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INITIAL CASTING ANNOUNCED ON
THE MAGICAL, HAUNTING EPIC ADVENTURE
LOVE AND VIRTUE
STELLAR INTERNATIONAL CAST
TO INCLUDE DAMIAN LEWIS, VIRGINIE LEDOYEN, JOHN MALKOVICH,
PETER O’TOOLE, SAFFRON BURROWS, STEPHEN DILLANE, VINCENT
PEREZ, DARYL HANNAH, MICHAEL MADSEN and ANNA MASSEY
LONDON, TBC NOVEMBER, 2006: The captivating
legends of “The Song of Roland” (La Chanson de
Roland) and Orlando Innamorato will soon be brought to life
on the big screen in a lavish new film production, LOVE AND
VIRTUE to be produced by Fountain of Life Productions from
an original script by Mia Sperber and Stefano Pratesi, and
directed by distinguished Chilean director Raoul Ruiz (KLIMT).
Set against the epic battles that raged within Charlemagne’s
Empire, this often turbulent and mystical story explores themes
of love and desire, loyalty and friendship.
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British leading actor Damian Lewis (STORMBREAKER) will play
the story’s valiant hero Orlando, faithful knight to
King Charlemagne’s Court who is passionately in love
with the beautiful Angelica, played by stunning French actress
Virginie Ledoyen (BOSQUE DE SOMBRAS, THE BEACH). The
stellar international cast includes John Malkovich (RIPLEY’S
GAME, BEING JOHN MALKOVICH) as the Barbarian leader Rodomonte;
British actor Peter O’Toole (VENUS,ONE NIGHT WITH THE
KING) as the wise wizard Atlantes who gives guidance to the
heroes; Saffron Burrows (PERFECT CREATURE, BROKEN THREAD)
as the beautiful and courageous female knight Bradamante;
Stephen Dillane (THE HOURS) as the Emperor Charlemagne, a
great man of virtue and moral standing whose intention it
is to unify the people of Europe against the invaders in a
community of truth and care for others. Also starring
Leonor Varela (BLADE II) as the sexy, provocative Morgana,
Orlando’s temptress; Vincent Perez (NOUVELLE-FRANCE)
as Barbarian knight Ruggiero who joins Charlemagne’s
army for love of Bradamante; Cristiàn de la Fuente
(CSI: MIAMI) as evil knight Ferrau who pursues Angelica and
slays her brother Argalia (Max Ryan);
Daryl Hannah (KILL BILL) is Angelica’s best friend Fiordelisa
who is abducted by the Barbarians; Michael Madsen (RESERVOIR
DOGS) plays the vulgar, impetuous co-leader of the Barbarians
Gradasso, and revered British actress Anna Massey (THE IMPORTANCE
OF BEING EARNEST) plays Eleanor, loyal secretary to the Emperor.
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The presence of the gifted and experienced child actors Alexa
Rey (Marie) and martial arts world champion Boo Boo Stewart
(Pierre), who lend their voices and dancing abilities to a
production featuring several remarkable songs, greatly add
to the film’s appeal.“The fact that such a wonderful
cast, director and production team has come together is a
testament to the script, so caringly crafted by Mia and Stefano,”
says producer Alex Sullivan. “We are thrilled
and very excited at the prospect of having such a fantastic
cross section of talented actors and technicians from all
over the world to work with us.”“To the best of
our knowledge, this exceptional historical era, at the centre
of which stands Charlemagne, the enlightened king who changed
the face of Europe, has never been presented on screen before.
We have approached history with a compassionate and personal
touch, which has opened the way to a powerful, heart-warming
and thought-provoking motion picture,” adds Mia Sperber,
who wrote the screenplay and will share producer duties with
Sullivan.
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Raoul Ruiz expressed his delight to be invited to direct LOVE
AND VIRTUE, “It is a pleasure to work with such an outstanding
cast and team that has put its heart and mind into creating
a feature of superb cinematography, stunning sets and costumes,
and unforgettable music. The dreamy, magical side of the characters
does not detract from their authenticity, but rather enhances
the chance that modern viewers will be able to identify with
them given the current widespread mystical approach to life.”
Legendary Lalo Schifrin (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE, THE BRIDGE OF
SAN LUIS REY, COOL HAND LUKE) will compose the music, and
leading British designer Keith Wilson (STALIN, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS)
is the Production Designer. Costumes will be designed
by Ann Hollowood ( The Ten Commandments, Merlin, The Legend
of Leprechauns) and the Director of Photography is Ricardo
Aronovich (KLIMT, YO PUTA, MISSING).
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