Switching from shorts to feature films, writer-director Ariel Kleiman has come up with Partisan, a story that requires a charismatic leading man. So it makes sense that he’s cast Vincent Cassel in what sounds like a meaty role{
Co-written by Kleiman and Sarah Cyngler, Partisan is told through the eyes of 11-year-old Alexander, who lives on a lavish commune run by Gregori (Cassel). The cult-like leader is angry at the world and is raising his sprawling family to fight back against it, which we predict will not end particularly well.
There are shades of Martha Marcy May Marlene here, as well as any number of plots about those with a grudge against society retreating into their own world and encouraging others to strike back.
Cassel, who was last seen in Trance, has recently reunited with old mate Christophe Gans for a new French take on Beauty And The Beast, with Cassel as the beast and Lea Seydoux as beauty. The actor wasn’t actually Kleiman’s first choice for Partisan, as Inside Llewyn Davis' Oscar Isaac signed back in March, but no longer appears to be involved. Kleiman plans to start shooting this October in Australia.