Director of 'Under Paris' Utilized Hollywood Techniques to Craft an "Anti-Hollywood" Sensation

Xavier Gens, born the same year that Steven Spielberg released 'Jaws,' delves into the creation of his provocative shark thriller set beneath the iconic landmarks of Paris. The river Seine, slicing through the heart of French culture past institutions like the Musée d’Orsay and Notre Dame Cathedral, serves as the unlikely battleground where Gens unleashes a monstrous, mostly CGI shark — a mutated descendant of Hollywood's iconic 'Jaws.' 

This creature, symbolic of American summer blockbusters, lurks in the city's sacred waters and catacombs, challenging the very essence of French identity and cinema. Despite its seemingly Hollywood-inspired premise, 'Under Paris,' directed and co-written by Xavier Gens, is far from a surrender to American cinematic norms. Known for his work on U.S. productions such as 2007’s 'Hitman,' Gens subverts genre conventions with a dose of French nihilism. 

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The film transforms a serene swimming event into a horrific feeding frenzy, with the City of Light itself succumbing to floodwaters and its inhabitants facing a grim, hopeless fate. This bleak narrative twist serves as a poignant commentary on cultural invasion and environmental degradation, wrapped in a spectacle of carnivorous spectacle. Interestingly, the outlandish concept hasn't deterred audiences. 

'Under Paris' has dominated Netflix charts for consecutive weeks since its June release, amassing over 70 million views. According to Gens, it has also claimed the title of the most-watched French film of all time on the platform, surpassing classics like 1966’s 'La Grande Vadrouille.' However, these claims remain unverified by independent sources, leaving the exact metrics of its success open to interpretation.

In a recent interview, Gens highlighted the film's multifaceted appeal. 'Under Paris' operates not just as a cultural satire and environmental cautionary tale but also as a showcase of French technical prowess in filmmaking. 

Its blend of gore and dark humour aims to entertain diverse audiences while subtly echoing real-world concerns. Gens suggests that some of the film's most implausible scenarios draw inspiration from actual events, underscoring its eerie resonance with contemporary issues and anxieties.

-Sushmita Sarkar