rises in society by manipulating a series of women. Also cast is Kristin Scott Thomas (amazing in The English Patient, Gosford Park, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and honestly just about everything she’s in) who is one of Duroy’s victims. Bel Ami is directed by Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod.
