The two-part movie -- released in the UK and the U.S. this month -- is the perfect showcase for Cassel 's muscular brand of acting and pairs him up with the grand old master of French cinema , Gerard Depardieu , who plays the head of Mesrine 's band of hoodlums in the film . In his latest role Vincent Cassel plays a famous French gangster . For his part in `` Mesrine '' Cassel gained nearly 20 kilos . The actor has made his name playing screen tough guys . He is also known for being the star of the film'" Le Dernier Combatant'( last man standing ) which was released this year and won him an Oscar nomination as best supporting actor.
In his latest role Vincent Cassel plays a famous French gangster . For his part in `` Mesrine '' Cassel gained nearly 20 kilos . The actor has made his name playing screen tough guys . He is also known for being the star of the film'" Le Dernier Combatant'( last man standing ) which was released this year and won him an Oscar nomination as best supporting actor.