Paramount has released the first Allied image online. Per the official synopsis, the film is “the story of intelligence officer Max Vatan (Brad Pitt), who in 1942 North Africa encounters French Resistance fighter Marianne Beausejour (Marion Cotillard) on a deadly mission behind enemy lines. Reunited in London, their relationship is threatened by the extreme pressures of the war.”
It’s been a while since director Robert Zemeckis was in any sort of contention for the awards race even though he’s made awards-friendly dramas since 1994’s Forrest Gump. Allied could easily put him back in the race with its World War II setting, Oscar-winning leads, and romantic-thriller plot. The film could also boost the Oscar chances for Pitt and Cotillard. Producer Graham King talked up their performances to People:
"It was crucial for Brad and Marion to not only begin rehearsing together before the shoot, but they also spent a lot of time developing their characters with the director, Robert Zemeckis," King says about the lead-up to filming. "By the time we got to set, it was really amazing to see these characters already feel lived in and real."
It will be interesting to see if Allied pops up at any film festivals before its theatrical release date or if the studio feels comfortable enough letting it bypass the festival circuit. It certainly has the starpower and pedigree to attract attention on its own.
Check out the Allied image below. The film opens November 23rd and also stars Lizzy Caplan and Matthew Goode.
