THERESE RAQUIN
The drama, we waited for a long time to premiere, the movie adaptation of Emile Zola's THERESE RAQUIN, will see the light of the day at Toronto Film Festival and will then open in cinemas at the end of September. Directed by Charlie Stratton and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Tom Felton, Jessica Lange, and Oscar Isaac, the movie, shot in Belgrade, Serbia, last winter, is set in the lower depths of 1860s Paris, and brings a tale of obsessive love, adultery and revenge, based on Émile Zola’s scandalous novel. The film comes from the producers of ALBERT NOBBS and TALENTED MR. RIPLEY!
THERESE'S STORY
TRAGIC PASSION
Thérèse Raquin (Elizabeth Olsen), a sexually repressed and beautiful young woman, is trapped in a loveless marriage to her sickly cousin, Camille (Tom Felton), by her domineering aunt, Madame Raquin (Jessica Lange). Therese spends her days confined behind the counter of a small shop and her evenings watching Madame play dominos with an eclectic group. After she meets her husband’s alluring friend, Laurent (Oscar Isaac), she embarks on an illicit affair that leads to tragic consequences. Therese is drawn in by his primitive sexuality and overwhelming presence. A secret and risky affair quickly evolves into an insatiable obsession, and Therese is finally alive. Dominated and controlled solely by their lust, they soon plot to remove the only obstacle to their freedom, the unsuspecting Camille. After a terrible “accident” takes Camille, Laurent quickly assumes his place as Therese’s new husband and Madame’s loving son. But guilt consumes the murderous pair, their desire unravelling into suspicion and mistrust while they torment each other with threats of confession. Watching as they spiral out of control, Madame comes to realize the horrific truth and Therese must finally face the tragic consequences of her own reckless passion.
THERESE TIDBITS
KATE WINSLET & GERARD BUTLER
The original cast meant for this film was much more intriguing and, honestly speaking, absolutely mindblowing: the film was supposed to have Kate Winslet in the lead role with Gerard Butler playing Laurent and Glenn Close playing Madame Raquin - can you believe such a groundbreaking cast?! But that plan fell apart and Jessica Biel was the next candidate for the role, but was in the end replaced by lovely Olsen. Meanwhile, back in the 90's Liam Neeson and his late wife Natasha Richardson were also planning to adapt the book!
The original cast meant for this film was much more intriguing and, honestly speaking, absolutely mindblowing: the film was supposed to have Kate Winslet in the lead role with Gerard Butler playing Laurent and Glenn Close playing Madame Raquin - can you believe such a groundbreaking cast?! But that plan fell apart and Jessica Biel was the next candidate for the role, but was in the end replaced by lovely Olsen. Meanwhile, back in the 90's Liam Neeson and his late wife Natasha Richardson were also planning to adapt the book!
Is Camille gay? That's the vibe I get, especially with his enthusiastic mention of "Olivier's son."
ReplyDeletewell, with a mother like that, it wouldn't be impossible that he is gay....
DeleteI haven't heard of the original novel
ReplyDeleteah, shame on you, Adam.... 'tis one of the big classics....
DeleteI haven't read it, but it sounds like it's got all the elements of a great tragedy. :))
ReplyDeleteFelton looks so...unappealing in that photo, in a Dickensian sort of way. :P
yep, they really did a good make up and hair on him :)
DeleteZola had nice books, although I prefer Flauber and Balzac
OOoh, shame on me too! I haven't heard of it either-but I want to go read it now! Wow, what a wonderful cast-I love all three of the previous actors chosen~
ReplyDeleteIs Elizabeth the famous Olson twins big sister?!
I think she is,but don't rely on me :)
DeleteIt would've been a historical and legendary film if it had the original cast!
I think that one's going to be a little too dark for me.
ReplyDelete'tis quite possible...
DeleteI can't seem to video the trailer but wow on the plot and original cast ~ And I am always awed by how Tom Felton looks different in different movies ~
ReplyDeletehis face is good for metamorphosis
DeleteNot to sure if this one is my cup of tea.
ReplyDeletebetter luck next time
DeleteI wouldn't have recognized Jessica Lange in that scene if I didn't know it was her. It would have been nice to see Gerard and Kate, but thank God they didn't cast that horrid Biel creature.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is shot in Belgrade!! You know they could never shoot something like this in modern Paris as it has grown so ugly over time. I very much want to see this film.
yep, most of the historical films, especially the 19th century ones, are shot here, because we have that mix of modern and old, and lots of old palaces and buildings.
DeleteTom Felton... i am like who is that, i am not sure on the video...
ReplyDeleteI've never seen him in any film :)
DeleteAlthough it is obvious I would have loved to see Kate Winslet in the main role, She and Olsen don't have the same age at all. I couldn't find how old Thérèse in the book must be, so I don't know if it would have been a problem to have Winslet as Thérèse (but she is always so welcome in any production!); still both actresses are great ones. I'm glad Elizabeth is growing as an actress.
ReplyDeleteI am happy to see Tom Felton back in such a promising part (still not such a nice person to play, though). And of course Jessica Lange is always perfect, I'm afraid! ^^
well, if they would put Gerard as Laurent, Kate could easily fit the Therese role :)
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