EXCLUSIVE: An exhaustive casting call has gone out this morning for the thinly veiled movie about the “DSK” scandal that rocked New York, Paris and the world in 2011.  Dominique Strauss Kahn–the French politician and businessman– wwas arrested for allegedly raping a New York hotel maid on May 15, 2011. Gerard Depardieu stars as the renamed  “Devereaux” and is the co-producer of the film.

The descriptions of the needed cast call for “full nudity,” “simulated sex” and orgy scenes.And there seems to be a decided point of view: that the maid lied. There also seem plans to graphically re-create the alleged–but never legally proved –rape.

The maid, in the movie, is described: [MAID] Searching for African woman (Native African NOT African American) in her early to mid 30s. This maid seems impassive when Devereaux exits his shower in the nude. Later, disheveled and seemingly distraught, she falsely accuses Devereaux of sexual assault…no lines, at least 4 scenes MUST BE ABLE TO DO FULL NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX SCENES. [Ed note: I have added bold faced type]

The story brought international headlines and was such a scandal that it destroyed DSK’s plans to run for the French presidency. At the time of his arrest, Kahn was Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund and had been  French Minister of the Economy, Finance and Industry. He resigned from the IMF on May 18. 20011.

DSK went into house arrest in downtown Manhattan with his wealthy French wife, Anne Sinclair, while the NYPD investigated the case. In the end, no charges were brought against him. But the maid, Nafissatou Diallo. sued him and the case was eventually settled. The Kahns returned to France, where they are now divorced.

Eccentric director Abel Ferrara announced plans last year to make the movie, with French legend Gerard Depardieu signed to play DSK and Isabelle Huppert to play his wife Anne Sinclair. In the casting sheet, there is no mention of Sinclair or Huppert. But the movie is set to begin shooting in NYC next month.

A whole group of characters is being cast in “docudrama” style. The call is for people with real life experience who’ve worked in law enforcement and for hotels.

The film’s summary: A former college professor, swept up into the fast-paced world of politics by his ambitious, wealthy wife, is an unabashed hedonist who is on the fast track to become the next president of France. However, an accusation of rape while in the U.S. derails his career and
makes him take a good, hard look at his marriage, his morals, his motives, and the alarming downward path he suddenly finds himself on — a trajectory that may ultimately lead to redemption…

The full casting call:

CAST: Devereaux (Gerard Depardieu)
[DAUGHTER] Devereaux’s daughter, she’s a beautiful, bright young woman in her mid 20’s who
gets along famously with her father, whose practicality and keen intellect she shares. She’s
accepting of her father’s hedonistic shenanigans, but her wealthy new American boyfriend may
not be as tolerant as she is…LEAD
[DESMOND DELACROIX] Searching for French man in his 40’s/50’s. Must speak fluent, native
French (NOT Quebecois French). In sharp contrast to his free-wheeling boss, Devereaux,
Delacroix is a buttoned-down and serious functionary, a former secret service officer and now the
head of Devereaux’s security team. He’s preparing his team to protect the next president of
France — but their expectations are derailed by scandal…3 speeches & 1 lines, at least 1 scene
[GEORGE, PHILLIPE, PIERRE] Searching for French Men in their 40’s/50’s. Must speak Fluent,
native French (NOT Quebecois French). Devereaux’s loyal “crew,” these men are accustomed to
the sexual escapades of their boss, and indeed, exuberantly join in his latest orgy in a New York
hotel suite…4 lines, 4 scenes; 2 lines, 3 scenes; 3 lines, 4 scenes respectively
[RENEE] Searching for French woman in her 30s. Must speak Fluent, native French (NOT
Quebecois French). Simone’s classy assistant, she takes a keen interest in Devereaux’s political
career, just like Simone, to whom she is fiercely loyal. She’s also appalled at the unraveling
scandal…2 speeches & 7 lines, 5 scenes
[JOSH] Josh is a wealthy blueblood from Kentucky in his mid to late 20’s whose family is into
manufacturing. Somewhat taken aback by Devereaux’s frank talk about sex, Josh may not be
able to handle the breaking scandal surrounding Devereaux…17 lines, 1 scene
[LIVIA] Searching for French woman in her 40s/50s. Must speak native, fluent French (NOT
Quebecois French). Simone’s close and trusted friend, this French socialite responds with
surprising sarcasm and venom to the scandal, denouncing Devereaux as a “peasant” whose guilt
is a foregone conclusion…5 speeches & 5 lines, 1 scene
[INMATE 1, 2 AND 3] Searching for African American and Latino men in their 20s/30s. Searching
for tough, urban, thug types. Men of color, these threatening and intimidating inmates share a
holding cell with Devereaux at the Tombs in New York. They treat Devereaux with hostility,
suspicion, and outright menace…3 speeches & 7 lines, 1 scene; 2 lines, 1 scene; 1 speech & 1
line, 1 scene respectively
[YOUNG MAN] Searching for African American and Latino man in his 20s. Searching for tough,
urban, thug types.This creepy young man is in the Tombs for beheading his best friend. Bright but
unhinged, he tells Devereaux that he still converses freely with his pal’s severed head, which he
has kept in his freezer…2 speeches & 5 lines, 1 scene

