The Private Affairs of Bel Ami

Georges Duroy, a poorly paid clerk and ex-soldier, re-enters Paris's social life when he encounters his former comrade-in-arms, Charles Forestier, in a bustling cafe. Rachel sits at their table, and Georges rudely dismisses her, setting a tense tone. Charles explains that the quickest route to advancement in Paris is charm with women and suggests Georges seek a vacancy at La Vie Française.

Charles urges Georges to seek a vacancy at La Vie Française, insisting that journalism is the fastest path to power. Georges, taking the advice to heart, begins pursuing a position at the paper. He proceeds with his plan by approaching Rachel, a dancer who is part of the social circle that could open doors.

Georges attends a dinner party hosted by Charles and his wife Madeleine, where he meets Clotilde de Marelle, a pretty widow. Suzanne Walter, a 15-year-old daughter, is also present and appears intrigued by him. The gathering includes Charles's publisher, who asks Georges for a sample article the next day.

Georges struggles to produce a credible writing sample for the publisher. He asks Charles for help, who then sends him to see his wife, Madeleine. Madeleine coaches him and helps secure the job, and she also suggests he call on Clotilde. This marks Madeleine's entry into the power dynamics as Georges's mentor.

Georges takes Clotilde dancing at a raucous Paris nightspot. The singer performs 'Bel Ami,' and Clotilde dubs Georges 'Bel Ami,' prompting him to vow to live up to the nickname. Rachel spots them and Georges snubs her, causing a scene.

At the newspaper, Charles states he has trained Georges to be his successor, even as his health deteriorates. Georges tells Madeleine he has fallen a little in love with her, but she wants only friendship. He pitches a new plan: a gossip column called Echoes that would spew innuendo and rumors to influence politics and the stock market, and Madeleine thinks it's a magnificent idea.

During a gathering where Georges and Laroche-Mathieu insult one another, Georges meets the now-grown Suzanne, who is sixteen and increasingly drawn to him. Suzanne's mother says she is very taken by Georges. The encounter hints at future entanglements.

Clotilde informs Georges that Jacques Rival, wealthy and virtuous, has proposed to her, but she wants to marry Georges instead. He tells her he must conquer Paris or be conquered, admitting his heart longs for her though he hasn't followed it in a long time. Their exchange underscores the high-stakes nature of his ascent and the depth of his desires.

Charles dies, clearing the path for Georges's ascent. Georges proposes to Madeleine, who accepts but insists on a marriage of equals. The union strengthens Georges's social standing as Echoes grows and their salon expands in influence.

The Echoes column becomes a tremendous success, driving public opinion and shaping political events. Georges gains power and wealth as his writing helps topple the cabinet, and Laroche-Mathieu ascends to foreign minister. Madeleine presides over an influential salon, with whispers that she may be the true writer behind Echoes.

Georges receives flattery and timely information from Madame Walter, a married woman with a virtuous reputation. She hints that government moves around Morocco and that schemers will profit from manipulating him. She also suggests investing with her, kneeling by him and winding her hair around his jacket cuff in a provocative gesture.

Madeleine inherits a fortune from a male friend, which Georges claims will humiliate him if she keeps it alone. He proposes that she sign over half the money to him, making it a shared legacy. Madeleine agrees, tying wealth to their public image and influence.

The Walters invite the Duroys to view a bold, costly painting, and Suzanne, now an heiress, is delighted to see Georges. Laroche-Mathieu is attracted to Madeleine and uses her to gain information from the foreign minister, planning a divorce so he can marry Suzanne. The scheme tightens the interwoven personal and political intrigues surrounding the couple.

According to French law, a person can appropriate a noble name if there are no known survivors; Georges does just that. Madame Walter locates Philippe de Cantel, the last descendant, though the search arrives too late. Cantel then challenges Georges to a duel, scheduled two weeks before Georges's planned marriage.

Clotilde goes to the Walters to try to stop the duel, but the two men fatally shoot each other. Georges regrets not being happy with Clotilde as he lies dying, realizing his relentless ascent came at the cost of personal fulfillment. The film closes on the cost of ambition and the unfulfilled longing for love.