Michelle Pfeiffer Stars in ‘French Exit’

By LILY TINOCO | Reporter

Palisadian actress Michelle Pfeiffer can be seen in the upcoming comedy-drama “French Exit.”

The film, based on Patrick DeWitt’s best-selling eponymous novel, is directed by Azazel Jacobs, known for his work on “Momma’s Man” (2008), “Terri” (2011) and “The Lovers” (2017).

Jacobs said work for “French Exit” began when Pfeiffer responded that she wanted to be a part of the film.

“I read the script first, immediately followed it up with the novel, and … half-way through, I was like, ‘I’m in,’” Pfeiffer said at a 2020 New York Film Festival press conference. “You just know when something is really special, it doesn’t come along all that often.”

Pfeiffer takes on the role of Frances Price, a previously wealthy and widowed New York socialite, joined by rising actor Lucas Hedges, who plays her son Malcolm. The two relocate to a friend’s empty apartment in Paris after Frances burns through all her money.

“My plan was to die before the money ran out, but I kept and keep not dying, and here I am,” Pfeiffer’s character remarked in the trailer.

The film has already garnered a number of reviews since its October 8, 2020, New York Film Festival premiere, described as a “satisfying feast for Pfeiffer fans,” according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Ahead of its premiere, Pfeiffer ranked the making of the film in her top five wonderful film-making experiences.

“The cast was so extraordinary, the writing … it just carries you, and working with Aza,” she said. “We worked hard and long, and laughed a lot and had a lot of fun, it was good.”

Presented by Film at Lincoln Center, the 58th New York Film Festival featured drive-in screenings in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens, as well as virtual screenings nationwide, due to COVID-19, but the film has not been widely released yet.

“French Exit,” which has been rated R for some strong language and sexual references and with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes, is slated for a February 12 release in the U.S., followed by a February 26 release in the United Kingdom.