You know things are bad when even the French are offended by sexually charged images. And who have guessed it would involve one of its most charming actors, too! Oscar fave Jean Dujardin is a real celebrity now, thanks to the kerfuffle over the outdoor ad campaign for his new film, Les Infidèles (The Players). Dare to see what has Paris -- and media around the world -- crying out, "Quel scandale!"
Jean Dujardin, the Gallic gallant that has charmed the pants off the awards circuit of late for his star-making turn in The Artist, may not be a household name in America. But, attention is being paid to his career and image these days, enough to capture American media attention for controversies brewing at home over how his next film is being marketed, of all things. It seems even the French have limits to shock and awe advertising as represented by a series of racy ads promoting Dujardin's new film, Les Infidèles (The Players).
In one poster, Dujardin is depicted standing between a woman's raised legs with a tag line that translates as, "I'm just going into a meeting." The more explicit image, however, features co-star Gilles Lellouche being orally serviced while on his mobile phone, with the following legend printed above: "It's going to cut out, I'm just entering a tunnel."
The posters, which first appeared in Paris, were launched to promote the February 29 release of Les Infidèles, expertly timed to the distribution of this year's Oscars on February 26, where Dujardin is a front runner to win Best Actor.
Public reaction to the ads has been negative, which American outlets have reacted to with bemusement, given the French standards for defending the provocative. French news website The Local is reporting that advertising regulator ARPP does feel the campaign lacks in taste.agrees the campaign is in bad taste.
"There is no pre-control for posters," said Stéphane Martin of the ARPP. "However we have advised JC Decaux, who manage the poster sites, to take these down."
The Local went on to report that Fabrice Leclerc, editor in chief of leading film magazine, Studio Ciné Live magazine, confirmed that JC Decaux has removed the posters from public view.
The Artist is now playing citywide. Check out Fandango, MovieTickets and NCM for tickets and theater information.
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