"For our first Amazon Original French film, we were looking for an ambitious, creative and audacious talent on par with Mélanie Laurent to tell an incredible story that resonates with today's society," confirmed Thomas Dubois, Creative Director of Amazon Originals France for Prime Video. "The script highlights the unique bond between two women with different lives at the end of the 19th century. We are convinced that the multiplicity of talent in front and behind the camera will bring a compelling story to life and allow us to showcase our ambition for future Amazon Original films in France, which we look forward to bringing to our Prime members. »
Amazon Prime Video has confirmed the greenlight for its first French Original Amazon movie, Le Bal des folles, a period film to be shot in France, in Rochefort. Actress, director and screenwriter Mélanie Laurent (Inglorious Basterds, Respire, La Rafle, Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas) will direct and act in this film she co-wrote with Christophe Deslandes. Based on the eponymous book by Victoria Mas, the film is produced by Alain Goldman for Légende Films (Oscar winner, Golden Globes César for La Môme, La French, The Spy) and co-produced by Axelle Boucai. The cast, alongside Mélanie Laurent, includes Lou de Laâge, Emmanuelle Bercot, Benjamin Voisin, Cédric Khan and Grégoire Bonnet. The Bal des Folles will be launched exclusively on Prime Video in France and around the world in 2021.
Le Bal des Folles tells the story of Eugénie, a bright and passionate young girl at the end of the 19th century. Eugénie has a unique gift: she hears and sees the dead. When her family discovers her secret, she is taken by her father and brother to the neurological clinic at La Pitié Salpêtrière with no possibility of escaping her fate. This clinic, directed by the eminent Professor Charcot, one of the pioneers of neurology and psychiatry, welcomes women diagnosed as hysterical, crazy, egocentric, epileptic and any other type of physical and mental illness. Eugénie's path will then meet that of Geneviève, a nurse in the neurological unit whose life passes before her eyes without her really living it. Their meeting will change their destinies forever as they prepare to attend the famous "Bal des folles" organized every year by Professor Charcot at the clinic.
"We are thrilled to be working with the talented Mélanie Laurent on this first Amazon Original French film for our Prime Video customers in France and around the world," said Georgia Brown, Creative Director of Amazon Originals Europe for Prime Video. "We want to become a showcase for talent in France, so we are pleased to be able to showcase Melanie's talent in writing, directing and acting through this exciting project. We look forward to introducing our clients to this ambitious period film.
Le Bal des Folles will join the thousands of programs available in Prime Video's catalog in France such as the French films Amazon Original Brutus vs César and Forte, the award-winning and critically acclaimed Amazon Original World Series including The Boys, Hunters, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan, Homecoming, Good Omens, Star Trek: Picard, Carnival Row, The Grand Tour, American Gods and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, all available on Prime Video at no additional cost to Amazon Prime members. In France, Prime members can also enjoy exclusive local content such as the entertainment series Amazon Original True Story, the dating show Amazon Original Love Island France, the first episode of the documentary series on the PSG Tout près des étoiles, L'Ultime Création on Mylène Farmer, as well as the latest stand-up shows by Jérôme Commandeur, Fabrice Eboué, Ary Abittan, Alban Ivanov and many others.
Synopsis :
Based on the book Le Bal des folles, by Victoria Mas (Albin Michel, 2019).
The story of Eugénie, a bright and passionate young girl at the end of the 19th century. Eugénie has a unique gift: she hears and sees the dead. When her family discovers her secret, she is taken by her father and brother to the neurological clinic of La Pitié Salpêtrière with no possibility of escaping her fate. A clinic, directed by the eminent professor Charcot?
Le bal des folles
Directed by Melanie Laurent
Produced by Alain Goldman, Axelle Boucai
Written by Melanie Laurent, Christophe Deslandes
Starring Mélanie Laurent, Lou de Laâge, Emmanuelle Bercot, Benjamin Voisin, Cédric Kahn, Grégoire Bonnet
Production companies : Legendary movies, Amazon
Distributed by Amazon Prime Video
Photo: Boris Colletier / Mulderville
(Source: press release)