Where’s The Weinstein Company’s “Suite Francaise,” a movie many assumed would be an Oscar player? Well, it will make its world premiere at the American Film Market, among 90 other premieres, in November. And AFM is for buyers and distributors, so it’s the opposite of the splashy premiere that you might expect from TWC. In fact, if you’re being cynical or conspiracy theory-like, you might think they’re trying to unload the picture since they already own it. But that’s nothing but speculation for now.
Regardless, the picture stars Michelle Williams and Matthias Schoenaerts as two diametrically opposed people who embark on a forbidden affair. Set during World War II, during the early years of Germany’s occupation of France, Williams plays a French villager who falls for a Nazi soldier (Schoenaerts) stationed to look over her township.
Co-starring Kristin Scott Thomas and Sam Riley, the film is an adaptation of Irene Nemirovsky‘s novel. Here’s the official synopsis:
Set in 1940s France and based on the international best-selling work of Irène Némirovsky, SUITE FRANÇAISE follows beautiful Lucile Angellier who awaits news from her husband, a prisoner of war whilst leading a stifled existence with her domineering mother-in-law. When Parisian refugees pour into their small town, soon followed by a regiment of German soldiers who take up residence in the villagers’ homes, Lucile’s life is turned upside down. In the Angellier home, Lucile initially tries to ignore Bruno, the handsome and refined German officer who has been posted to live with them. But soon, a powerful love draws them together and traps them in the tragedy of war.
Written and directed by Saul Dibb ("The Duchess"), the solid supporting cast also features Ruth Wilson ("The Lone Ranger," "Anna Karenina"), Margot Robbie ("The Wolf of Wall Street"), Alexandra Maria Lara ("Rush," "Youth Without Youth"), Tom Schilling, Eileen Atkins, and Lambert Wilson. In addition, Alexandre Desplat composed the score. The movie was on our 100 Most Anticipated Films Of 2014 and on our list of 15 Films That Failed To Hit The Fall Film Festival Circuit. It is admittedly eyebrow raising that an apparent prestige-worthy picture like this would skip the fall film festival circuit entirely for a bow at AFM. But beyond that, we’ll let others speculate about its quality. Instead ,the final trailer has arrived and you can judge it yourself below. “Suite Francaise” opens in the U.K. on January 23, 2015 via eOne films.
Michelle Williams is her generations best actress. I CAN´T WAIT FOR HER, AFTER HER ROLE IN "CABARET" AS SALLY BOWLES!lOVE IT!
I\’ve been waiting for this trailor for months. I think it needs a re-edit and pronto. I\’m sure the full movie is better than what we\’ve glimpsed. It has to be it has Mathias Schoenaerts in it! I know the guy who played Bullhead can act!
I disagree. It probably is a failed Oscar hopeful but I doubt it will go straight to VOD. I predict a limited theatrical run.
Yeesh, the trailer looks dreadful. I agree, straight to video or VOD most likely.
Alexandre Desplat did not end up scoring the film, although he was announced. Instead, a fellow named Rael Jones ended up scoring this and Desplat was moved by Weinstein to The Imitation Game. Desplat is Weinstein\’s heavy hitter for their big Oscar hopefuls (The Queen, The King\’s Speech, My Weekend With Marilyn, Philomena). The fact that Harvey moved him off this film to the other one says everything. This one must be a dog. Shame, as it\’s a stunning book.
Matthias Schoenaerts is the best actor of his generation and I\’m pleased to see him in a mainstream vehicle. More, please!
Suite Française is one of my favorite novel for its darkly comic tone, a true "Comédie Humaine". To transcribe it only as a love story seems a little reductive, but the talent on screen is really promising (especially Matthias Schoenaerts and Kristin Scott Thomas!)
I don\’t think it will go straight to video. It will get at least a small theatrical release. Less commercial films than this have made it to theaters.
I have a feeling this movie will go straight to vdo. Judging from the uk trailer. Its nothing special. Michelle is playing the same old michelle.
The trailer is released by its UK distributor who will release the movie in January 2015. I don\’t think the trailer and release timing has anything to do with TWC.