[ELENA] She is Devereaux’s striking aide, who warmly greets her boss upon his arrival in the
U.S. She later administers a massage and engages in a steamy public tryst with her boss…no
lines, at least 2 scenes MUST BE ABLE TO DO FULL NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX SCENES
[SECURITY AGENT #2] A man in his 40s member of Devereaux’s security team, he’s extremely
uncomfortable when Devereaux starts publicly fondling his aide, Elena…1 line, 1 scene MUST
SPEAK NATIVE FLUENT FRENCH
[ROXANNE, BEBE, LILLY AND FIFI] SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL EASTERN EUROPEAN,
FRENCH AND LATINA WOMEN. These gorgeous young prostitutes enthusiastically join
Devereaux and his crew in a sumptuous orgy in a New York hotel suite. They are all charmed by
the randy and rollicking Devereaux…3 lines, 3 scenes; 1 speech, 2 scenes; 2 lines, 2 scenes; 2
lines, 2 scenes respectively MUST BE ABLE TO DO FULL NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX
SCENES
[DESIREE AND ELENA] SEARCHING FOR BEAUTIFUL RUSSIAN AND EASTERN
EUROPEAN WOMEN. These beautiful Russian prostitutes engage in a sado-masochistic tryst
with Devereaux that gets a bit out of hand…no lines, 3 scenes apiece MUST BE ABLE TO DO
FULL NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX SCENES

[MAID] Searching for African woman (Native African NOT African American) in her early to mid
30s. This maid seems impassive when Devereaux exits his shower in the nude. Later, disheveled
and seemingly distraught, she falsely accuses Devereaux of sexual assault…no lines, at least 4
scenes MUST BE ABLE TO DO FULL NUDITY AND SIMULATED SEX SCENES.

[MAN] This mysterious man steals Devereaux’s Blackberry from his hotel suite…no lines, at least
1 scene SEARCHING FOR STRONG, IMPOSING, INTERESTING TYPES
[MAITRE D’] This maitre d’ at an upscale New York restaurant warmly greets Devereaux in
French…possible lines, 1 scene MUST SPEAK FLUENT, NATIVE FRENCH
[GENTLEMAN] This loud and obviously intoxicated older gentleman holds forth at a small
birthday party about Simone’s various charities and outreaches…2 speeches, 1 scene
SEARCHING FOR ELEGANT, SOCIALITE TYPE
[DINNER GUEST AND DINNER GUEST 2] These chic society types attend a small birthday party
at Simone’s Paris apartment…1 line, 1 scene apiece SEARCHING FOR CHIC, HIGH SOCIETY
MALE AND FEMALE TYPES
NOTE: IN DOCUDRAMA STYLE, FOR THE FOLLOWING ROLES WE ARE SEARCHING FOR
MEN AND WOMEN WITH REAL LIFE EXPERIENCE PERTAINING TO THE CHARACTERS.
PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSIONS.
[HOTEL CLERK] This female manager at a New York hotel is being questioned by detectives
when she receives an urgent phone call from Devereaux, who is trying to find his missing
Blackberry…at least 1 speech, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR WOMEN WITH HOTEL
EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[DETECTIVE AND DETECTIVE PA] These detectives take Devereaux into custody at JFK, and
later interrogate him at the Port Authority precinct…2 speeches & 3 lines, 2 scenes; 1 speech & 2
lines, 2 scenes respectively SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH REAL POLICE DETECTIVE
EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[PAUL] This aging pop star is being feted by Simone at a small birthday party in Paris…no lines,
at least 2 scenes SEARCHING FOR FRENCH SINGER/MUSICIANS IN THEIR 40s/50s.
PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[SGT. LANDANO] This detective informs Devereaux that the NYPD needs to speak to him about
an “incident’ in a local hotel…2 lines, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH REAL POLICE
EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[DETECTIVE ROSARIO] This NYPD detective tells the disconsolate Devereaux he will have to
wait until the other detectives come back to the unit…2 lines, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR MEN
WITH REAL POLICE DETECTIVE EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN
SUBMISSION.
[JUDGE] This unsympathetic female judge slaps Devereaux with a million dollar bail…1 speech &
4 lines, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR WOMEN WITH REAL LEGAL EXPERIENCE. PLEASE
STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[PROSECUTOR] This prosecutor tells the Judge that Devereaux constitutes a flight risk…1
speech & 1 line, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH REAL LEGAL EXPERIENCE. PLEASE
STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[GUARD] This prison guard transports Devereaux to Rikers Island…3 lines, 2 scenes
SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH REAL GUARD EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN
SUBMISSION.
[TRANSPORTATION CORRECTION OFFICER] This officer hands Devereaux’s papers to the
intake officer at Rikers…1 speech & 2 lines, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH
CORRECTIONS OFFICER EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[CORRECTIONS OFFICIAL] This official at Rikers processes Devereaux into the protective
custody unit…1 line, 1 scene SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH CORRECTIONS OFFICER
EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.
[HOUSEKEEPER] This housekeeper serves Devereaux coffee…1 line, 1 scene
[OFFICER] This officer escorts Devereaux out of Rikers after his bail is paid…1 speech, 1 scene
SEARCHING FOR MEN WITH CORRECTIONS OFFICER EXPERIENCE. PLEASE STATE
EXPERIENCE IN SUBMISSION.

