18/04/2006

Kickboxing is the theme of Scorpion [+see also:
trailer
film profile], the forthcoming film by Julien Séri (The Great Challenge), which began its eight-week shoot in Paris on April 17.

Heading the bill will be Clovis Cornillac, who in order to play the role of Angelo – a strung out and almost homeless ex-boxer who, upon his release from prison, takes part in secret kickboxing fights (a very violent combination of English boxing, Thai boxing and judo) – had to endure eight months of tough physical training, which was not very excessive for a film expected to be the French version of Rocky and Fight Club. The story, written by Sylvie Verheyde, has as its backdrop the themes of redemption and love.

Cornillac (César for Best Male Supporting Actor in 2004) is becoming an increasingly popular star in French cinema, and recently starred in Tiger Brigades [+see also:
trailer
film profile], released on April 12. He will also play a leading role in Le Serpent [+see also:
trailer
film profile] by Eric Barbier, which is starting post-production, and Astérix in Astérix aux Jeux Olympiques, which will begin shooting on June 22.

In Scorpion, Cornillac stars alongside Francis Renaud, Olivier Marchal (director of 36, quai des orfèvres [+see also:
trailer
film profile] and Karole Rocher. Several of the combat scenes were choreographed by Alain Figlarz, who prepared Matt Damon for The Bourne Identity, and Cornillac’s stunt double will be Thai boxing world champion, Jérôme Le Banner.

Produced by Cédric Jimenez for Imperia Films, Scorpion’s budget is an estimated €6-€7m. Shot entirely in Paris and its surrounding area, the film will be released in February 2007 in France by Bac Films, who are also co-producing the film and handling international sales.

(Translated from French)