Claude Brasseur is tremendous in this literary biography by Michel Drach. The early years of Maupassant's life are glossed over: there's the fascination with prostitutes, the youthful attempts at writing poetry, the faint praise from Flaubert. All this is pretty forgettable.

The end of his life is very moving. The constant headaches and pain in the eyes from the syphilis he contracted, finally the suicide attempt and committal to Dr. Blanche's clinic in January 1892, then the long downward progression to death in July of the following year. Maupassant's belligerence, violence and helpless anxiety are very well rendered by Brasseur. Jean Carmet gives an unforgettable portrayal of the hapless servant; no French writer ever had a more devoted employee. The rest of the cast has little to do. Miou-Miou brightens the screen a few times with that wonderful smile, but her part is slight. Catherine Frot seems uneasy with her part as Mouche.