Melanie Laurent Set to Write and Direct Period Thriller THE MAD WOMEN'S BALL Based on Award-Winning Novel

Melanie Laurent, known for her roles in Inglourious Basterds, Now You See Me, and 6 Underground, as well as directing the film Galveston, has a new project she is directing. The period thriller is called The Mad Women’s Ball, based on the award-winning novel by Victoria Mas. Variety provides the following rundown:

The story of “The Mad Women’s Ball” takes place at the end of the 19th century in Paris, at a time when women deemed too rebellious or difficult were frequently labeled as insane and institutionalized. The action unfolds at the Salpêtrière hospital where these women diagnosed with different kinds of nervous system disorders were confined and put under the supervision of neurologists such as Jean-Martin Charcot. Each year, a prestigious ball was organized with the patients and attracted the Parisian elite; it was a place to see and be seen.

As in the book, the film adaptation will follow a woman who was unfairly institutionalized at the Salpêtrière hospital and manages to escape. An ambitious film in terms of scope, “The Mad Women’s Ball” will be set against major historical events.

This is an important story that needs to be told, and this is just the time to tell it. The film is in development, with Laurent at the helm, and adapting the screenplay as well. It is not yet known if the movie will be in English or French, but I’m really interested in seeing it either way. Does this story pique your interest?