Studiocanal Unveils First Image of Matt Dillon, Anamaria Vartolomei as Marlon Brando, Maria Schneider in Jessica Palud’s Cannes Movie (EXCLUSIVE)

Studiocanal has unveiled an exclusive first-look still of Matt Dillon and Anamaria Vartolomei (“Happening”) starring as Marlon Brando and Maria Schneider in Jessica Palud’s movie “Maria,” which is slated to bow at the Cannes Film Festival.

Palud’s film sheds light on the tragic life of Maria Schneider, who starred opposite Marlon Brando in Bernardo Bertolucci’s “The Last Tango in Paris” at the age of 19 and never recovered from the shoot. The film depicts how Schneider was imposed an un-simulated rape scene on the set of “The Last Tango in Paris” by Bertolucci and Brando.

“Maria,” the only movie directed by a female filmmaker that’s set for Cannes Premiere, is based on “Tu t’appelais Maria Schneider,” a book written by Vanessa Schneider, the actress’ cousin. Haut et Court, the banner behind the Cesar-winning movie “The Night of the 12th,” will release “Maria” in French theaters on June 19. The film is produced by Marielle Duigou at Les Films de Mina.

Studiocanal (ex Orange Studio) will be handling international sales on the film at the Cannes Film Market.

Speaking to Variety ahead of the Cannes Film Festival, Palud said both Dillon and Vartolomei told her these roles were “the hardest things” they had done as actors.

“Getting into Brando’s skin who slid into something so violently wrong was dreadful. It remains an attack that happened in front people. But no one reacted and continued filming,” said Palud, adding that Dillon was her “first choice.” “I wanted someone who truly embodies Hollywood,” said the French filmmaker.

As for Vartolomei, Palud says “she was pivotal as she was going to be in every single shot.” “I had to be captivated by the main actress to let her carry Maria’s voice.”

“Annamaria does have a rare cinematic presence. We rehearsed a lot for several months, worked on emotions, watched movies together,” Palud continued. Ultimately, Palud says “Maria” is a movie about “the gaze. How it can hurt and seriously damage when someone isn’t understood or taken seriously.”

Here’s a first still: