Samuel Goldwyn Films Bets on French WW2 Epic 'De Gaulle'
The two-part historical saga targets U.S. audiences through a hybrid theatrical and VOD release.
1Strategic U.S. Market Entry
Samuel Goldwyn Films is launching the two-part French historical epic 'De Gaulle' across major U.S. cities. Following successful runs of other Pathé productions, the distributor is leveraging a hybrid model. By combining limited theatrical releases with nationwide transactional VOD, they aim to overcome the typical distribution hurdles facing foreign-language films.
2Ambitious Production Scale
The project, with a budget of 74 million euros, features Simon Abkarian as Charles de Gaulle and Simon Russell Beale as Winston Churchill. Director Antonin Baudry designed the film to match the scope of Hollywood blockbusters. The production emphasizes character-driven storytelling over mere war spectacle to attract a broader international audience.
3Navigating Distribution Challenges
Peter Goldwyn notes that U.S. theaters often lack the patience for foreign films to build momentum through word of mouth. Consequently, the hybrid release strategy provides the best chance for the films to find an audience. This approach targets history buffs, schools, and cultural institutions alongside traditional arthouse moviegoers in America.
4Global Momentum and Reach
After a slow start in France, the films achieved success with over six million tickets sold domestically. The first installment is currently the highest-grossing French-language film in the U.K. this year. Additionally, the production has secured a rare distribution deal in China, with a scheduled release set for late November.
5Challenging Historical Narratives
The screenplay reconstructs the complex, often tense relationships between De Gaulle, Churchill, and Franklin D. Roosevelt. Baudry and co-writer Bérénice Vila utilized over 150 books and archival research to depict these interactions. The film aims to reveal historical dynamics that remain largely unknown to the general public outside of academic circles.
6Actor Preparation and Performance
Simon Abkarian spent six months preparing for the role, transcribing every line of dialogue into a notebook. He worked closely with Baudry to balance the general's distinctive voice and eccentric behavior without resorting to caricature. Abkarian focused on the logic and musicality of De Gaulle's speech to embody the historical figure.
7Thematic Appeal to Americans
Goldwyn believes the story of an ally fighting for his country will resonate with American values of patriotism and defiance. Abkarian suggests that De Gaulle's struggle against his own government's surrender may strike a chord with contemporary audiences. Both see the film as a bridge between French history and American democratic convictions.
8Future of International Epics
The success of this distribution model could influence how foreign-language historical epics are marketed in the U.S. By positioning the film as a character study rather than just an arthouse project, Goldwyn hopes to transcend language barriers. The outcome will likely serve as a case study for future international film acquisitions.
Original article: Variety — Samuel Goldwyn Films Bets on French WW2 Epic 'De Gaulle'