Woody Harrelson stars in Quentin Dupieux’s upcoming film Full Phil, a project currently filming entirely in Paris. The movie centers on Harrelson’s character, Philip Doom, a wealthy American industrialist attempting to reconnect with his daughter during a lavish trip, highlighting the keyword Woody Harrelson Full Phil.
The Story Behind Full Phil and Its Ensemble Cast
Full Phil brings together a prominent cast including Kristen Stewart as Madeleine, Philip Doom’s daughter, along with Emma Mackey, Charlotte Le Bon, Tim Heidecker, and Nassim Lyes. Studiocanal is collaborating once again with French producer Hugo Selignac to manage this English-language film’s international sales. In France, distribution will be handled by Diaphana, with Canal+ having pre-purchased the rights for broadcast.
The narrative follows Philip Doom’s effort to rebuild his relationship with Madeleine on a luxurious Parisian trip. According to the synopsis,
“Unfortunately, French cuisine, a 1950s horror film and an intrusive hotel employee disrupt the smooth running of their stay,”
illustrating the peculiar challenges Philip faces that add layers of tension and unpredictability to the story.
Paris as the Setting With a Unique Production Approach
Although featuring primarily American actors, Full Phil is filmed exclusively in Paris using Quentin Dupieux’s regular French crew. This is not Dupieux’s first English-language film; he previously directed Rubber in California, which starred Stephen Spinella among others. The choice of Paris as the backdrop underlines the film’s blend of international talent and local production expertise.
Quentin Dupieux’s Distinctive Style and Previous Works
Quentin Dupieux is renowned for his unconventional, absurdist humor and bold cinematic style that sets him apart in the French film industry. He began his career as a successful electronic musician and record producer before transitioning fully into filmmaking. His 2024 release, The Second Act, which premiered at Cannes Film Festival, satirizes French actors adapting to social changes triggered by the #MeToo movement.
The Second Act achieved commercial success in France, selling over half a million tickets and earning acclaim for its sharp and daring comedy. Selignac noted,
“It’s wild — Quentin’s films are extremely popular with the coolest American actors,”
emphasizing the filmmaker’s cross-cultural appeal. He added,
“When we send them Quentin’s films, they’re struck, because when you look at American comedy today, it’s a bit dead.”
Selignac further observed,
“‘The Second Act,’ in particular, generated a lot of excitement. Suddenly, American actors said to themselves, ‘Wait, can we still make films like this? Can we still laugh at everything? Can we still make jokes like this about women, men, minorities?’”
This enthusiasm indicates a renewed interest in Dupieux’s brand of fearless and subversive humor among international performers.
Ongoing Collaboration and Impact on Contemporary Cinema
Full Phil marks the eighth collaboration between Dupieux and Selignac in six years, following titles such as Mandibules, Smoking Causes Coughing, Yannick, Daaaaalí!, The Second Act, The Piano Accident, and Signaux. Dupieux’s films frequently feature esteemed French actors and have gained a strong following among cinephiles both in France and internationally, performing well at the box office and in global markets.
Selignac credits Dupieux’s success to his
“talent for writing extraordinary roles and his exceptional dialogue,”
which resonate deeply with audiences and performers alike. The partnership between Studiocanal and Selignac has proven fruitful, having backed thirteen films produced by Selignac, including Gilles Lellouche’s Beating Hearts, which earned $36 million in France, and thrillers by Cedric Jimenez such as The Stronghold and November.
Future collaborations also appear promising, with the upcoming Dog 51 set to premiere, following its world debut at the Venice Film Festival, and a theatrical release scheduled by Studiocanal in October. This continuing series of projects highlights the strength of their creative alliance and the vitality of French cinema’s influence on the international stage.
The Anticipated Reception and What Lies Ahead
With a star-studded international cast led by Woody Harrelson and Kristen Stewart, combined with Dupieux’s unique directorial vision, Full Phil is poised to attract significant attention. The film’s mixture of comedy, familial tension, and uncanny disruptions set against the backdrop of Paris promises to engage audiences seeking fresh voices in cinema.
As the film completes production, industry observers and cinephiles alike will be watching closely to see how this blend of American and French elements performs critically and commercially. Given Dupieux’s track record for striking balance between humor and thought-provoking content, Full Phil could further cement his place as a distinctive filmmaker capable of bridging diverse cinematic cultures.
