Jean Dujardin, fresh off the success of his recent film "Les Rayons et des ombres" (The Rays and the Shadows), is now on set for "Montagnes russes." The production, which commenced recently, casts Dujardin opposite Marie Gillain, known for her roles in films like "Coco Before Chanel."
The film's narrative, as reported by Allocine, centers on Antoine (Dujardin), an art professor whose life is defined by intense euphoria and an excessive, charismatic personality. He meets Marion (Gillain), a free-spirited entrepreneur and mother. Their connection is immediate and passionate, quickly leading them to envision a shared future. However, their burgeoning happiness is shattered when Antoine experiences a severe, almost catatonic depression, revealing the profound impact of his bipolar disorder.
"Montagnes russes" draws its inspiration from the real-life experiences of Jean Albou, a prominent art collector whose struggles with bipolar disorder led to a life of dramatic highs and devastating lows. Albou's memoir, "Un fou dans l'art," recounts how he would compulsively acquire vast collections of art and coastal properties, maintaining a billionaire's lifestyle that ultimately plunged him into profound debt. The book details instances of his extreme spending, including an astonishing 15 million euros over just two months.
Cyril Gelblat, who previously directed "Les murs porteurs" and "Tout pour être heureux," co-wrote the screenplay for "Montagnes russes" with Sarah Kaminsky. Their script is based on an original screenplay initially developed by Laetitia Colombani and Kamir Aïnouz.
Filming for "Montagnes russes" is scheduled to continue until the end of October. The production is currently taking place across various scenic locations in the PACA region of France, including Nice, Villefranche-sur-Mer, and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, before moving to the Île-de-France region, as detailed by Le Film Français. This project marks another significant dramatic turn for Dujardin, showcasing his range in portraying complex, real-life inspired characters.