'Frantz' trivia and fun facts
French style pronunciation
In German, the titular name is usually spelled "Franz". The film's title, "Frantz", is a frequent misspelling by French speakers, so the title serves as a nod to the fact that the titular character is supposed to be a francophile and therefore he might have preferred that spelling, not to mention it sounds similar to "France".
Chain Adaptations
'Frantz' is a new version of 'Broken Lullaby', directed by Ernst Lubitsch in 1932, which was, in turn, adapted from a play by Maurice Rostand, published in 1930. However, Ozon wanted to give a new perspective. Instead of focusing on the French soldier, he wanted the look was promised the young German girl with the deceased fiancé.
French film with German language
This is the second adaptation of François Ozon in co-production with Germany, the first was 'Water Drops on Burning Rocks' in 2000. However, 'Frantz' is the first film by French director shot in German language.
New Romy Schneider?
The 21-years-old German actress Paula Beer was about to debut in the French film 'Diplomacy', directed by Volker Schlöndorff, but eventually she was cut in the final edition. With 'Frantz' is her film debut in French cinema. Ozon was looking for an actress who looked like Romy Schneider and he chose Beer to the delicate melancholy she conveys.
Venice Film Festival
The film, directed by François Ozon, was selected in Venice Film Festival (2016) and it was awarded with Best New Female Acting to Paula Beer.
Insipired by Haneke and Kazan
François Ozon recommended his actors who watched 'The White Ribbo' by Michael Haneke and 'Splendor in the Gras' by Elia Kazan to create the necessary atmosphere for the film.
San Sebastian Film Festival
The film was selected in San Sebastian Film Festival and it was selected in Perlas section.