When it comes to psychological horror films, few have achieved the chilling impact and critical acclaim of Anthony Hopkins‘ The Silence of the Lambs. With its gripping narrative and spine-tingling atmosphere, the film has rightfully earned its place among the greatest in cinematic history, earning five Oscars and widespread acclaim.
Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs
Yet, amidst the crowd of horror classics, there exists a film that goes beyond mere scares, into the realm of controversy and legal turmoil that few filmmakers dare to tread. Released in 1980, Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust seemed too realistic and authentic when it came to the gory scenes that the filmmaker would end up being arrested and charged with murder.
The Controversial Legacy of Cannibal Holocaust
The 1980 Italian film Cannibal Holocaust follows an anthropologist Harold Monroe, who comes across a lost film as he leads a rescue team into the Amazon...
Anthony Hopkins in The Silence of the Lambs
Yet, amidst the crowd of horror classics, there exists a film that goes beyond mere scares, into the realm of controversy and legal turmoil that few filmmakers dare to tread. Released in 1980, Ruggero Deodato’s Cannibal Holocaust seemed too realistic and authentic when it came to the gory scenes that the filmmaker would end up being arrested and charged with murder.
The Controversial Legacy of Cannibal Holocaust
The 1980 Italian film Cannibal Holocaust follows an anthropologist Harold Monroe, who comes across a lost film as he leads a rescue team into the Amazon...
- 3/31/2024
- by Laxmi Rajput
- FandomWire
Six months after world-premiering to poor reviews at the Venice Film Festival, Roman Polanski’s latest film “The Palace” has been acquired by a French distribution company, Swashbuckler Films.
The Paris-based banner, which specializes in classic movies, is hoping to release “The Palace” on May 15. The company’s owner, Sebastien Tiveyrat, told Variety he hasn’t yet obtained the exhibition visa from the National Film Board and hasn’t started contacting exhibitors in France to book theaters.
Although Polanski’s inclusion at the Venice festival sparked a controversy due to the fact that he’s still currently facing sexual assault allegations, “The Palace” sold across many territories, including Germany, Russia, Hungary, Estonia, Bulgaria and French-speaking Switzerland where it came out between September and January. The black comedy will next open in Portugal on April 4. Goodfellas handles international sales on the movie.
“The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve...
The Paris-based banner, which specializes in classic movies, is hoping to release “The Palace” on May 15. The company’s owner, Sebastien Tiveyrat, told Variety he hasn’t yet obtained the exhibition visa from the National Film Board and hasn’t started contacting exhibitors in France to book theaters.
Although Polanski’s inclusion at the Venice festival sparked a controversy due to the fact that he’s still currently facing sexual assault allegations, “The Palace” sold across many territories, including Germany, Russia, Hungary, Estonia, Bulgaria and French-speaking Switzerland where it came out between September and January. The black comedy will next open in Portugal on April 4. Goodfellas handles international sales on the movie.
“The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve...
- 3/26/2024
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
The Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss, the songwriter and perennial Oscar bridesmaid Diane Warren and Matteo Garrone, the director of this year’s best international feature Oscar-nominated Italian film Io Capitano, will all be honored on Sunday night during the opening ceremony of the 19th Los Angeles, Italia Film, Fashion and Art Festival at Hollywood’s Tcl Chinese Theatres, exactly one week before the 96th Academy Awards take place just down the street.
The festival, which is backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, will run through Saturday, March 9, and feature 112 film screenings (47 in movie theaters and 65 on the online platform eventive.org). This year’s edition will be hosted by one Italian screen legend, Franco Nero (as well as Italian actress/model Antonella Salvucci), and is dedicated to another, the late Marcello Mastroianni, whose centenary it coincides with, as well as the late Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo.
Notable guests...
The festival, which is backed by Italy’s Ministry of Culture, will run through Saturday, March 9, and feature 112 film screenings (47 in movie theaters and 65 on the online platform eventive.org). This year’s edition will be hosted by one Italian screen legend, Franco Nero (as well as Italian actress/model Antonella Salvucci), and is dedicated to another, the late Marcello Mastroianni, whose centenary it coincides with, as well as the late Italian playwright Eduardo de Filippo.
Notable guests...
- 3/3/2024
- by Scott Feinberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A group of roughly 20 people chanted outside the premiere of Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance” at the Venice Film Festival Monday. While those inside Palazzo del Cinema watched the movie, the group yelled a variety of slogans, such as “no spotlight for rapist directors” and “the alpha male doesn’t exist.”
Film and TV reviewer Luke Hearfield shared a flyer from protestors on Twitter. Bolded text reads, “You would never let those involved in the Palermo, Caivano, and Milano violences walk the red carpet” in reference to a series of gang rapes that have rattled Italians in recent weeks.
The flier also states, “Patriarchal society believes the genius artist and not those who were sexually assaulted.”
Protesters have rallied together at #Venezia80 to “turn the spotlight off rapists”.
This protest just took place during the premiere of Woody Allen’s new film Coup de Chance. pic.twitter.com/cpG...
Film and TV reviewer Luke Hearfield shared a flyer from protestors on Twitter. Bolded text reads, “You would never let those involved in the Palermo, Caivano, and Milano violences walk the red carpet” in reference to a series of gang rapes that have rattled Italians in recent weeks.
The flier also states, “Patriarchal society believes the genius artist and not those who were sexually assaulted.”
Protesters have rallied together at #Venezia80 to “turn the spotlight off rapists”.
This protest just took place during the premiere of Woody Allen’s new film Coup de Chance. pic.twitter.com/cpG...
- 9/4/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
Roman Polanski’s black comedy “The Palace” was given a tepid three-minutes of applause when it world premiered in the Palazzo del Cinema’s Sala Grande on Saturday night.
Producer Luca Barbareschi, French star Fanny Ardant and other key cast members including German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Portugal’s Joaquim de Almeida and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”) stood up and took a bow, but the audience’s response seemed to be more polite than exited, though there were occasional bursts of laughter during the screening.
Before the film’s premiere “The Palace” set designer Tonino Zera received Venice’s Campari Passion for Film prize from artistic director Alberto Barbera.
Polanski directed the black comedy from a screenplay he wrote alongside Jerzy Skolimowski and Ewa Piaskowska. “The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve in 1999, when a dinner party at Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace hotel takes an unexpected turn.
Producer Luca Barbareschi, French star Fanny Ardant and other key cast members including German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”), Portugal’s Joaquim de Almeida and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”) stood up and took a bow, but the audience’s response seemed to be more polite than exited, though there were occasional bursts of laughter during the screening.
Before the film’s premiere “The Palace” set designer Tonino Zera received Venice’s Campari Passion for Film prize from artistic director Alberto Barbera.
Polanski directed the black comedy from a screenplay he wrote alongside Jerzy Skolimowski and Ewa Piaskowska. “The Palace” takes place during New Year’s Eve in 1999, when a dinner party at Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace hotel takes an unexpected turn.
- 9/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Producer and actor Luca Barbareschi is currently at the Venice Film Festival to promote Roman Polanski’s newest film, “The Palace.” The decision to include the movie at the festival has come under fire as Polanski has never addressed the charges of unlawful sex with a minor that were filed against him in the United States back in the 1970s.
Barbareschi explains, “I know the real story. I was there in 1975 and 1976.”
Barbareschi, who has been friends with Polanski for five decades, is adamant about his friend’s innocence and chalked up the accusations to the director’s purported sex appeal. He told Deadline, “I don’t think he ever raped anybody. He was a very sexy man and women were chasing him.”
The producer also blamed the moral and cultural standards of today for his friend’s ongoing legal troubles. He added, “I cannot speak for Roman, but the ’70s were not today.
Barbareschi explains, “I know the real story. I was there in 1975 and 1976.”
