Count of Monte Cristo ( Bille August, 2025)

 

The book is one of the first ever read outside of grade school. Was I 10 years old ? - not sure - but loved it to death. It was also the longest book I’d ever read cover to cover, though I’m pretty sure it wasn’t the 1300 pages of the unabridged version. Maybe half that. I totally identified with the count. Revenge is such an appealing fantasy for the powerless. 

 I did not realize it then, but class warfare is the motivating force in the story. The three villains/victims represent financial, legal, and military authorities - while the count, who isn’t really a count any more than Duke Ellington was a duke - is aligned with the bottom of society, : smugglers, gangsters, and barkeeps.

 The facial and body expression of the count himself is at the center of this production - and in this film his character is so problematic. He doesn’t directly kill anyone, but he’s so close to being a psychotic serial killer, impervious to all the suffering he creates with such relentless precision. The drama is not whether he will destroy his enemies- but will he destroy himself. It was the actor, Sam Claflin, who kept me on the edge of my seat. A cruel, damaged psychopath has never been so appealing - enhanced with fine interior architecture just as Degas, Ingres, or Manet might have painted it. Once his mission is complete, his purpose, his loyal companions, and the beautiful world with which he surrounded himself are all gone. What’s left to live for? A wonderful closing scene with his long lost love on a cliff overlooking the island prison gives us only a smidgeon of hope.  But since that’s all he had when interned in the dungeon, optimism is justified. 

 It’s all quite improbable - but isn’t the miracle of life itself no less farfetched? I’ve seen snippets of other film renditions, and felt no incentive to ever watch them. Mostly they’re upbeat swashbucklers - like Errol Flynn with “Welcome to Sherwood!”. Claflin never draws a sword. He succeeds with knowledge, planning, leadership ability - and, of course, incredible luck. I’m still dreaming of being the count - but glad it’s only a fantasy. What a horrible life

Note: several other great performances as well - especially Blake Ritson as the cheerfully corrupt Danglars.