Simon Killer (2012)

A recent college graduate flees to Paris after a break-up, where his involvement with a prostitute begins to reveal a potentially dark recent past.

Director:

Antonio Campos

Writers:

Antonio Campos, Antonio Campos (story)

Stars:

Brady Corbet, Mati Diop, Lila Salet

1 win & 5 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brady Corbet	...	Simon
Nicolas Ronchi	...	Carlo
Constance Rousseau	...	Marianne
Lila Salet	...	Sophie
Etienne Rotha Moeng	...	Cambodian Man
Yannis Calonnec	...	Street Hustler
Johan Jacques-Andre Coquin	...	Brothel Runner
Mati Diop	...	Victoria / Noura
Shaina	...	Madame
Oksana	...	Hostess Bar Worker
Anais	...	Hostess Bar Worker (as Anaïs)
Catie	...	Hostess Bar Worker
Frederic Jolie	...	Customer
Alexandra Neil	...	Simon's Mom (as Alexandra Neill)
Samir Hartouf	...	Gare du Nord Kid

Storyline

Recently heartbroken, Simon travels to Paris to clear his head. After several days of wandering aimlessly, Simon finds himself drawn into a sex parlor and has a sexual encounter with an exotic prostitute, Victoria. The chemistry builds between the two until they find themselves in a serious relationship, one that leads to blackmail, betrayal and the ultimate revelation of Simon's true nature.

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Plot Keywords:

prostitute | blackmail | masturbation | male rear nudity | written by director | 

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA France

Language:

English French

Release Date:

12 April 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Az igazi Simon

Filming Locations:

Paris, France

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,054, 7 April 2013, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$21,303, 28 April 2013

Company Credits

Production Co:

FilmHaven Entertainment,BorderLine Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

101 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in The Heart Machine (2014)

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Soundtracks

Scheherazade
, Op.35
Written by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov
Performed by Danny Bensi

User Reviews

Unusual and challenging film...

"Simon Killer" may the toughest film I've ever tried to categorize. It's not a horror film, it's not a thriller, it's not a romance, and it's not a drama. And yet, in another way, it *is* all of those. From the very title of the movie to the closing scene, this film defies all common conventions.

"Simon Killer" is the story of Simon, played brilliantly by Brady Corbet, who has just graduated from college and comes to Paris to get over a bad breakup. We never meet Michelle, his ex, but based on Simon's e-mails to her and her reply, it was not a happy breakup, and maybe even worse than that. While there, he meets a drop-dead gorgeous hooker (Mati Diop) and they start a relationship.

I could discuss more of the plot -- and there is definitely more, involving blackmail attempts and other events -- but really, it's irrelevant. The film basically invites us to watch Simon and what he does. And it's engrossing. And the question is, what IS Simon, really. He's not really a pleasant guy. Why is he doing what he's doing? Is he a pathological liar? Or just a confused kid telling small lies in a foreign land. Does he hate women and think they are only for sex? Or is it the opposite, and he gets deeply emotionally involved. "Simon Killer" is fascinating and potentially frustrating as it invites you to watch and yet refuses to give pat answers and instead, seems to raise more questions.

Film, like all art, is subjective, and I found "Simon Killer" absolutely riveting. You may find it disturbing and uncomfortable, but I think it's worth the ride.