Making her feature directorial debut “Augustine,” Alice Wintour wisely enlisted the talents of Vincent Lindon and Chiara Mastroianni, two excellent veteran French actors, to take on supporting roles in the film. But in the lead, she went with a rising newcomer, singer/actress Soko and added to that the challenge of making a period based film. The results? Two César award nominations for her efforts for Best First Film and Best Costume Design. Now, the picture is headed stateside.
Below, we’re happy to unveil the exclusive poster for “Augustine” which teases some of the dramatic intrigue of the film. Based on a true story, and set in Belle Epoque Paris, the film follows 19-year-old kitchen maid Augustine (Soko) who is suffers a seizure and is put under the care of Dr. Charcot (Lindon). She becomes his prize patient, with the doctor hypnotizing her in front of colleague and putting on displays of her spectacular fits. But soon enough, the doctor/patient relationship takes on a much more personal dimension.
It’s intriguing stuff, and you’ll be able to check it out when “Augustine” opens in limited release on May 17th. Poster below.