Barbareschi, who has been friends with Polanski for five decades, is adamant about his friend’s innocence and chalked up the accusations to the director’s purported sex appeal. He told Deadline, “I don’t think he ever raped anybody. He was a very sexy man and women were chasing him.”
The producer also blamed the moral and cultural standards of today for his friend’s ongoing legal troubles. He added, “I cannot speak for Roman, but the ’70s were not today.
- 9/2/2023
- by Stephanie Kaloi
- The Wrap
As any critic will tell you, when you’re watching a comedy with an audience, it doesn’t matter how bad the movie is — even the jokes that are making you groan are going to provoke laughter. (That’s why comedies are always screened with a crowd; the studios want the audience giggles to rub off on you.) But at the Venice Film Festival, when I saw “The Palace,” Roman Polanski’s garish debacle of an ensemble comedy, I was sitting in the Sala Darsena, which seats 1400 (and was full), and on the rare occasion when a line in the movie got laughs, it was literally coming from about six people. I’m not sure if I’ve ever heard a giant theater this deadly silent for a movie that’s working this strenuously to amuse you.
Polanski, if you look back over his credits, has an astoundingly consistent track...
Polanski, if you look back over his credits, has an astoundingly consistent track...
- 9/2/2023
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s Italian producer Luca Barbareschi used the Venice press conference for The Palace, Polanski’s latest black comedy, as an opportunity to blast U.S. streamers for not backing the controversial director.
Noting that Polanski’s back catalog, including such films as Chinatown, The Ghostwriter and Rosemary’s Baby, is carried on many U.S. platforms, he chastized the streamers for not investing in the director’s latest production.
“I don’t understand why all the platforms: Paramount+, Amazon, Netflix, have Polanski’s [older movies] that are making millions for them,” he said. “Why won’t they produce Polanski’s new movie?”
The Palace is set at Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace luxury hotel and examines the interactions between the hotel’s serving staff and the phenomenally wealthy guests in the run-up to a New Year’s Eve party to ring in the new millennium of 2000. Mickey Rourke, John Cleese, Fanny Ardant,...
Noting that Polanski’s back catalog, including such films as Chinatown, The Ghostwriter and Rosemary’s Baby, is carried on many U.S. platforms, he chastized the streamers for not investing in the director’s latest production.
“I don’t understand why all the platforms: Paramount+, Amazon, Netflix, have Polanski’s [older movies] that are making millions for them,” he said. “Why won’t they produce Polanski’s new movie?”
The Palace is set at Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace luxury hotel and examines the interactions between the hotel’s serving staff and the phenomenally wealthy guests in the run-up to a New Year’s Eve party to ring in the new millennium of 2000. Mickey Rourke, John Cleese, Fanny Ardant,...
- 9/2/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The cast, producers and collaborators of Roman Polanski’s The Palace showed their support for the filmmaker here in Venice today during a press conference for the movie that world premieres out of competition this evening.
Polanski himself is not on the Lido as it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S. The selection of The Palace has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
This is the second time in recent years that the filmmaker has been in official selection in Venice. However, following 2019’s prizewinning drama An Officer and a Spy, he’s back with a comedic movie.
The satire pokes fun at the ultra-rich and is set against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel,...
Polanski himself is not on the Lido as it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S. The selection of The Palace has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
This is the second time in recent years that the filmmaker has been in official selection in Venice. However, following 2019’s prizewinning drama An Officer and a Spy, he’s back with a comedic movie.
The satire pokes fun at the ultra-rich and is set against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel,...
- 9/2/2023
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s Italian producer Luca Barbareschi got emotional at the press conference for “The Palace,” a black comedy that is the director’s new work and premieres at the Venice Film Festival today.
“It’s been very difficult to make this film,” said Barbareschi, a multi-hyphenate who also stars in “The Palace.” “Polanski is not easy [to finance]” he added, noting that “there is a hole – France – in the middle of this film,” since French companies refused to participate in its production.
Polanski’s previous film, “An Officer and a Spy,” a period drama about the Dreyfus affair, scooped the Grand Jury Prize at Venice, won best director at the Cesar Awards and was one of the highest grossing French films of 2019. But the film’s Cesar win sparked such a massive scandal in France that it prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org.
Now that “The Palace” got made,...
“It’s been very difficult to make this film,” said Barbareschi, a multi-hyphenate who also stars in “The Palace.” “Polanski is not easy [to finance]” he added, noting that “there is a hole – France – in the middle of this film,” since French companies refused to participate in its production.
Polanski’s previous film, “An Officer and a Spy,” a period drama about the Dreyfus affair, scooped the Grand Jury Prize at Venice, won best director at the Cesar Awards and was one of the highest grossing French films of 2019. But the film’s Cesar win sparked such a massive scandal in France that it prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org.
Now that “The Palace” got made,...
- 9/2/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Actor, producer and director Luca Barbareschi is at the Venice Film Festival this year as one the main representatives of Roman Polanski’s new film The Palace.
The satire, poking fun at the ultra-rich against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel and featuring Mickey Rourke, Fanny Ardant and John Cleese in the ensemble cast, world premieres Out of Competition in a gala screening on Saturday.
Its selection for Venice’s 80th edition has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
The director, who turned 90 in August, has not travelled to Italy, where it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S., while a number of the film’s international stars including John Cleese...
The satire, poking fun at the ultra-rich against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel and featuring Mickey Rourke, Fanny Ardant and John Cleese in the ensemble cast, world premieres Out of Competition in a gala screening on Saturday.
Its selection for Venice’s 80th edition has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
The director, who turned 90 in August, has not travelled to Italy, where it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S., while a number of the film’s international stars including John Cleese...
- 9/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Roman Polanski’s dark comedy The Palace has sold to a host of key territories ahead of its Venice premiere, with distributors getting behind the film in spite of the controversy surrounding the director.
Goodfellas has unveiled deals to Benelux (Paradiso Films), Spain (Vértigo Films), Germany (Weltkino), Greece (Spentzos) and Portugal (Nos Lusomondo) in Western Europe.
Eastern and Central European distributors have also snapped up the film with sales to Bulgaria (Beta Film), Yugoslavia (McF), Hungary (Cirko), the Czech Republic and Slovakia (Pilot Films), the Baltics (Best Film) and Cis (Pro:vzglyad). United King has acquired Israeli rights, while Teleview has taken Middle East.
The Palace will be launched theatrically in Italy on September 28 by 01 Distribution. Its parent Rai Cinema is a key partner on the production alongside lead producer Luca Barbareschi.
Lausanne-based Cab Productions, which is also a producer, holds Swiss rights. Tomasz Przybecki is handling Polish rights in a deal brokered by Barbareschi.
Goodfellas has unveiled deals to Benelux (Paradiso Films), Spain (Vértigo Films), Germany (Weltkino), Greece (Spentzos) and Portugal (Nos Lusomondo) in Western Europe.
Eastern and Central European distributors have also snapped up the film with sales to Bulgaria (Beta Film), Yugoslavia (McF), Hungary (Cirko), the Czech Republic and Slovakia (Pilot Films), the Baltics (Best Film) and Cis (Pro:vzglyad). United King has acquired Israeli rights, while Teleview has taken Middle East.
The Palace will be launched theatrically in Italy on September 28 by 01 Distribution. Its parent Rai Cinema is a key partner on the production alongside lead producer Luca Barbareschi.
Lausanne-based Cab Productions, which is also a producer, holds Swiss rights. Tomasz Przybecki is handling Polish rights in a deal brokered by Barbareschi.
- 8/31/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: There has been mystery for weeks over which Hollywood talent will attend the Venice Film Festival amid the two strikes but the clouds are finally starting to lift.
We’ve confirmed with sources that Ferrari star Adam Driver will be on the Lido next week to promote Michael Mann’s anticipated new movie, thus becoming the biggest U.S. actor to date to commit to the festival. The Daily Mail first reported that news.
