Drafthouse Films has released the first domestic trailer for The Connection (La French), a film said to be the American cousin to William Friedkin‘s classic The French Connection starring Jean Dujardin (The Artist) and Gilles Lellouche (Point Blank, Mesrine: Killer Instinct).
Set for a limited release on May 15, the film was directed and co-written by Cédric Jimenez (Aux yeux de tous) and entirely shot on 35mm. Here’s the plot:
A stylish, 70’s-period crime thriller inspired by true events, it tells the story of real-life Marseilles magistrate Pierre Michel (Jean Dujardin) and his relentless crusade to dismantle the most notorious drug smuggling operation in history: the French Connection. In his crosshairs is charismatic and wealthy kingpin, Gatean “Tany” Zampa (Gilles Lellouche), who runs the largest underground heroin trade into the States. Though the fearless and tenacious Michel, aided by a task force of elite cops, will stop at nothing–including boldly orchestrated drug raids, devastating arrests, and exacting interrogations–to ensure the crime ring’s demise, Zampa’s “La French” always seems one step ahead. As La French mounts its retaliation, Michel will be forced to make the most difficult decision of his life: to continue waging his war, or ensure his family’s safety, before it’s too late.
Céline Sallette and Benoît Magimel co-star, check out the first red band trailer and teaser poster below.
