With the upcoming release of Russell Crowe's latest film The Next Three Days it is clear that French films are filtering their way into mainstream English language cinema. For decades Hollywood studios have been making adaptations of successful French films, capitalising on the country's unique talent for storytelling. The Next Three Days is based on Fred Cavayé's suspense thriller Pour Elle (For Her) a huge box-office hit starring Vincent Lindon and Diane Kruger. The film features an ordinary man inspired by the love he has for his wife to pull off an extraordinary feat and beat seemingly insurmountable odds. This showcases French storytelling at its best. Here follows a list of original French films from the last several decades and their respective Hollywood re-makes:
Anthony Zimmer (2005) starring Sophie Marceau - The Tourist (2010) starring Angelina Jolie
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Nathalie (2004) starring Gerard Depardieu - Chloe (2010) starring Liam Neeson
Neuf Mois (1993)starring Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu - Nine Months (1995) starring Hugh Grant
Nikita (1990) starring Anne Parillaud - The Assassin (1993) starring Bridget Fonda
Trois Hommes et un Couffin (1985) starring Roland Giraud - Three Men and a Baby (1987) starring Tom Selleck
Les Comperes (1983) starring Gerard Depardieu - Father's Day (1997) starring Robin Williams
La Cage aux Folles (1978) starring Ugo Tognazzi - The Birdcage (1996) starring Robin Williams
La Bonne Annee (1973) starring Lino Venture - Happy New Year (1987) starring Peter Falk
Les Choses De La Vie (1970) starring Michel Piccoli - Intersection (1994) starring Richard Gere
Le Miroir a Deax Faces starring Michèle Morgan (1958) - The Mirror has Two Faces (1996) starring Barbra Streisand
Boudu sauve Des Eaux (1932) starring Michel Simon - Down and out in Beverly Hills (1986) starring Bette Midler
And no doubt there will be many more to add in the years to come!