Ferrari secured an interim agreement from SAG a while back so this isn’t hugely surprising but there was still a question over whether SAG actors would feel uncomfortable over the ‘optics’. They may still. But SAG-AFTRA leadership were adamant yesterday that actors in movies with interim agreements should be at festivals to promote them. Their message: this is helpful to independent cinema and the cause. That affirmation from SAG helped a number of actors make up their minds.
We’ve confirmed with sources that Ferrari star Adam Driver will be on the Lido next week to promote Michael Mann’s anticipated new movie, thus becoming the biggest U.S. actor to date to commit to the festival. The Daily Mail first reported that news.
Ferrari secured an interim agreement from SAG a while back so this isn’t hugely surprising but there was still a question over whether SAG actors would feel uncomfortable over the ‘optics’. They may still. But SAG-AFTRA leadership were adamant yesterday that actors in movies with interim agreements should be at festivals to promote them. Their message: this is helpful to independent cinema and the cause. That affirmation from SAG helped a number of actors make up their minds.
- 8/25/2023
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Deadline can reveal the international trailer for Roman Polanski’s ensemble dark comedy The Palace ahead of its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in September.
Shot against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace hotel, the film unfolds in the lead-up to a lavish New Year Party on the eve of 2000.
Mickey Rourke is unveiled as a demanding client with a Trump-style blond wig; Fanny Ardant as a wealthy marquise fretting over her constipated chihuahua, and John Cleese as a business magnate, who pitches up with his much-younger, new bride (Bronwyn James) and a live penguin.
The motley assortment of guests seeing in the new millennium also features a party of wealthy Russians (who tune into Vladimir Putin’s real-life News Year’s Eve Speech declaring he had been made interim president following Boris Yeltsin’s resignation), and a former porn star.
In the backdrop, the...
Shot against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace hotel, the film unfolds in the lead-up to a lavish New Year Party on the eve of 2000.
Mickey Rourke is unveiled as a demanding client with a Trump-style blond wig; Fanny Ardant as a wealthy marquise fretting over her constipated chihuahua, and John Cleese as a business magnate, who pitches up with his much-younger, new bride (Bronwyn James) and a live penguin.
The motley assortment of guests seeing in the new millennium also features a party of wealthy Russians (who tune into Vladimir Putin’s real-life News Year’s Eve Speech declaring he had been made interim president following Boris Yeltsin’s resignation), and a former porn star.
In the backdrop, the...
- 8/23/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian production designer Tonino Zera, whose credits include Roman Polanski’s upcoming drama The Palace, will be feted with the Campari Passion Award at the 80th edition of Venice Film Festival, running from August 30 to September 9.
The prize, which was launched at the 75th Venice Film Festival, pays tribute to cinema crafts professionals who have made a “remarkable contribution” to the films on which they have worked.
Previous recipients span U.S. film editor Bob Murawski, Italian cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, U.S. jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, UK production designer Marcus Rowland, and U.S. artist and costume designer Arianne Phillips.
Zera will be presented with the award on September 2 ahead of the Out of Competition world premiere of The Palace in the Sala Grande.
“To receive the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award during the Venice Film Festival is not only a personal honor, it is also a...
The prize, which was launched at the 75th Venice Film Festival, pays tribute to cinema crafts professionals who have made a “remarkable contribution” to the films on which they have worked.
Previous recipients span U.S. film editor Bob Murawski, Italian cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, U.S. jazz trumpeter and composer Terence Blanchard, UK production designer Marcus Rowland, and U.S. artist and costume designer Arianne Phillips.
Zera will be presented with the award on September 2 ahead of the Out of Competition world premiere of The Palace in the Sala Grande.
“To receive the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award during the Venice Film Festival is not only a personal honor, it is also a...
- 8/10/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Italian production designer Tonino Zera will receive the Campari Passion for Film Award at this year’s Venice Film Festival. Zera — whose works include production design for Giuseppe Tornatore’s The Unknown Woman (2006), Paolo Virzì’s Like Crazy (2016) and Michele Placido’s Caravaggio’s Shadow (2022) — most recently created the sets for Roman Polanski’s The Place, which will have its world premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival next month. The dramedy, set in a luxurious Swiss hotel on a fateful New Year’s Eve in 1999, stars Oliver Masucci, Fanny Ardant, John Cleese, Luca Barbareschi and Mickey Rourke. It will screen out of competition in Venice.
Zera will receive his award Sept. 2 ahead of The Palace premiere.
“To receive the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award during the Venice Film Festival is not only a personal honor, it is also a recognition of the importance of set design in the world of cinema,...
Zera will receive his award Sept. 2 ahead of The Palace premiere.
“To receive the prestigious Campari Passion for Film Award during the Venice Film Festival is not only a personal honor, it is also a recognition of the importance of set design in the world of cinema,...
- 8/10/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
La BêteCOMPETITIONComandante (Edoardo De Angelis)The Promised Land (Nikolaj Arcel)Dogman (Luc Besson) La Bête (Bertrand Bonello) Hors-Saison (Stéphane Brizé) Enea (Pietro Castellitto) Maestro (Bradley Cooper)Priscilla (Sofia Coppola)Finalmente L’Alba (Saverio Costanzo)Lubo (Giorgio Diritti) Origin (Ava DuVernay) The Killer (David Fincher)Memory (Michel Franco)Io capitano (Matteo Garrone)Evil Does Not Exist (Ryûsuke Hamaguchi)The Green Border (Agnieszka Holland)The Theory of Everything (Timm Kröger)Poor Things (Yorgos Lanthimos)El conde (Pablo Larrain)Ferrari (Michael Mann)Adagio (Stefano Sollima)Woman OfHolly (Fien Troch)Out Of COMPETITIONFictionSociety of the Snow (J.A. Bayona)Coup de Chance (Woody Allen)The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar (Wes Anderson)The Penitent (Luca Barbareschi)L’Ordine Del Tempo (Liliana Cavani)Vivants (Alix Delaporte)Welcome to Paradise (Leonardo di Constanzo)Daaaaaali! (Quentin Dupieux)The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial (William Friedkin)Making of (Cedric Kahn)Aggro Dr1ft (Harmony Korine)Hitman (Richard Linklater)The Palace (Roman Polanski...
- 7/29/2023
- MUBI
You can pre-set your Twitter (er, X?) alerts to outrage.
The 80th Venice Film Festival unveiled an impressive and — SAG-AFTRA and Wag strike-permitting — star-studded lineup on Tuesday, that should draw international critics and press in droves to the Lido again this year.
But controversy will also again be part of the 2023 Biennale, thanks to a selection of movies from directors nearly as well known for their scandals as for their films.
Roman Polanski new feature, The Palace, scored an out-of-competition slot, as did Coup de Chance, the latest feature from Woody Allen. And Luc Besson will premiere his new feature, DogMan, in competition in Venice. All three filmmakers have been the focus of abuse allegations and, in the wake of #MeToo, the targets of online attacks and cancellation campaigns. Though Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teen girl, is the only one...
The 80th Venice Film Festival unveiled an impressive and — SAG-AFTRA and Wag strike-permitting — star-studded lineup on Tuesday, that should draw international critics and press in droves to the Lido again this year.
But controversy will also again be part of the 2023 Biennale, thanks to a selection of movies from directors nearly as well known for their scandals as for their films.
Roman Polanski new feature, The Palace, scored an out-of-competition slot, as did Coup de Chance, the latest feature from Woody Allen. And Luc Besson will premiere his new feature, DogMan, in competition in Venice. All three filmmakers have been the focus of abuse allegations and, in the wake of #MeToo, the targets of online attacks and cancellation campaigns. Though Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after being convicted of sexually assaulting a teen girl, is the only one...
- 7/25/2023
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Venice Film Festival artistic director Alberto Barbera has shown once again that he is not scared to court controversy.