When news broke that Phil Spector had possibly killed a Los Angeles actress back on February 3, 2003, it was the middle of the night in New York. I posted this story, first, about Lana Clarkson. No one knew who she was, and later the defense tried to prove she was a depressed, suicidal bimbo. That’s the point of view we see her from in David Mamet’s HBO movie “Phil Spector.” The movie is compelling, but it’s important to remember that Clarkson was neither of those things. The story, here, that I wrote in the middle of that night, was from her website. Spector, by the way, settled with Clarkson’s family on their wrongful death suit on February 2, 2009–exactly nine years to the day of her murder.

February 4, 2009: PHIL SPECTOR’S ‘VICTIM’ SPEAKS FROM THE GRAVE

The woman found shot dead in producer Phil Spector’s entry way was a minor TV actress with a long list of credits and knockout beauty—the kind. She was a six foot tall blonde with a sense of humor and pretty decent idea of how show business worked.

How do we know? Well, forty year old Lana Clarkson is speaking from the grave. She has a website with a message board on which she was vocally active every few days. The police and tabloid newspapers will be combing over the site to try and figure out what happened to her and how she knew Spector. Her story is one typical of so many beautiful women in Hollywood who have the looks but not the talent to make it as an actress fulltime.

Instead, Lana Clarkson—knowing her own limitations—seemingly created a career by appearing in B movies galore. Some of them have unfortunate titles, like “Deathstalker.” There will no doubt be a rush to see if she participated in any X rated ventures. Hold on for a glut of tawdry Lana stories.

One theory, raised on her message board, is that she may have met Spector at the House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, the upscale music hall co-owned by Dan Aykroyd. Spector was a frequent visitor there. Clarkson began working there as a waitress, according to her site, just recently.

Clarkson, who was 40, has dozens of credits, although the really “quality” ones—small appearances in name movies and TV shows—are from ten to fifteen years ago. More recently she had her own production company, Living Doll Productions, and she was trying to start her own projects. Her current credits included working as a presenter at comic book conventions and at Glamourcon, a convention where pin up girls and former Playboy playmates sign autographs for guys.

Nevertheless, from her own posted messages on her website, Clarkson was no dumb blonde. She routinely answered questions from her fans, and did so with aplomb. She admired Marilyn Monroe, for example, “this is not to imply that I wish to live the sort of lonely and narcotics shrouded existence she did. What I love about her is her essence, her work and her commitment to it. She was an ACTRESS with a capital A!” she wrote in one posting, and concluded:  “I have been blessed to work in an extremely difficult industry, but in my opinion have not even begun to reach my full potential. I have been pounding my head against a Plexiglas ceiling trying to break through to a completely different level for a while now. God willing, this is the year it will happen. Keep your eye out for a new quality of work from Ms. Clarkson!”

IN another posting, Clarkson described her long haul as a ‘C’ level actress: “I’ve always been fortunate to make a living as an actress. However, I have done other jobs to supplement my taste for Producing, writing and directing. I’ve worked as a standup comic, a model, a producer, a travel agent, done trade Shows, worked for a jewelry company, and teach Image enhancement workshops for the Corporate world. I also occasionally teach acting.”

