In 1956, George Sanders made one of his best films, "Death of a Scoundrel". I mention this because in many ways, "The Private Affairs of Bel Ami" is very similar--though not quite as satisfying and amoral. Both stories star Sanders and both feature him as a schemer--a man who uses people (especially women) and casts them aside when it suits his best interests--and his main interests are power and money.
When the film begins, Sanders is almost broke and with a low-paying job. However, when an old friend (John Carradine) meets him in a café, he offers to help him get a job on his newspaper--a chance for more money and to meet the right people. And, slowly, Sanders begins to work his way upwards--mostly by marrying or wooing the right women. The most fascinating was when his friend died--and just seconds later, he proposes to the widow! And, to make it worse, the body is lying next to them! This sort of thing and much more make up the rest of the film--an entertaining soap opera throughout. My only reservation is that the latter film is just a lot better--with less slow moments and a character who is even more unlikable and scheming! By the way, a scene to look for is when they unveil 'The Temptation of St. Anthony'. The painting is in full color within a black & white film--like the picture in "The Portrait of Dorian Gray". Because of this, it's VERY striking--especially with its very intense reds. This an other versions of this scene (it was a popular theme during the Renaissance) are very disturbing to see for the average person--but also very compelling and emotive.
When the film begins, Sanders is almost broke and with a low-paying job. However, when an old friend (John Carradine) meets him in a café, he offers to help him get a job on his newspaper--a chance for more money and to meet the right people. And, slowly, Sanders begins to work his way upwards--mostly by marrying or wooing the right women. The most fascinating was when his friend died--and just seconds later, he proposes to the widow! And, to make it worse, the body is lying next to them! This sort of thing and much more make up the rest of the film--an entertaining soap opera throughout. My only reservation is that the latter film is just a lot better--with less slow moments and a character who is even more unlikable and scheming! By the way, a scene to look for is when they unveil 'The Temptation of St. Anthony'. The painting is in full color within a black & white film--like the picture in "The Portrait of Dorian Gray". Because of this, it's VERY striking--especially with its very intense reds. This an other versions of this scene (it was a popular theme during the Renaissance) are very disturbing to see for the average person--but also very compelling and emotive.