The festival head has given Roman Polanski a safe festival berth for his new movie The Palace at Venice, in a selection that is likely to spark debate alongside the inclusion of Woody Allen’s Coeur de Chance.
They are among 12 films due to play Out of Competition at the 80th edition running August 30 to September 9.
Barbera told Italian journalists in a Q&a after the main lineup announcement that Polanski, who turns 90 in August, will not make the trip to the Lido, while Woody is down to attend.
Related: Venice Is Still Hopeful That Its Red Carpet Will Be Full Of Stars If Movies Such As ‘Ferrari’, ‘Priscilla’ & More Are Granted SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements
The Palace will still make for a starry red carpet with its ensemble cast featuring Oliver Masucci,...
The festival head has given Roman Polanski a safe festival berth for his new movie The Palace at Venice, in a selection that is likely to spark debate alongside the inclusion of Woody Allen’s Coeur de Chance.
They are among 12 films due to play Out of Competition at the 80th edition running August 30 to September 9.
Barbera told Italian journalists in a Q&a after the main lineup announcement that Polanski, who turns 90 in August, will not make the trip to the Lido, while Woody is down to attend.
Related: Venice Is Still Hopeful That Its Red Carpet Will Be Full Of Stars If Movies Such As ‘Ferrari’, ‘Priscilla’ & More Are Granted SAG-AFTRA Interim Agreements
The Palace will still make for a starry red carpet with its ensemble cast featuring Oliver Masucci,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The Venice Film Festival sails on in Italy — even with much of Hollywood at a standstill.
The annual cinema celebration hosted by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera runs from August 30 through September 9. Despite already having lost Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” from its opening night slot due to its SAG-AFTRA talent including star Zendaya being unable to accompany the world premiere due to strike work stoppage orders, Venice has plenty of movie goodness in store for its 80th edition.
Competition highlights include Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” David Fincher’s “The Killer,” Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” Luc Besson’s “Dogman,” Michel Franco’s “Memory,” Pablo Larrain’s “El Conde,” and many more. Out of competition, Venice will screen new films from Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, Wes Anderson, Roman Polanski, and William Friedkin.
The annual cinema celebration hosted by La Biennale di Venezia and directed by Alberto Barbera runs from August 30 through September 9. Despite already having lost Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” from its opening night slot due to its SAG-AFTRA talent including star Zendaya being unable to accompany the world premiere due to strike work stoppage orders, Venice has plenty of movie goodness in store for its 80th edition.
Competition highlights include Bradley Cooper’s “Maestro,” Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” David Fincher’s “The Killer,” Michael Mann’s “Ferrari,” Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Poor Things,” Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” Luc Besson’s “Dogman,” Michel Franco’s “Memory,” Pablo Larrain’s “El Conde,” and many more. Out of competition, Venice will screen new films from Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, Wes Anderson, Roman Polanski, and William Friedkin.
- 7/25/2023
- by Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
Two movies whose directors are likely to draw protests, Woody Allen’s French-language “Coup de Chance” and Roman Polanski’s “The Palace,” will make their world premieres at the 2023 Venice International Film Festival, Venice artistic director Alberto Barbera and La Biennale di Venezia president Roberto Cicutto announced at a Tuesday morning press conference.
Both films will screen out of competition, though they’ll likely draw an inordinate amount of attention at a festival that has assembled a robust lineup of major filmmakers even as it struggles with the effects of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
Films booked for the Venice main competition include Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro”; Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi drama “Poor Things”; Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley film “Priscilla”; Michael Mann’s auto-racing film “Ferrari”; Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Niecy Nash-Betts and Vera Farmiga; and David Fincher’s “The Killer,” with Michael Fassbender.
Both films will screen out of competition, though they’ll likely draw an inordinate amount of attention at a festival that has assembled a robust lineup of major filmmakers even as it struggles with the effects of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes.
Films booked for the Venice main competition include Bradley Cooper’s Leonard Bernstein biopic “Maestro”; Yorgos Lanthimos’ sci-fi drama “Poor Things”; Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla Presley film “Priscilla”; Michael Mann’s auto-racing film “Ferrari”; Ava DuVernay’s “Origin,” with Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Niecy Nash-Betts and Vera Farmiga; and David Fincher’s “The Killer,” with Michael Fassbender.
- 7/25/2023
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
On the heels of yesterday’s TIFF announcement, the first major fall festival of the season––Venice International Film Festival––is unveiling its lineup. Taking place August 30-September 9, the competition jury this year is chaired by Damien Chazelle.
Highlights include new films from David Fincher, Michael Mann, Wes Anderson, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sofia Coppola, Bradley Cooper, Bertrand Bonello, Frederick Wiseman, Roman Polanski, William Friedkin, Ava DuVernay, Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, and more.
Competition
Adagio; dir. Stefano Sollima
The Beast; dir. Bertrand Bonello
Io Capitano; dir. Matteo Garrone
Comandante; dir. Edoardo de Angelis
El Conde; dir. Pablo Larraín
Die Theorie von Allem; dir. Timm Kröger
Dogman; dir. Luc Besson
Enea; dir. Pietro Castellitto
Evil Does Not Exist; dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ferrari; dir. Michael Mann
Finalmente L’Alba; dir. Saverio Costanzo
Green Border; dir. Agnieszka Holland
Holly; dir. Fien Troch
Hors-Saison; dir. Stéphane Brizé
The Killer; dir. David Fincher
Lubo; dir. Giorgio Diritti
The Promised Land; dir.
Highlights include new films from David Fincher, Michael Mann, Wes Anderson, Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Sofia Coppola, Bradley Cooper, Bertrand Bonello, Frederick Wiseman, Roman Polanski, William Friedkin, Ava DuVernay, Harmony Korine, Richard Linklater, Woody Allen, and more.
Competition
Adagio; dir. Stefano Sollima
The Beast; dir. Bertrand Bonello
Io Capitano; dir. Matteo Garrone
Comandante; dir. Edoardo de Angelis
El Conde; dir. Pablo Larraín
Die Theorie von Allem; dir. Timm Kröger
Dogman; dir. Luc Besson
Enea; dir. Pietro Castellitto
Evil Does Not Exist; dir. Ryusuke Hamaguchi
Ferrari; dir. Michael Mann
Finalmente L’Alba; dir. Saverio Costanzo
Green Border; dir. Agnieszka Holland
Holly; dir. Fien Troch
Hors-Saison; dir. Stéphane Brizé
The Killer; dir. David Fincher
Lubo; dir. Giorgio Diritti
The Promised Land; dir.
- 7/25/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Includes films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Venice Film Festival announced the programme for its 80th edition, including a 23-strong Competition with new films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Scroll down for full line-up
The selection was announced by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera. The SAG-AFTRA strike in the US has had a “quite modest” impact on the selection according to Barbera, who was forced to pull Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers as the opening film over the weekend due to the strike.
Venice Film Festival announced the programme for its 80th edition, including a 23-strong Competition with new films from David Fincher, Sofia Coppola, Ava DuVernay, Yorgos Lanthimos, Bradley Cooper and Ryusuke Hamaguchi.
Scroll down for full line-up
The selection was announced by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera. The SAG-AFTRA strike in the US has had a “quite modest” impact on the selection according to Barbera, who was forced to pull Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers as the opening film over the weekend due to the strike.
- 7/25/2023
- by Ben Dalton¬Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
This year’s selection will be announced at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by Roberto Cicutto and Alberto Barbera.
The line-up for the 80th Venice International Film Festival (August 30-September 9) will be revealed this morning at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera
The press conference will be live-streamed below, and this page will be updated with the films as they are announced.
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers was originally set to open the festival but was pulled by MGM amid the actors’ strike. It was replaced by Edoardo De Angelis’ Comandante.
The closing film...
The line-up for the 80th Venice International Film Festival (August 30-September 9) will be revealed this morning at 11:00 Cest (10:00 BST) by festival president Roberto Cicutto and artistic director Alberto Barbera
The press conference will be live-streamed below, and this page will be updated with the films as they are announced.
Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers was originally set to open the festival but was pulled by MGM amid the actors’ strike. It was replaced by Edoardo De Angelis’ Comandante.
The closing film...
- 7/25/2023
- by Ben Dalton¬Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
Italy’s 01 Distribution has announced a September 28 release for Roman Polanski’s new feature The Palace, fueling speculation that the film will world premiere at the upcoming edition of the Venice Film Festival (August 30-September 9).
The distributor, which had previously set an April date for the work which came and went, announced the new release date via its social media accounts on June 7 and revealed the artwork for the film.
È il 31 Dicembre 1999 e al lussuoso The Palace Hotel fervono i preparativi per il Capodanno più atteso di sempre. Ospiti milionari da tutto il mondo si preparano ad entrare nel Nuovo Millennio, tra vezzi, vizi e stravaganze. #ThePalace, di #RomanPolanski, dal 28.09 al cinema. pic.twitter.com/bkSRBtqs1R
— 01Distribution (@01Distribution) June 7, 2023
The move immediately sparked suggestions that the film is headed to Venice, where last film An Officer And A Spy also world premiered in 2019.
Artistic director Alberto Barbera...
The distributor, which had previously set an April date for the work which came and went, announced the new release date via its social media accounts on June 7 and revealed the artwork for the film.
È il 31 Dicembre 1999 e al lussuoso The Palace Hotel fervono i preparativi per il Capodanno più atteso di sempre. Ospiti milionari da tutto il mondo si preparano ad entrare nel Nuovo Millennio, tra vezzi, vizi e stravaganze. #ThePalace, di #RomanPolanski, dal 28.09 al cinema. pic.twitter.com/bkSRBtqs1R
— 01Distribution (@01Distribution) June 7, 2023
The move immediately sparked suggestions that the film is headed to Venice, where last film An Officer And A Spy also world premiered in 2019.
Artistic director Alberto Barbera...
- 6/8/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s “The Palace” has been set for release in Italian theatres in September, prompting speculation that the controversial director’s black comedy set in a posh hotel in the Swiss Alps resort of Gstaad on the eve of the new millennium could be launching from the Venice Film Festival.
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
- 6/8/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Since premiering his last film “An Officer and a Spy” in competition at Venice in 2019, Roman Polanski has fallen from grace in France. But he’s now back with a new movie called “The Palace” that could make a surprise splash on the festival circuit.
Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, was leading a pleasant life in France for decades until he came back into the global spotlight with the Lido premiere of “An Officer and a Spy” and scooped the Grand Jury Prize.
Shortly after the movie’s Venice bow, Polanski faced new allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. When he went on to win best director at France’s Cesar Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Oscars, industry outcry prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org. The scandal sparked the...
Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, was leading a pleasant life in France for decades until he came back into the global spotlight with the Lido premiere of “An Officer and a Spy” and scooped the Grand Jury Prize.
Shortly after the movie’s Venice bow, Polanski faced new allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. When he went on to win best director at France’s Cesar Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Oscars, industry outcry prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org. The scandal sparked the...
- 2/2/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy and Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Italian-Uruguayan producer and actor Luca Barbareschi is developing a six-part series about the life of Bank of America founder and early Hollywood financier Amadeo Peter Giannini.
Barbareschi told Italian news agency Ansa that he is producing the series under the banner of his Rome-based Eliseo Fiction banner. He said state broadcaster Rai had recently boarded the project and that talks were underway with a U.S. partner.
Cast has yet to be set but Barbareschi said the aim was to make a series with international appeal. The series will be shot in Italy and the U.S., with a tentative start date of end 2023, start 2024.
In the meantime, Barbareschi is finishing post-production on Roman Polanski’s upcoming black comedy The Palace. Barbareschi is the lead producer on the feature having taken co-producer credits on Polanski’s last film An Officer And A Spy. He revealed that Italian distributor 01 was planning a mid-January 2023 release in Italy.
Barbareschi told Italian news agency Ansa that he is producing the series under the banner of his Rome-based Eliseo Fiction banner. He said state broadcaster Rai had recently boarded the project and that talks were underway with a U.S. partner.
Cast has yet to be set but Barbareschi said the aim was to make a series with international appeal. The series will be shot in Italy and the U.S., with a tentative start date of end 2023, start 2024.
In the meantime, Barbareschi is finishing post-production on Roman Polanski’s upcoming black comedy The Palace. Barbareschi is the lead producer on the feature having taken co-producer credits on Polanski’s last film An Officer And A Spy. He revealed that Italian distributor 01 was planning a mid-January 2023 release in Italy.
- 7/25/2022
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
There was a time, not so long ago, when Roman Polanski was the toast of the film industry in France, where the director has been living since 1978, when he fled the United States before sentencing after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl.
Despite the scandal and ongoing legal issues, the veteran auteur has flourished as a filmmaker in his adopted country, celebrated as a lifelong member of France’s illustrious Academie des Beaux Arts (Academy of Fine Arts) and showered with a half-dozen César Awards, the latest three of which, including best director, are for his 2019 drama “An Officer and a Spy.”
But things are changing. The director’s latest César win, combined with more recent allegations of sexual misconduct, sparked outrage from French feminist groups and led to the 21-member board of the organization that oversees the Césars to resign en masse. Polanski has denied the more recent misconduct allegations.
Despite the scandal and ongoing legal issues, the veteran auteur has flourished as a filmmaker in his adopted country, celebrated as a lifelong member of France’s illustrious Academie des Beaux Arts (Academy of Fine Arts) and showered with a half-dozen César Awards, the latest three of which, including best director, are for his 2019 drama “An Officer and a Spy.”
But things are changing. The director’s latest César win, combined with more recent allegations of sexual misconduct, sparked outrage from French feminist groups and led to the 21-member board of the organization that oversees the Césars to resign en masse. Polanski has denied the more recent misconduct allegations.
- 5/22/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Monty Python star John Cleese and Gomorrah actor Fortunato Cerlino have been confirmed to us as among supporting cast for Roman Polanski’s new movie The Palace, which is in production in Switzerland.
German actor Oliver Masucci and French actress Fanny Ardant lead cast in the movie, which Wild Bunch is handling for sales. Mickey Rourke also stars.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine. Script comes from Polanski and fellow Polish veteran Jerzy Skolimowsk while crew includes Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman.
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer with Polish outfit Lucky Bob also aboard.
Polanski, director of films including The Pianist, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby,...
German actor Oliver Masucci and French actress Fanny Ardant lead cast in the movie, which Wild Bunch is handling for sales. Mickey Rourke also stars.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine. Script comes from Polanski and fellow Polish veteran Jerzy Skolimowsk while crew includes Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman.
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer with Polish outfit Lucky Bob also aboard.
Polanski, director of films including The Pianist, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s ‘The Palace’ Adds ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Actor Oliver Masucci, Fanny Ardant (Exclusive)
German actor Oliver Masucci and French star Fanny Ardant have joined the cast of Roman Polanski’s new movie “The Palace,” which will surely be a subject of controversy at the Cannes Film Festival where distribution rights are being sold.
The ensemble drama, which had already cast Mickey Rourke, will be headlined by Masucci, the German actor who appeared in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” and the Netflix series “Dark,” and Ardant, the esteemed French star of “La Belle Epoque” and “8 Women.” Budgeted at €13 million (13.9 million), the movie is currently shooting on location in Gstaad, Switzerland, and is being sold by Wild Bunch International, the powerhouse behind several movies competing at Cannes, notably Arnaud Desplechin’s “Brother and Sister,” Claire Denis’s “Stars at Noon” and the opening night film “Final Cut” from Michel Hazanavicius.
The key crew includes Oscar-winning music composer Alexandre Desplat, along with Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman,...