She did not care to share her personal life with her fans however. “Thanks for stopping by. I am dating, but don’t feel comfortable sharing that part of my life,” she wrote to one fan. “I prefer to keep my love life private!” She then adds eerily:  “As far as past relationships, there have been some great loves (some of them famous), but you’ll have to read about them in my book. That won’t be completed for a couple of years yet.”

also from February 4, 2009:

Today, you’re going to be reading everywhere about the strange world of record producer Phil Spector. A musical genius and the inventor of what is now known as “the wall of sound,” Spector also has a trigger temper. He was famous for shooting off guns.

Now he may have gone too far. But O.J. Simpson/Christian Brando defense attorney Robert Shapiro is a close pal of Spector’s and is there to handle the case.

Spector is considered a hermit and recluse, rarely working since his brush with the Beatles (Let It Be) and George Harrison (All Things Must Pass) in 1970. He helped John Lennon a year later on Imagine and in 1975 on his Rock ‘n’ Roll album. One source who was there during those sessions told me yesterday, “John was mostly disgusted by Phil and his guns. There’s a famous story of how he shot a hole in the roof of the recording studio. John couldn’t take it, which is why he didn’t want to work with him.”

Since then, he’s worked on an album by the Ramones that was released, and one by Celine Dion that wasn’t. Recently, he produced tracks for the British group Starsailor. And he’s done some recording for Depeche Mode.

But mostly, it’s the stories about Phil shooting at people, into the air, etc., that you read about. Those are his old anecdotes that made him seem eccentric. They’re not so funny now.

Just a couple of weeks ago, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr announced they were going to release a Spector-less Let It Be, restoring the album to McCartney’s original vision. Maybe this upset him.

Then there were the lawsuits. Both Darlene Love and Phil’s ex, Ronnie Bennett Spector, sued him for millions. They claimed that he’d never paid royalties on their hit records such as “Be My Baby” and “Then He Kissed Me.” He’d only remunerated them for the sessions. Love’s case stood after she won; Ronnie’s was overturned by an appeals court. Ronnie Spector, according to my sources, is in a constant financial dilemma because of Phil.

Spector’s personal life is as much of a mystery as he is. He had five children by my count: a pair of twins he adopted with Ronnie, another pair he had biologically and a biological daughter. The latter three were with Janis Savala.

“He prohibited her friends from calling her because Phil didn’t want her speaking with ‘outsiders’ who presumably were aghast that she would marry him,” said Mark Ribowsky, the author of He’s a Rebel (Cooper Square Press), a good Spector biography. “In time she lost almost all outside contact.”

Of the remaining children, one is a recovering drug addict. One of the original twins is dead. Another son, Gary, is supposedly on good terms with Spector and is even a collector of his records. Spector’s daughter, Nicole, lives in New York.

As for the women in his life, here things get cloudy. Recently, Spector “dated” Nancy Sinatra. Friends say they were together around the time of father Frank‘s funeral. Currently, Nancy is in Nashville recording a new album with her old friend Lee Hazelwood.

Besides being a record producer, Spector was also the inspiration for the main character in the cult film, The Idolmaker, starring the late Ray Sharkey.

And while Spector is not the most social guy, he does throw a post-show cocktail party every year after the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame dinner in New York. All kinds of musicians and stars turn up. I’ve been to it, and talked to Phil. He told me on March 8, 2000, that he would never give Celine Dion her tracks back because he didn’t like them.

What happened, I asked him? “Very simple,” he said. “We did them, but her husband was jealous. He didn’t like losing control of the decisions. So they have them.” We will probably never hear them, which is a shame, since lush orchestration suits Celine’s odd voice.

Isn’t this almost what happened 35 years ago when Phil recorded Tina Turner and banned Ike from the control room during the sessions for “River Deep Mountain High?”

“I talk to Ike all the time,” Spector said. “He’s always callin’ me up. We’re friends!”

Second question: What about The Beatles’ Let It Be, which Spector produced over McCartney’s objections back in 1970? “Paul apologized to me for all the bad things he said,” Phil replied at the time. “He was only against it because John Lennon liked it so much.”

Spector went on to work with Lennon on several projects, including his Rock ‘n’ Roll album, which featured their re-worked version of Ben E. King‘s “Stand By Me.”

“You know what? That was a takeoff on Rimsky-Korsakov,” he said, humming out the basic structure. “I thought we were going to get sued!”

(Probably not, since the Russian composer died in 1908.)

If all of that isn’t enough, one more thing. Yesterday, Feb. 3, was the 44th anniversary of the Day the Music Died — the airplane crash that killed Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper.