Other cast members include Judith Chemla, David Ayala and Olga Kurylenko.
Deadline caught up with Giannoli ahead of the screening.
DEADLINE:What drew you to this story?
Xavier GiannoliLaurent Koffel/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
XAVIER GIANNOLI:The series is inspired by real facts in Fabrice Arfis book but its not a documentary.
I was immediately hooked by the characters and the different social circles.
Then, there is also the environmental dimension.
GIANNOLI:There were so many characters.
Then, you have to go into the intimate details of each character, their families, their backgrounds.
Was the process very different?
I have to thank the Original Creation team at Canal+.
They left me totally free in exactly the same way when I write for cinema.
DEADLINE:Was the writing process different?
GIANNOLI:Canal+ introduced me to writer Jean-Baptiste Delafon (Baron Noir,Promises).
We structured the episodes, although it changed during the actual writing and shooting… and then I wrote…
Writing for me, is the moment where I see the film.
There was no sense that I was writing to a commission.
I was totally free.
GIANNOLI:I previously madeThe Apparitionwith Vincent.
There is a sense he is someone who wants to understand things with concrete facts.
I like creating characters with a fixed idea.
From a dramatic point of view, it can create a lot of tension.
I like obsessed characters.
He has this look of someone who is always observing and wont put up with lies.
Its why I first cast him forThe Apparition.
DEADLINE:And Ramzy Bedia in the role of small-time crook Alain Fitoussi?
He is better known as a mainstream comedy actor in France.
The important thing for me is that it is the right person for the role.
Ramzy immediately got into the role.
Hes a really big star in France.
DEADLINE:You were last in Venice withLost Illusionswhich played in Competition.
What does it mean to you to return with a drama series?
GIANNOLI:Its a huge honor and above all a pleasure as I love Venice.
I am happy about that because it was one of my ambitions.