The ensemble drama, which had already cast Mickey Rourke, will be headlined by Masucci, the German actor who appeared in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” and the Netflix series “Dark,” and Ardant, the esteemed French star of “La Belle Epoque” and “8 Women.” Budgeted at €13 million (13.9 million), the movie is currently shooting on location in Gstaad, Switzerland, and is being sold by Wild Bunch International, the powerhouse behind several movies competing at Cannes, notably Arnaud Desplechin’s “Brother and Sister,” Claire Denis’s “Stars at Noon” and the opening night film “Final Cut” from Michel Hazanavicius.
The key crew includes Oscar-winning music composer Alexandre Desplat, along with Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Roman Polanski is in production on new movie The Palace in Switzerland.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine.
Filming was confirmed ten days ago by actor Mickey Rourke who is among cast for the project. The actor posted a photo to Instagram in which he said “End of the day, once again, a great pleasure to work with legendary and talented Roman Polanski. Working with such a director i feel is a great privilege his film has such integrity, style, class and unpredictability…Switzerland is a beautiful country.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mickey Rourke (@mickey_rourke_)
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine.
Filming was confirmed ten days ago by actor Mickey Rourke who is among cast for the project. The actor posted a photo to Instagram in which he said “End of the day, once again, a great pleasure to work with legendary and talented Roman Polanski. Working with such a director i feel is a great privilege his film has such integrity, style, class and unpredictability…Switzerland is a beautiful country.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Mickey Rourke (@mickey_rourke_)
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer.
- 4/25/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s rare that news involves a film one will likely never be able to legally see in the United States. While even Woody Allen’s A Rainy Day in New York eventually arrived stateside last fall, no U.S. distributor is willing to touch Roman Polanski’s latest film, An Officer and a Spy. Nonetheless, the director––who is facing rape charges from a number of women and fled America in the late 1970s––is now prepping his next feature.
Co-written by Jerzy Skolimowski and Polanski, The Palace is a drama set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious Swiss hotel where the lives of various guests and those working at the hotel intertwine. Backed by Paolo Del Brocco’s Italian company Rai Cinema and Luca Barbareschi’s Eliseo Entertainment, production is aiming to get underway this fall, which means a 2022 premiere is likely.
“I know that Polanski carries some controversy,...
Co-written by Jerzy Skolimowski and Polanski, The Palace is a drama set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious Swiss hotel where the lives of various guests and those working at the hotel intertwine. Backed by Paolo Del Brocco’s Italian company Rai Cinema and Luca Barbareschi’s Eliseo Entertainment, production is aiming to get underway this fall, which means a 2022 premiere is likely.
“I know that Polanski carries some controversy,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Leonard Pearce
- The Film Stage
Controversial filmmaker Roman Polanski is set to get behind the camera again on The Palace, a drama set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious Swiss hotel where the lives of various guests intertwine. The project was revealed today by Paolo Del Brocco, the CEO of Italian outfit Rai Cinema, which will produce alongside Luca Barbareschi’s Eliseo Entertainment.
Fellow Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski has written the screenplay with Polanski. Further details including shooting dates on the project are currently under wraps.
“The first draft of the screenplay came to me a couple of days ago” said Paolo Del Brocco in a press conference today, as per Italian website movieplayer.it. “I can’t give details because I don’t have Polanski’s permission. Great directors are very protective of their work. We should shoot in the fall.”
Brocco also noted that Polanski remains persona non grata in the...
Fellow Polish filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski has written the screenplay with Polanski. Further details including shooting dates on the project are currently under wraps.
“The first draft of the screenplay came to me a couple of days ago” said Paolo Del Brocco in a press conference today, as per Italian website movieplayer.it. “I can’t give details because I don’t have Polanski’s permission. Great directors are very protective of their work. We should shoot in the fall.”
Brocco also noted that Polanski remains persona non grata in the...
- 4/29/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski will soon return behind the camera on “The Palace” a drama set in Switzerland that is co-written with fellow Polish auteur Jerzy Skolimowski.
The new Polanski project, which the director is expected to start shooting this fall, was announced Thursday during a lineup presentation by Rai Cinema, the film arm of Italian public broadcaster Rai.
“The Palace” is set on New Year’s Eve in 1999, “which is the epilogue of an entire millennium,” said Rai Cinema chief Paolo Del Brocco. The film is situated “in a big hotel immersed in the Swiss Alps where the lives of the guests and those who work for them intersect,” the exec added, noting that he only recently received the screenplay and isn’t allowed to say more.
The Polanski pic is being lead-produced by Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi via his Eliseo Entertainment company.
Barbareschi was also a producer on Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy,...
The new Polanski project, which the director is expected to start shooting this fall, was announced Thursday during a lineup presentation by Rai Cinema, the film arm of Italian public broadcaster Rai.
“The Palace” is set on New Year’s Eve in 1999, “which is the epilogue of an entire millennium,” said Rai Cinema chief Paolo Del Brocco. The film is situated “in a big hotel immersed in the Swiss Alps where the lives of the guests and those who work for them intersect,” the exec added, noting that he only recently received the screenplay and isn’t allowed to say more.
The Polanski pic is being lead-produced by Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi via his Eliseo Entertainment company.
Barbareschi was also a producer on Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy,...
- 4/29/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Update: The biggest talking point ahead of and into the early days of the Venice Film Festival, Roman Polanski’s An Officer And A Spy had its official competition world premiere this evening. Inside the Sala Grande, the film was well-received with a five-minute standing ovation. That’s not a Lido record in this year or others. It is, however, indicative of the division between how certain audiences may accept, or not, a movie whose maker comes with baggage.
From critics, the film has received mixed to solid reviews since it screened for the press this morning. It was warmly-received at a press conference this afternoon, during which the focus was on the movie and the actors rather tha Polanski’s long history as a fugitive from U.
From critics, the film has received mixed to solid reviews since it screened for the press this morning. It was warmly-received at a press conference this afternoon, during which the focus was on the movie and the actors rather tha Polanski’s long history as a fugitive from U.
- 8/30/2019
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
The film was warmly received at its first Venice screening.
The producers of Roman Polanski’s An Officer And A Spy attempted to draw a line under the controversy swirling around the film after it was warmly received by press and industry on the Lido ahead of its official premiere tonight (Aug 30).
Venice’s decision to invite the film has prompted criticism due to 40-year-old sexual assault charges against Polanski related to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old following a photoshoot in Los Angeles.
Tension around its selection flared on the opening day when jury president Lucrecia Martel told the...
The producers of Roman Polanski’s An Officer And A Spy attempted to draw a line under the controversy swirling around the film after it was warmly received by press and industry on the Lido ahead of its official premiere tonight (Aug 30).
Venice’s decision to invite the film has prompted criticism due to 40-year-old sexual assault charges against Polanski related to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old following a photoshoot in Los Angeles.
Tension around its selection flared on the opening day when jury president Lucrecia Martel told the...
- 8/30/2019
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- ScreenDaily
Roman Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” has been sparking debate on the Lido since it was announced that it would premiere at the Venice Film Festival. But the movie’s press conference Friday was remarkably drama-free, perhaps in part because Polanski himself, as expected, did not attend.
The film’s producers, including France’s Alain Goldman and Italy’s Luca Barbareschi, and key cast members Jean Dujardin, Louis Garrel and Emmanuelle Seigner received a hearty ovation at the presser Friday afternoon, ahead of the movie’s evening premiere. Barbareschi, who had said he considered pulling the film out of the festival if jury president Lucrecia Martel didn’t clarify her comment that she would “not congratulate” Polanski, seemed placid, if not philosophical. Asked if he feared Martel’s stance could cause prejudice against “An Officer and a Spy” within the jury, Barbareschi said: “The past is the past.
