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WILDE VS ENGLAND

« WILDE VS ENGLAND », a female driven pamphlet against homophobia.

The unprecedented story of Oscar Wilde's fall, culminating with a KO in the ring at the hands of his archenemy, Lord Queensberry, inventor of the rules of English boxing.

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Synopsis
In the height of his fame, Oscar Wilde's illegal affair with Bosie Douglas spirals into a battle of loyalty and betrayal with the violent determination of Bosie's father, Lord Queensberry, who is the creator of modern boxing. 
As Bosie settles scores with his father, Wilde finds himself not only confronting societal contradictions but also fighting for his own dignity and freedom. In a captivating blend of historical facts and allegory, the ring becomes the battleground for their conflict. Words collide with fists, revealing Wilde's tragic yet heroic struggle, offering a bold portrayal of a society poisoned by hypocrisy, where the artist becomes both martyr and hero.

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​​​Prospective casting: Viggo MORTENSEN – Luke EVANS– Gabriel Kane DAY-LEWIS

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International coproduction: GRAND PICTURES (IE) - BESIDE Productions (BE) – ARTAK Pictures (USA & LU) – LUMIÈRE PROJECT (HK)

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Producers Note
Our close relationship with Oscar Wilde's grandson, Merlin Holland, has enabled us to create a story in which the cavalier, progressive, boxer antihero, Lord Queensberry, emerges at the heart of a psychological thriller that leads Oscar Wilde to ruin.
The audience also leaves the ring knocked out. Round after round, the story deals with homophobia, family violence and the pressures of society, which feed a generational trauma that spans over centuries.

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Drawing from the real-life events of Oscar Wilde's trial, the screenplay navigates from historical accuracy to a more allegorical interpretation of reality. Its climax, a departure from the conventional courtroom setting, envisions Wilde and Lord "England" Queensberry facing off not with legal arguments, but with both words and fists in a boxing ring.

The Director: Laurent BOUTONNAT


Wilde vs England demands a bold and sophisticated artistique vision and Laurent Boutonnat brings a rare dual mastery of directing and composing.

Pioneer who elevated music videos to cinematic art and propelled French icon Mylène Farmer by crafting her visual and musical identity, he combines artistic excellence with global commercial appeal.

​Director of GIORGINO (cult among cinephile) and JACQUOU LE CROQUANT (budget €20M, 1M admissions in France and 2 César nominations)​

Audience & sales records: over 80M views on YouTube and over 8M records sold

Awards: 2 César nominations - Best clip of the year at “Victoires de la musique ”- Grand Prix Audiovisual Author-Director

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