The Green Shutters
| The Green Shutters | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Jean Becker |
| Written by | Jean-Loup Dabadie |
| Based on | Les Volets verts by Georges Simenon |
| Produced by | Laurent Pétin, Michèle Pétin |
| Starring | Gérard Depardieu Fanny Ardant Benoît Poelvoorde |
| Cinematography | Yves Angelo |
| Edited by | Franck Nakache |
| Music by | Frédéric Vercheval |
Production company | ARP Sélection |
| Distributed by | ARP Sélection |
Release date |
|
Running time | 97 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
| Budget | €6.2 million |
The Green Shutters (French: Les Volets verts) is a 2022 French drama film directed by Jean Becker. It is based on the 1950 novel of the same name by Georges Simenon, adapted for the screen by Jean-Loup Dabadie in what would be his final screenplay.
Synopsis
Jules Maugin is a revered figure in French cinema — a "sacred monster" of the screen. In the 1960s, at the peak of his fame, he learns that he does not have long to live.
Cast
- Gérard Depardieu as Jules Maugin
- Fanny Ardant as Jeanne Swann
- Benoît Poelvoorde as Félix
- Stéfi Celma as Alice
- Naomi Kingue Johnson as Baba, Alice’s daughter
- Anouk Grinberg as Maria, the dresser
- Fred Testot as Narcisse, the chauffeur
- Tom Rivoire as Jules Laloiseau
- Didier Flamand as Professor Biguet
- Jean-Luc Porraz as Gilbert, head waiter
- Tom Novembre as Albert, head waiter
- Marie Matheron as Corinne Biguet
- Marc Andreoni as Vendée fisherman
- Philippe Brigaud as Alice’s neighbor
- Mélanie Page as woman in photo couple
- Didier Brice as director of the slap scene
- Loïc Armel Colin as commercial director
- José Paul as beer commercial director
- Luc-Antoine Diquéro as Shakespeare Garden director
Production
Development
In June 2020, it was revealed that Jean-Loup Dabadie had completed and submitted a 96-page script shortly before his death in May 2020. ARP Sélection acquired the rights.[1] The novel had previously been adapted into an episode of the 1988 television series L'Heure Simenon.[2]
In June 2021, Jean Becker was announced as the film's director.[3]
Casting
Gérard Depardieu and Fanny Ardant were cast in the lead roles, reportedly envisioned by Dabadie.[1][2] In September 2021, Benoît Poelvoorde’s participation was confirmed.[4]
Filming
Filming began on 23 August 2021 in Paris.[5][6] In September, filming took place in the Var region, including Le Lavandou and Martigues.[7][8] Filming wrapped on 30 September 2021.[9]
Sexual assault by Gérard Depardieu
On 24 February 2024, a set decorator filed a complaint against Gérard Depardieu alleging sexual assault, harassment, and sexist behavior during filming in 2021. According to Mediapart, a second woman, an assistant director, also accused Depardieu of groping her on 31 August 2021.[10][11] Depardieu was charge with his trial starting in March 2025.[12] He was found guilty of both allegations of sexual assault on 13 May 2025.[13]
Reception
Critical response
On Allociné, the film has an average rating of 2.7 out of 5 based on 16 reviews.[14]
Le Parisien praised the emotional depth of the story and Depardieu’s performance, calling it "a touching portrayal of a man saying goodbye to his career and lost loves."[15]
Le Journal du Dimanche echoed this sentiment, stating that Depardieu was "particularly moving in a role that feels like an echo of his own life."[16]
References
- ^ a b Joby, Stéphane (6 June 2020). "EXCLUSIF. Le dernier scénario de Jean-Loup Dabadie". Le Journal du Dimanche. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ a b de Montvert-Chaussy, Isabelle (17 June 2020). "Jean-Loup Dabadie a fermé les volets verts de Simenon". Sud Ouest. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "ARP Sélection : Gérard Depardieu et Fanny Ardant tournent dans « Les Volets verts » de Jean Becker". satellifacts.com. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Durandau, L. (16 September 2021). "Un air de Benoît Poelvoorde ? Un casting pour vous à Martigues !". maritima.info. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "Les Volets verts". scriptoclap.fr. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "Démarrage ce lundi du tournage des Volets verts avec Gérard Depardieu... Budget : 6,2M€". Twitter. 25 August 2021. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Amalric, Laurent (21 September 2021). "Gérard Depardieu et Benoît Poelvoorde de retour dans le Var pour un tournage..." Var-Matin. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Goubert, Éric (30 September 2021). "Martigues : "C'est Depardieu, non ?"". La Provence. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ Ouerfelli, N. (30 September 2021). "Martigues. Clap de fin pour le tournage des Volets verts". maritima.info. Retrieved 14 December 2021.
- ^ "Gérard Depardieu visé par une nouvelle plainte pour agression sexuelle". Le Monde. 25 February 2024. Retrieved 26 February 2024.
- ^ Turchi, Marine (25 February 2024). "Une nouvelle plainte pour « agression sexuelle » a été déposée contre Gérard Depardieu". Mediapart. Retrieved 25 February 2024.
- ^ "Le procès de Gérard Depardieu pour « agressions sexuelles » s'ouvre lundi à Paris". Le Monde. 23 March 2025. Retrieved 23 March 2025.
- ^ "Gérard Depardieu found guilty in sexual assault trial". BBC. 2025-05-13. Retrieved 2025-05-13.
- ^ "Les Volets verts". Allociné. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ Balle, Catherine; et al. (23 August 2022). "Sorties cinéma du 24 août : notre sélection". Le Parisien. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "Les critiques des films en salles cette semaine". Le Journal du Dimanche. 20 August 2022. Retrieved 28 August 2022.