Woody Allen Isn't Completely Against Casting Nicolas Sarkozy in a Future Film

Last year, Woody Allen had the distinct displeasure of directing French first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy in reportedly 35 dialogue-less takes for a scene in Midnight in Paris. (In her defense, the scene did involve the most complicated bread prop in the business: a baguette.) And although Allen has no intention of casting Bruni-Sarkozy again anytime soon (he said her Midnight role was a one-time thing, "for fun"), the prolific director is not completely against writing a character for her husband, French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

When asked by the French news outlet Journal du Dimanche whether he would ever consider casting the 23rd president of the French Republic in an upcoming film, Allen replied, "If such an idea ever came into my head, I could no doubt find him work. I could see him in a Bogart-type role."

Now, there is a good chance that Allen's comments were made to appease both Rule #1 and Rule #2 in the Director Diplomacy Handbook: Never publicly refuse to cast the lawmaker whose country's tax breaks allowed you to make your most recent film; Backhandedly flatter said lawmaker by comparing him to a Hollywood legend known for his onscreen stoicism. So, let's not hold our breath that the politician will appear in Allen's untitled Rome-set project alongside Penelope Cruz and Ellen Page. But maybe Allen would hire Sarkozy in the future "for fun" -- or at least as a bargaining chip to keep his wife off set.

· Sarkozy could play roles like Bogart's, says Allen [Breitbart]