The film’s producers, including France’s Alain Goldman and Italy’s Luca Barbareschi, and key cast members Jean Dujardin, Louis Garrel and Emmanuelle Seigner received a hearty ovation at the presser Friday afternoon, ahead of the movie’s evening premiere. Barbareschi, who had said he considered pulling the film out of the festival if jury president Lucrecia Martel didn’t clarify her comment that she would “not congratulate” Polanski, seemed placid, if not philosophical. Asked if he feared Martel’s stance could cause prejudice against “An Officer and a Spy” within the jury, Barbareschi said: “The past is the past.
- 8/30/2019
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
A producer on Roman Polanski’s “An Officer and a Spy” said he considered pulling the movie from the Venice Film Festival after jury president Lucrecia Martel declared she would “not congratulate” the director. But after Martel clarified her statement, which some had interpreted as a refusal to consider the film for an award, the film’s production team said Thursday it was satisfied on the matter.
Argentine auteur Martel made her remarks Wednesday during the festival’s opening press conference, which featured pointed questions on the inclusion of works by Polanski and U.S. director Nate Parker in the official selection, despite both men’s histories of allegations of sexual assault. Polanski was convicted of statutory rape in California and fled the U.S. in 1978 before his final sentencing.
Martel clearly defended the choice of Polanski’s film in the Lido lineup, despite the controversy surrounding Polanski himself. “I will not congratulate him,...
Argentine auteur Martel made her remarks Wednesday during the festival’s opening press conference, which featured pointed questions on the inclusion of works by Polanski and U.S. director Nate Parker in the official selection, despite both men’s histories of allegations of sexual assault. Polanski was convicted of statutory rape in California and fled the U.S. in 1978 before his final sentencing.
Martel clearly defended the choice of Polanski’s film in the Lido lineup, despite the controversy surrounding Polanski himself. “I will not congratulate him,...
- 8/29/2019
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
He’s been expelled from the Academy, and his last film, “Based on a True Story,” flopped at the box office. But the recent announcement of Roman Polanski’s new movie offers proof that, even after the Harvey Weinstein scandal and the birth of the #MeToo movement, the controversial director can still muster support – at least, in places where #MeToo has been slow to take hold.
The Oscar-winning director, who pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor in 1977 and has been a fugitive of U.S. justice ever since, has managed to raise about €22 million ($25.3 million) for his long-gestating passion project, “J’Accuse,” from backers in France and Italy – two countries where #MeToo has been heavily criticized. (Polanski himself has called the movement “collective hysteria.”) “J’Accuse” now ranks among the biggest-budgeted local movies slated for either 2019 or 2020 in either territory.
Polanski has been able to recruit well-established players and talent for the film,...
The Oscar-winning director, who pleaded guilty to having sex with a minor in 1977 and has been a fugitive of U.S. justice ever since, has managed to raise about €22 million ($25.3 million) for his long-gestating passion project, “J’Accuse,” from backers in France and Italy – two countries where #MeToo has been heavily criticized. (Polanski himself has called the movement “collective hysteria.”) “J’Accuse” now ranks among the biggest-budgeted local movies slated for either 2019 or 2020 in either territory.
Polanski has been able to recruit well-established players and talent for the film,...
- 10/5/2018
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Italian director Fausto Brizzi has been placed under investigation by prosecutors in Rome on sexual harassment charges brought by three women, Italian daily Corriere della Sera has reported.
The formal investigation, which is the first known case of this type in Italy since the #MeToo movement started, is preliminary and does not mean Brizzi, who is known locally for churning out hit comedies, will be prosecuted. It follows allegations of sexual misconduct brought against Brizzi by several Italian actresses on Mediaset investigative TV show “Le Iene” last November, which made a splash in the Italian media.
Brizzi has vehemently denied having non-consensual sex but said after the allegations surfaced that he was suspending all work and business activities.
According to Corriere della Sera, the case will be difficult to prosecute because two of the unnamed women who filed charges did so past Italy’s six-month statute of limitations on rape and other sexual crimes.
The formal investigation, which is the first known case of this type in Italy since the #MeToo movement started, is preliminary and does not mean Brizzi, who is known locally for churning out hit comedies, will be prosecuted. It follows allegations of sexual misconduct brought against Brizzi by several Italian actresses on Mediaset investigative TV show “Le Iene” last November, which made a splash in the Italian media.
Brizzi has vehemently denied having non-consensual sex but said after the allegations surfaced that he was suspending all work and business activities.
According to Corriere della Sera, the case will be difficult to prosecute because two of the unnamed women who filed charges did so past Italy’s six-month statute of limitations on rape and other sexual crimes.
- 4/18/2018
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Good detective shows focus themselves around a likeable character who always wins in the end. Police Chief Soneri may not be the best known detective on television, but Fog and Crimes: The Complete Third Season proves he deserves to be more recognised as one of the greats.
In the third and final season of the show based on the novels by Valerio Varesi we see changes in Soneri’s (Luca Barbareschi) life and his career. Still as stubborn as ever, in this final season the cases become much more personal, with both his past and present endeavours leading him into danger.
Fog and Crimes has always been four to six feature-length episodes which are nicely paced to be watched separately, and not in the “binge” style we do so often these days. In this final season we see four, with more of a focus on Soneri’s life. This...
In the third and final season of the show based on the novels by Valerio Varesi we see changes in Soneri’s (Luca Barbareschi) life and his career. Still as stubborn as ever, in this final season the cases become much more personal, with both his past and present endeavours leading him into danger.
Fog and Crimes has always been four to six feature-length episodes which are nicely paced to be watched separately, and not in the “binge” style we do so often these days. In this final season we see four, with more of a focus on Soneri’s life. This...
- 9/29/2015
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
To mark the release of Fog and Crimes Season 3 on 28th September, we’ve been given 3 copies to give away on DVD. The complete third season of the Italian TV crime drama. In the seemingly tranquil countryside of Northern Italy, Police Chief Soneri (Luca Barbareschi) works together with a faithful team to solve a
The post Win Fog and Crimes Season 3 on DVD appeared first on HeyUGuys.
The post Win Fog and Crimes Season 3 on DVD appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 9/28/2015
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
In two weeks, vampires, cannibals, Halloween frights and more will grace the screen at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois for Bruce Cambell's Horror Film Festival. Now a telekinetic kid and and an apocalypse have joined the killer lineup, as both June and JeruZalem will make their U.S. premieres at the festival.
Press Release: "Chicago, Illinois (August 6, 2015) – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), is proud to announce the addition of two more films to the already bursting schedule.
June, starring Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Kennedy Brice (The Walking Dead), tells the story of nine-year-old June (Brice), who has been shuffled in and out of foster homes for years. Though she tries to be good, no matter where she goes a trail of chaos and terror seems to follow.
Press Release: "Chicago, Illinois (August 6, 2015) – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), is proud to announce the addition of two more films to the already bursting schedule.
June, starring Casper Van Dien (Starship Troopers) and Kennedy Brice (The Walking Dead), tells the story of nine-year-old June (Brice), who has been shuffled in and out of foster homes for years. Though she tries to be good, no matter where she goes a trail of chaos and terror seems to follow.
- 8/6/2015
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
One month from now, Bruce Cambell's Horror Film Festival will take over the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois and they've announced killer lineup that includes Tales of Halloween, a screening of Fright Night with a Q&A from Tom Holland, and Eli Roth introducing Cannibal Holocaust:
"Chicago, July 22, 2015 – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), promises thrills, chills, guests and surprises to Chicago’s legions of horror fans. The four-day event, programmed by The Awesome Fest, will coincide with Wizard World Chicago and offers convention-goers and ticket holders a chance to sit back, relax, and lose their minds.
“You can have your rom-coms, your indie darlings and your blockbusters,” remarks Bruce Campbell. “I’ll take a good old-fashioned horror movie any day or night of the week!”
“With this program we...
