Emily in Paris 20 years earlier? This very famous French movie told almost the same story as the Netflix series!

Today, we cannot imagine the fabulous fate of Amelie Poulin without Audrey Tautou! However, Jean-Pierre Jeunet initially wanted to entrust the role of this French hero to the British Emily Watson (seen last year in the series Dune: Prophecy).

The director really liked her performance in Lars von Trier’s Breaking the Waves, in which she played the role of a child-wife facing her husband’s paralysis. In addition, Jane read in an interview that the actor would be happy to cooperate with her. Then he decides to meet her for a casting:

His French wasn’t very good because he doesn’t speak our language at all, but I thought it would be a shame to lose his acting skills.

The director subsequently wrote a new version of the film in Shakespeare’s language. He then summons Emily Watson for new tests. Then the actor is much better. Unfortunately, he was preparing to shoot the film Gosford Park and then had to turn down Jeunet’s offer.

The artist returns to work, resumes casting in France. He will consider it first Vanessa Paradis and Emma de CawnesUntil Audrey is struck by Totu’s charms, which she discovers on a poster Venus Beauty (Institute) :

“During the test, after ten seconds, I hid behind the camera because I had tears in my eyes, I knew I had found it. And the first thing I said is, “But where do you come from?” what planet are you from Where do you fall from? where are you from?” he did trusted “Secrets of Cinema” By Bruno Crass.

This Emile in Paris, or rather Emile in Montmartre, was imagined more than 20 years before the Netflix series, so it never saw the light of day: “The fact that he was English and living in Montmartre was a bit difficult. Fate meant it shouldn’t happen and it didn’t.” explained Jean-Pierre Genet “It’s gross!” By Philip Lombardi.

When it was released in 2001, the feature film was a real triumph, gathering 8.6 million viewers in France and collecting $174 million worldwide! It was awarded 4 Césars (including Best Film and Best Director) and launched the career of Audrey Tautou, who has since become a true international star.

Amelie Poulin’s fairy tale can now be seen on Max.

Discover the list of movies currently available on the platform!