Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired rights in North America, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Scandinavia, Eastern Europe (excluding Russia) and Asia (excluding China and Japan) to Elle, the new thriller from Paul Verhoeven (RoboCop, Basic Instinct, Total Recall). Written by David Birke based on Phillipe Djian’s novel “Oh…”, the film will screen In Competition at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.
The film stars Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Charles Berling, Virginie Efira and Anne Consigny. It is produced by Saïd Ben Saïd of SBS Productions, Michel Merkt and co-produced by France 2 Cinémas. SBS International is handling sales.
Michèle (Huppert) seems indestructible. Head of a leading video game company, she brings the same ruthless attitude to her love life as to business. Being attacked in her home by an unknown assailant changes Michèle’s life forever. When she resolutely tracks the man down, they are both drawn into a curious and thrilling game that may, at any moment, spiral out of control.
Elle marks the second film between Ben Saïd and Sony Pictures Classics, having previously worked together on Roman Polanski’s Carnage. It is also the second film between Sony Pictures Classics and Verhoeven, after working together on Black Book.
“This thriller is Paul Verhoeven at his very best and Isabelle Huppert gives the performance of a lifetime. ‘Elle’ promises to be a hit with audiences this fall. We are pleased to be working again with Paul, Isabelle and Saïd,” said Sony Pictures Classics.
Paul Verhoeven said, “Sony has always been my home in the US and I’m excited that Sony Classics will take care of ‘Elle’ with the wonderful actress Isabelle Huppert. I’m pleased that even my European films have ended up with them.”
