French actor Gérard Depardieu is at the center of row over a new Romanian film. Family Film, the producers of the film Condamnat la viaţă/A Farewell To Fools have made seemingly large changes to the final edit, angering the film's cast and director Bogdan Dreyer.

“I do not accept compromises, I do not like to be fooled,” said the French actor in an open letter. Depardieu is backing director Bogdan Dreyer, who says the producers are breaking contractual agreements and do not have copyright over the film's script. The film also stars well-known American actor Harvey Keitel.

In his letter, Gérard Depardieu said he enjoyed making the film and working in Romania with the local actors and director. However, problems have now arisen apparently due to the producers' attempts to secure US distribution. The film has apparently been given a happy Hollywood ending and according to Depardieu, lost some of the “poetry” of the original. The end result, in French actor's opinion, is far closer to a bog-standard Hollywood action feature than the original version of the film ever was.

The film is based on the book Moartea lui Ipu/The Death of Ipu and Depardieu plays the central character Ipu. According to a press release from the Romanian producers, Family Film, Condamnat la viaţă/A Farewell To Fools, will premiere in Romanian cinemas on March 14. Trailer below. 

editor@romania-insider.com

(photo source: Family Film)