In France, he's no real 'Angel'
Brisseau brings real-life experience to next pic
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Berlin can thank France's Rezo Films for bringing a dose of steamy controversy to this one with Jean-Claude Brisseau's "The Exterminating Angels."
Although the title is borrowed from Bunuel, the story is entirely Brisseau's -- and it is one that French film folk have been following avidly.
In real life Brisseau landed in court late last year charged with sex offences.
His accusers were four young unknown actresses who said that he had tricked them into performing sex acts as part of the casting procedure for his next film, "Secret Things."
The subject was to be female sexuality, a favorite theme of Brisseau's in an array of arthouse pics including "White Wedding," which was credited with revealing the acting talents of Vanessa Paradis.
The court case prompted a groundswell of support for Brisseau from the Gallic film community, which defended the helmer's right to pursue his artistic ambitions, while feminist orgs sided with the actresses. He was acquitted of all but two charges, which he is appealing.
Even though the theme of the pic bares a striking resemblance to Brisseau's story -- the Berlin pitch begins "Francois, a French director, is conducting a rather unorthodox casting" -- producer Gilles Sacuto says it isn't autobiographical.
"There is no court case in the film," the producer said.
"It is about the creative process and difficulties of making a film about intimate things. It's a film about cinema."
