Mathieu Amalric Cast in Roman Polanski Film Adaptation of David Ives' Venus in Fur

By Michael Gioia
and Adam Hetrick
18 Jan 2013

Roman Polanski
Roman Polanski

Mathieu Amalric, who starred in the film "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly," has been cast in the film adaptation of David Ives' Tony Award-nominated play Venus in Fur, according to Deadline.com.

As previously reported, Roman Polanski, who adapted Yasmina Reza's Tony-winning play God of Carnage for the big screen, will direct. 

Ives' sexually charged dark comedy centers on a frustrated playwright-director attempting to cast the leading role in his stage adaptation of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's "Venus in Furs," when a mysterious and talented young actress walks in the door with designs of her own. The play earned a 2012 Tony Award nomination. 

Director Polanski will collaborate with Ives on the script.

Venus in Fur, which will be filmed in French, is currently shooting in Paris, with Emmanuelle Seigner and Amalric in the roles of Vanda and Thomas, respectively. Amalric replaces Louis Garrel, who was previously announced to star. 

Venus in Fur premiered to acclaim in early 2010 in a production by Off-Broadway's Classic Stage Company. It then transferred to a celebrated Broadway run in 2011-12. Nina Arianda became an overnight star for her turn as Vanda, earning the 2012 Tony Award for Best Actress. Hugh Dancy co-starred with Arianda in the Broadway production.

Robert Benmussa and Alain Sarde will produce the independent film.