Christina Ricci Loves Pattinson in ‘Bel Ami’

Published by Jeff Leins on January 9, 2010

Christina Ricci will play one of Robert Pattinson’s lovers in Bel Ami, an adaptation and expansion of the short story by Guy de Maupassant.  She joins the cast already inhabited by the Twilight star, Uma Thurman, and Kristin Scott Thomas. Nicole Kidman was rumored, but falsely linked to the project.

The news comes from a Tweet by the always reliable Production Weekly.

The story focuses on a young, impoverished reporter named George Duroy (Pattinson) who essentially slept his way to the top by “bedding” the most influential women in Paris.  Ricci plays Clotilde, a promiscuous young housewife who shares a fling with the man.  Thurman plays the wife of Duroy’s friend, a connected socialite who helps him on his way up the ladder.  Thomas plays a clingy woman Duroy seduces.  That’s such a stretch for Pattinson, playing a heartthrob who gets girls.  As long as he doesn’t try another ridiculous mustache, this film might be bearable.

Ricci is an underused talent in Hollywood, so it’s always nice to see her land another role.  That little munchkin practically oozes sex appeal too (see: Black Snake Moan), which makes her a perfect fit for an erotic drama.

Filming is scheduled to start next month under the direction of first-time feature filmmakers Declan Donnellan and Nick Ormerod.