THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO distributed by PATHE' (2024). The production budget climbed to $42 million and has grossed $76 million at the box office. It opens in the United States on Dec. 20, 2024. This comes from the country of France and the running time is 3 hours.
It is based on the Alex Dumas book (1844-46). Edmond Dantes is a nineteen-year-old sailor who is arrested for treason. He is sentenced to life in prison at the infamous "Château d'If" a grim island fortress off of Marseille, France. Edmond escapes after more than a decade and vows revenge on the men who stole his life and fiancé Mercedes. He discovers Monte Cristo which is filled with gold, emeralds and diamonds. His vengeance is set in motion but also to help the French people.
I am a huge fan of the book and I have to say. This version (2024) is fantastic and what's interesting is the different angle of revenge. Also, there is no happy ending for Edmond and his lost love Mercedes. There is only hope. What I enjoyed a lot were the masks and wigs Edmond used to fool the men who imprisoned him. The filmmakers also took the time in three hours to flesh out each character. I was pulling for "revenge" from Edmond who knew the cost of that revenge.
There are 22 film versions and countless TV adaptations. My favorite has always been the 1934 United Artists version with Robert Donat. It is the first sound film of the story. Plus, the Lux Radio Theater 1939 version with Robert Montgomery. Both a little bit over-dramatic, but still centered on the revenge story.
I wouldn't mind seeing this French version a second or third time.
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