Shooting anecdotes, notes of intent, information for film lovers: every week, discover behind the scenes of cinema releases.
David Leitch’s Bullet Train
Starring Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson…
What is it about ? Ladybug is a down-on-his-luck assassin and uniquely determined to complete her new mission peacefully after too many of them have gone off the rails. But fate has decided otherwise and takes him on the fastest train in the world alongside formidable opponents…
Did you know ? Bullet Train marks the eighth collaboration between David Leitch and Brad Pitt. The two men first worked together on Fight Club (1999), where Leitch provided the actor’s stunts. They then found themselves several times on films like Ocean’s Eleven, Spy Game, spy game and Troy. In 2018, the director even gave Pitt a cameo in Deadpool 2.
The Year of the Shark by Ludovic Boukherma, Zoran Boukherma
With Marina Foïs, Kad Merad, Jean-Pascal Zadi…
What is it about ? Maja, a maritime policeman in the moors, sees her worst nightmare come true: taking early retirement! Thierry, her husband, has already planned the camping place and the mobile home. But the disappearance of a vacationer puts the whole coast on alert: a shark prowls the bay!
Did you know ? Ludovic and Zoran Boukherma opted for an animatronic shark and not designed via digital effects. The directors explain: “We couldn’t see ourselves filming a tennis ball in the water and saying to the actors ‘there, you’re scared, the shark is approaching!’ It’s ridiculous.”
Offbeat by Juanjo Giménez Peña
With Marta Nieto, Miki Esparbe, Fran Lareu…
What is it about ? C. is a talented sound engineer, passionate about her work. One day, she discovers that she is starting to get out of sync. She then realizes that her brain has begun to perceive sound later than the images it receives. C. has to give up his job and reconsider his whole life.
Did you know ? In imagining the dysfunction whose destiny strikes the heroine of the film, Juanjo Giménez Peña did not seek to reproduce real facts. However, the director explains: “There was an initial desire to play with the fundamental tools of cinema, as well as a certain desire for formal experimentation within the framework of a classic narration.”
The Promises of Hasan by Semih Kaplanoğlu
With Umut Karadağ, Filiz Bozok, Gökhan Azlağ…
What is it about ? When Hasan learns that an electricity pylon will be installed on the land he cultivates, he maneuvers so that his field is spared. But before going on a pilgrimage to Mecca, he promises his wife to make up for her past mistakes.
Did you know ? While waiting for the release of his film The Human Particle, which took five years to make, Semih Kaplanoğlu started writing short stories that evolved into screenplays. The Promises of Hasan is the second part of the “Commitment Trilogy” that stems from these short stories.
Fires in the Night by Dominique Lienhard
With Igor Van Dessel, Ana Girardot, Jérémie Elkaïm…
What is it about ? An isolated village between sea and mountains. Its inhabitants try to survive as best they can. Alan’s father, a 15-year-old boy, left to work away from his family, entrusting him with the survival of the family.
Did you know ? Fires in the Night is freely inspired by a Japanese short story by Akira Yoshimura, Shipwrecks, which Dominique Lienhard transposed to a small European island in the 16th century.
Superheroic lovers by Paolo Genovese
With Jasmine Trinca, Alessandro Borghi, Greta Scarano…
What is it about ? A sentimental comedy about couples and the effect of time on their relationships, asking a simple but profound question: what superpowers do you need to love each other for a lifetime?
Did you know ? The film takes place over 20 years, from 2000 to 2020, and in different locations: mainly in Milan, but also Marrakech, Lake Como, Lucca, Copenhagen and Ponza. “The story is told through the passing years, with back and forth in time, which is not a choice of editing but a real narrative choice”says the director.
Minstrel by Olivier Goujon
With Florent Germain, Virginie Goujon, Olivier Goujon…
What is it about ? Percelot, dit Grelot, Menestrel of the court could not have dreamed of a greater adventure than going on a quest to rescue his beloved sovereign. But along the way, he will have to deal with a strange companion who has come from another world on a secret mission and the whims of Queen Geneviève, whose past is gradually resurfacing.
Did you know ? With Ménestrel, Olivier Goujon wanted to make a film that he could watch with his children but which would also appeal to adults. “Add to that the desire to shoot a film in costumes, and voila, Ménestrel was born. I wanted a light, funny and simple film that appeals to young and old alike and that’s exactly what I wanted. !”he says.