"Chicago, July 22, 2015 – The second annual Bruce Campbell Horror Film Festival presented by Wizard World, running August 20 – 23 at the Muvico Theater in Rosemont, Illinois (9701 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont), promises thrills, chills, guests and surprises to Chicago’s legions of horror fans. The four-day event, programmed by The Awesome Fest, will coincide with Wizard World Chicago and offers convention-goers and ticket holders a chance to sit back, relax, and lose their minds.
“You can have your rom-coms, your indie darlings and your blockbusters,” remarks Bruce Campbell. “I’ll take a good old-fashioned horror movie any day or night of the week!”
“With this program we...
- 7/22/2015
- by Jonathan James
- DailyDead
I must admit that I’m starting to like Italian crime series, especially with the likes of Gomorrah and the first season of Fog and Crimes. Now that Fog and Crimes: The Complete Second Season has been released I’m able to continue the story of Police Chief Soneri (Luca Barbareschi) and his constant struggle to balance his life and work battle with crime.
In many ways Fog and Crimes: The Complete Second Season is more of the same, and this isn’t a bad thing. With some of the highlights being a focus on murders there is some diversity including an investigation into child slavery and even the contentious issue of property confiscated from families during World War 2. Most of all though we see Soneri’s continued romance with Angela Cornelio (Natasha Stefanenko).
What makes Soneri a good police man is that he is a workaholic and in this...
In many ways Fog and Crimes: The Complete Second Season is more of the same, and this isn’t a bad thing. With some of the highlights being a focus on murders there is some diversity including an investigation into child slavery and even the contentious issue of property confiscated from families during World War 2. Most of all though we see Soneri’s continued romance with Angela Cornelio (Natasha Stefanenko).
What makes Soneri a good police man is that he is a workaholic and in this...
- 5/14/2015
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
After watching Gomorrah moving to another Italian crime drama was something of a relief from the violent and dark world of the Mafia. Fog and Crimes: The Complete First Season is a more sedate trip into the world of a detective who doesn’t really go for the violent approach, but when he sets his sights on a case Soneri (Luca Barbareschi) never lets go.
Based on the novels by Valerio Varesi the first season of Fog and Crimes features four investigations that have more of a historical feel to them. Touching on not only the past of Italy the stories also focus on criminal pasts and dips into the life of Soneri himself as he fights to solve the crimes.
I will admit to not knowing much about Italian history, but watching Inspector De Luca I found that a good reference for the effect World War 2 had on the country.
Based on the novels by Valerio Varesi the first season of Fog and Crimes features four investigations that have more of a historical feel to them. Touching on not only the past of Italy the stories also focus on criminal pasts and dips into the life of Soneri himself as he fights to solve the crimes.
I will admit to not knowing much about Italian history, but watching Inspector De Luca I found that a good reference for the effect World War 2 had on the country.
- 10/27/2014
- by Paul Metcalf
- Nerdly
Love it or hate it, and for whatever reason, Cannibal Holocaust carved its own spot in cult movie infamy, and it has such staying power that it is not going away. Once Grindhouse Releasing made their return, and started releasing films to Blu-ray, I wondered instantly if things like Pieces and Cannibal Holocaust would get the High-Def treatment, and it appears that I have my answer. Though Pieces hasn’t been announced for a Blu-ray yet, Cannibal Holocaust has, and now we have not only a final release date, but a list of the treasure trove of bonus content that comes along with it. Get your pre-orders in, kids. Now is the time.
From the press release:
Cannibal Holocaust
3 Disc Deluxe Edition 2 Blu-rays + 1 CD
Label: Grindhouse Releasing
Pre-book: 6/3/2014 Street Date: 7/1/2014
Srp: 39.95 Upc: 797679001123 Cat: Bos 011
Run Time: 96 Minutes Language: English
Color Widescreen 1.85:1 Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Region: All
Production Year: 1980 Genre:...
From the press release:
Cannibal Holocaust
3 Disc Deluxe Edition 2 Blu-rays + 1 CD
Label: Grindhouse Releasing
Pre-book: 6/3/2014 Street Date: 7/1/2014
Srp: 39.95 Upc: 797679001123 Cat: Bos 011
Run Time: 96 Minutes Language: English
Color Widescreen 1.85:1 Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Region: All
Production Year: 1980 Genre:...
- 5/28/2014
- by Shawn Savage
- The Liberal Dead
Exclusive: Titles include The Mercury Factor, Neverlake, L’Intrepido and Song e’ Napule.
Italy’s Rai Trade has racked up sales on paranormal genre debut Neverlake and Hong Kong-set thriller The Mercury Factor, after market premiering the titles at the Afm.
Miami-based Alebrije Entertainment acquired all Latin America rights for Riccardo Paoletti’s English-language, genre debut Neverlake. Uncork’d Entertainment picked up Us rights and Los Banditos bought the film for Germany and Austria.
Set against the backdrop of Tuscany, the film stars British actress Daisy Keeping as a young girl who uncovers a terrifying secret when she visits her estranged archaeologist father who is obsessed with ancient Etruscans.
Luca Barbareschi’s The Mercury Factor, starring the director opposite rising Chinese star Zhang Jingchu, sold to Media Asia for China. The company said deals on the film were also imminent for the Us, Canada and Korea.
The storyline is loosely inspired by the Italian bestseller I Trust...
Italy’s Rai Trade has racked up sales on paranormal genre debut Neverlake and Hong Kong-set thriller The Mercury Factor, after market premiering the titles at the Afm.
Miami-based Alebrije Entertainment acquired all Latin America rights for Riccardo Paoletti’s English-language, genre debut Neverlake. Uncork’d Entertainment picked up Us rights and Los Banditos bought the film for Germany and Austria.
Set against the backdrop of Tuscany, the film stars British actress Daisy Keeping as a young girl who uncovers a terrifying secret when she visits her estranged archaeologist father who is obsessed with ancient Etruscans.
Luca Barbareschi’s The Mercury Factor, starring the director opposite rising Chinese star Zhang Jingchu, sold to Media Asia for China. The company said deals on the film were also imminent for the Us, Canada and Korea.
The storyline is loosely inspired by the Italian bestseller I Trust...
- 11/19/2013
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Titles include The Mercury Factor, Neverlake, L’Intrepido and Song e’ Napule.
Italy’s Rai Trade has racked up sales on paranormal genre debut Neverlake and Hong Kong-set thriller The Mercury Factor, after market premiering the titles at the Afm.
Miami-based Alebrije Entertainment acquired all Latin America rights for Riccardo Paoletti’s English-language, genre debut Neverlake. Uncork’d Entertainment picked up Us rights and Los Banditos bought the film for Germany and Austria.
Set against the backdrop of Tuscany, the film stars British actress Daisy Keeping as a young girl who uncovers a terrifying secret when she visits her estranged archaeologist father who is obsessed with ancient Etruscans.
Luca Barbareschi’s The Mercury Factor, starring the director opposite rising Chinese star Zhang Jingchu, sold to Media Asia for China. The company said deals on the film were also imminent for the Us, Canada and Korea.
The storyline is loosely inspired by the Italian bestseller I Trust...
Italy’s Rai Trade has racked up sales on paranormal genre debut Neverlake and Hong Kong-set thriller The Mercury Factor, after market premiering the titles at the Afm.
Miami-based Alebrije Entertainment acquired all Latin America rights for Riccardo Paoletti’s English-language, genre debut Neverlake. Uncork’d Entertainment picked up Us rights and Los Banditos bought the film for Germany and Austria.
Set against the backdrop of Tuscany, the film stars British actress Daisy Keeping as a young girl who uncovers a terrifying secret when she visits her estranged archaeologist father who is obsessed with ancient Etruscans.
Luca Barbareschi’s The Mercury Factor, starring the director opposite rising Chinese star Zhang Jingchu, sold to Media Asia for China. The company said deals on the film were also imminent for the Us, Canada and Korea.
The storyline is loosely inspired by the Italian bestseller I Trust...
- 11/19/2013
- ScreenDaily
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