Lost Illusions (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office
Lost Illusions is a 2022 historical drama directed by Xavier Giannoli, starring Benjamin Voisin as Lucien, Gérard Depardieu and Jeanne Balibar. It is partly based on Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt. It runs 2 hours 29 minutes and earned $8.6 million worldwide on a $18.7 million budget. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 2h 29m (149 min)
- Director
- Xavier Giannoli
- Original language
-
French
- Studio
- Music Box Films
- Budget
- $18.7M
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Lost Illusions About?
The premise of Lost Illusions without spoilers, adapted from Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt.
Set in 19th century France, the story follows Lucien de Rubempré, a young man with literary aspirations. Initially struggling to gain recognition as a poet, he is drawn into the competitive world of Parisian journalism. Faced with the temptation of financial stability and social acceptance, Lucien grapples with compromising his artistic ideals. He discovers the potent influence of the press and the moral dilemmas that arise when words are used to manipulate and deceive, ultimately questioning the price of success.
Lost Illusions Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- male nudity
- paris france
- 19th century
- writer
- ambition
- poet as protagonist
- theater
- journalist
- media manipulation
- sex scene
- based on novel
- angouleme france
+38 more Show fewer
- voice over narration
- dandy
- book publisher
- french literature on screen
- 19th century literature on screen
- infidelity
- death
- 1820s
- yellow journalism
- disillusion
- orgy
- novel
- title spoken by narrator
- poetry reading
- aspiring poet
- critic as protagonist
- literary critic
- public appearance
- keeping up appearances
- cynicism
- cynical journalist
- idealism vs cynicism
- inkblot
- reference to jean racine
- death of loved one
- reference to chateaubriand
- class differences
- insincerity
- reference to jean gaspard deburau
- ruined reputation
- literature on screen
- european literature on screen
- voice over
- poem
- hashish
- prostitute
- bank note
- scandal
Lost Illusions Cast & Characters
Benjamin Voisin leads the cast as Lucien, with Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat and Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard. Directed by Xavier Giannoli; 12 actors are credited in all.
- Director Xavier Giannoli
- Benjamin Voisin as Lucien
-
Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat -
Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard -
André Marcon as Baron du Châtelet
Also Starring in Lost Illusions
· 8 more- Vincent Lacoste Etienne Lousteau
- Cécile De France
- Xavier Dolan Nathan
- Louis-Do de Lencquesaing Finot
- Jean-François Stévenin Singali
- Salomé Dewaels Coralie
- Marie Cornillon
- Alexis Barbosa
More from Xavier Giannoli
More films directed by Xavier Giannoli, best-rated first: Marguerite, The Apparition, Superstar and In the Beginning.
Lost Illusions Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Lost Illusions 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (78).
Lost Illusions Echo Score Breakdown
Lost Illusions delivers a richly textured cinematic experience that largely succeeds in translating Balzac’s complex narrative to a modern sensibility. Critics and viewers alike commend its sumptuous production design, nuanced performances, and resonant themes that echo contemporary media concerns, though some note the film’s extended runtime and occasional pacing lulls. The consensus points to a compelling, if occasionally over‑ambitious, period drama that rewards attentive audiences.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 88
In terms of art and craft, the film is widely praised for its striking visual composition and meticulous production design. Critics highlight the director’s ability to avoid a stale period piece, while users commend the beautiful costumes, sets, and cinematography. Minor criticisms focus on pacing rather than visual execution. Overall, the craftsmanship is considered exemplary and contributes significantly to the film’s appeal.
- Character & Emotion 90
When it comes to character and emotion, performances are described as thrilling, nuanced, and imbued with panache. Both critics and users emphasize the depth of the leading actors, noting memorable portrayals that anchor the narrative. No substantial criticism of the acting is present, and the emotional resonance is repeatedly highlighted. Consequently, the character work stands out as a major strength of the film.
- Story & Flow 78
Story and flow receive a mixed but generally favorable assessment. Reviewers appreciate the film’s ambitious adaptation of Balzac’s novel and its contemporary thematic relevance, yet some cite an over‑stuffed plot and leisurely pacing that dilute engagement. The voice‑over technique is debated, though many find it effective. The narrative’s originality shines, but pacing issues prevent a higher rating.
- Sensory Experience 85
Sensory experience is celebrated for its lush visual style and atmospheric soundscape. Critics refer to the film as a “sensual period piece,” and users repeatedly mention the gorgeous cinematography and immersive score. While specific commentary on the soundtrack is limited, the overall audiovisual execution is viewed as cohesive and compelling, reinforcing the film’s period setting.
- Rewatch Factor 80
Rewatch factor is rated positively, with many reviewers indicating a desire to view the film again due to its thematic depth and visual grandeur. Comments about lasting appeal and relevance to modern media suggest strong replay value. Some concerns about length and pacing may curb frequent returns for certain viewers, but the overall impression is that the film remains rewarding on subsequent viewings.
-
IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 93% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 92%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 81 Metascore
User score 6.9
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 74% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.8 /5
251 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 5.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Lost Illusions Box Office & Budget
Lost Illusions grossed $8.6 million worldwide on a $18.7 million budget, 46% of what it cost. $126,391 came from the US and Canada and $8.5 million (99%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$8.6M
46% of its budget back
- US & Canada
- $126.4K
- International
- $8.5M
- Budget
- $18.7M
Lost Illusions Trailers & Videos
3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.
- Trailer Official U.S. Trailer
- Clip
Lost Illusions Also Known As
23 alternative titles, including “Comédie humaine” and “Las ilusiones perdidas”.
- Also known as
-
- Comédie humaine
- Las ilusiones perdidas
- 人间喜剧
- 幻灭
- Les il·lusions perdudes
- Утраченные иллюзии
- Sönmüş Hayaller
- Illusioni perdute
- Χαμένες ψευδαισθήσεις
- 巴黎夢想家
- Ilusões Perdidas
- Elveszett illúziók
+11 more Show fewer
- Tabte illusioner, დაკარგული ილუზიები
- Ztracené iluze
- Stracone złudzenia
- Förlorade illusioner
- Verlorene Illusionen
- Mộng Ảo Tan Biến
- אשליות אבודות
- 로스트 일루전
- Izgubljene iluzije
- Il·lusions perdudes
- Изгубени илюзии
Seen Lost Illusions?
Movies Like Lost Illusions
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including A Lost Man, Lost Souvenirs and The Illusionist.
Lost Illusions FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Lost Illusions, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Lost Illusions?
Lost Illusions runs 2 hours 29 minutes (149 minutes).
When was Lost Illusions released?
Lost Illusions was released on June 10, 2022.
Who directed Lost Illusions?
Lost Illusions was directed by Xavier Giannoli.
More films by Xavier Giannoli Who is in the cast of Lost Illusions?
Lost Illusions stars Benjamin Voisin as Lucien, Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat and Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard, among 12 credited actors.
How much did Lost Illusions make at the box office?
Lost Illusions grossed $8.6 million worldwide ($126,391 domestic, $8.5 million international) on a budget of $18.7 million.
How is Lost Illusions rated?
Lost Illusions has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.
Is Lost Illusions based on a book?
Yes. Lost Illusions is partly adapted from Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt.
Does Lost Illusions have a post-credit scene?
No. Lost Illusions has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
