Roman Polanski to direct "Venus in Fur"

The famed director has been inspired by a masochistic story that hits a little too close to home

Published September 21, 2012 3:54PM (EDT)

   (Featureflash / Shutterstock.com)
(Featureflash / Shutterstock.com)

In today's dose of awkward news, Roman Polanski -- who fled sexual abuse charges in the U.S. more than 30 years ago -- has announced that he will direct the film version of "Venus in Fur," about a relationship between a director and a much younger actress. The film is an adaptation of the Broadway play, itself adapted, of course, from the kinky book.

Polanski's version gets even more disturbingly symbolic: He has cast his wife, actress Emmanuelle Seigner, as the actress.  In a statement, Polanski said, “I’ve been looking for a chance to make a film in French with Emmanuelle for a long time," adding, "Reading 'Venus in Fur,' I realized the moment had arrived.”


By Prachi Gupta

Prachi Gupta is an Assistant News Editor for Salon, focusing on pop culture. Follow her on Twitter at @prachigu or email her at pgupta@salon.com.

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Film France Masochism Movies Roman Polanski Venus In Furs