Weinstein Company Acquires U.S. Rights to Yves Saint Laurent Biopic

The Weinstein Company has just acquired U.S. distribution rights to the French language biopic “Yves Saint Laurent.” Directed by Jalil Lespert (“Headwinds”) with a screenplay by Lespert and Marrie-Pierre Huster. Pierre Niney (“18 Years Old and Rising”) will star as legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, with Guillaume Gallienne (“Marie Antoinette”) set to play Saint Laurent’s onetime romantic partner and fashion house co-founder Pierre Berge.

The movie begins in January 1958, when Yves Saint Laurent – just 21 years old – is unexpectedly called upon to oversee the great Paris fashion house established by the recently deceased Christian Dior. Fashionistas were focused on his first haute couture collection for Dior that would turn out to be a groundbreaking success.

During this early period of his career Saint Laurent met Pierre Bergé, who was a patron of the arts and became the future love of his life and his lifelong business partner. Together, a mere three years later, they created the legendary fashion house Yves Saint Laurent Company.

Commenting on the movie deal, director Lespert said: “YSL’s story is a ‘bigger than life’ type of story. It is also one of the few subjects which is ‘so French’ and, at the same time, internationally appealing. I’m very proud to see my film brought to American audiences by TWC, who are the best possible partners, and so happy to work with Harvey Weinstein who has shown over the years his profound love for French cinema.”

“Yves Saint Laurent’s unmatched vision, ambition, and business savvy continue to spark intrigue in the eyes of the world.” said Harvey Weinstein. “The personal and business relationship shared between him and Pierre Bergé only added further depth to his story; we feel that Jalil Lespert’s film will perfectly capture these combined elements.”

The press release from the Weinstein Company also mentioned that there was no connection between this film  and the one director Bertrand Bonello is preparing to shoot on Saint Laurent starring Gaspard Ulliel and Jeremie Renier.