In the realm of French cinema, a thriller titled “Soudain Seuls” was initially set to star Jake Gyllenhaal and Vanessa Kirby, a project envisioned to be a Hollywood dream for director Thomas Bidegain. However, what ensued was far from the anticipated success, leading to a tumultuous turn of events within a mere four days of filming.
A Dream Gone Awry
The tale of this film’s making, chronicled in the latest issue of Technikart, narrates a version one (V1) production marked by catastrophic turmoil. Journalist Marc Godin dives into the saga surrounding Thomas Bidegain’s survival movie.
Originally slated to be shot entirely in English under the title “Suddenly,” with an extravagant budget of €26 million, the movie boasted an international cast featuring Jake Gyllenhaal and Vanessa Kirby, renowned for her role as Joséphine in Ridley Scott‘s “Napoleon.”
While initial reports hinted at artistic differences between the American actor and Bidegain as the cause for the abrupt changes, the recent exposé in Technikart sheds more light on the chaotic circumstances.
Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil
Technikart’s revelations unveil Jake Gyllenhaal’s fervent involvement during the project’s early stages. Amidst the pandemic-induced delays in pre-production, Gyllenhaal’s enthusiastic support led to his role as a co-producer. With the film centered around just two actors, the hunt for a leading lady commenced. Zoom meetings with Margot Robbie, Ana de Armas, and Jodie Comer were undertaken before Vanessa Kirby was brought into the picture, thanks to Gyllenhaal’s recommendation.
The production commenced with high hopes, but trouble surfaced as they set foot in Iceland. Fear of COVID, erratic behavior, script alterations despite prior approval, and fundamental disagreements on the film’s narrative led to a swift downfall.
The Costly Fallout
Director Bidegain had to make a heartbreaking call to producer Alain Attal, conceding defeat, “Our visions diverge too much. We won’t be able to shoot in September. … It’s all over, and the €26 million are gone!” The full account of the tumultuous episode is detailed in Technikart.
Consequently, “Soudain Seuls” underwent a dramatic transformation, resurfacing two years later in French, featuring a homegrown cast led by Gilles Lellouche and Mélanie Thierry. The film, now in theaters, stands as a testament to the unexpected twists and turns in the world of cinema.
Lessons Learned
The unraveling of “Soudain Seuls” offers a stark lesson in the unpredictability of artistic collaborations and the fragility of multimillion-euro ventures. Despite the initial setback, the resilience of the French film industry shines through, bringing forth a revised rendition of the movie to captivate audiences anew.
The debacle surrounding Jake Gyllenhaal’s abrupt exit from the project might linger as a cautionary tale in film lore, reminding stakeholders of the perils that lie in the clash of creative visions.
In the end, “Soudain Seuls” serves as a testament to the industry’s ability to adapt, evolve, and craft a compelling narrative despite facing unforeseen challenges.
Last modified: January 22, 2024
