Cate Blanchett dazzles at Venice Film Festival with ‘Disclaimer’
A night to remember
Cate Blanchett captivated the Venice Film Festival on Thursday night as Alfonso Cuarón’s new Apple TV+ series, Disclaimer, received a five-minute standing ovation. The two-time Oscar winner was the star of the evening, with the audience inside the Sala Grande erupting into applause as she made her entrance. Blanchett looked stunning in a sleek black pantsuit with an open back adorned with pearls, while her co-star Sacha Baron Cohen channeled James Bond in a white tuxedo jacket.
A touch of Gen-Z
Adding a modern twist to the event, singer Olivia Rodrigo attended to support her boyfriend, Louis Partridge, who also stars in the series. Although she didn’t walk the red carpet, Rodrigo sat a few seats away from Partridge during the screening. Despite the crowd’s attempts to catch her attention by shouting “Olivia!”, she remained focused on the event.
Press conference highlights
Earlier in the day, during the Disclaimer press conference, Blanchett was asked about the dress she wore to the premiere of The Apprentice at the Cannes Film Festival in May. The dress had sparked discussions about its perceived pro-Palestinian statement. When asked if a similar statement could be expected in Venice, Blanchett humorously dodged the question, joking that she would be “going naked.” Clearly, that was not the case.
The series: A psychological thriller
Disclaimer, a seven-episode psychological thriller based on Renée Knight’s 2015 book, stars Blanchett as a renowned documentary journalist who discovers she is the main character in a novel that threatens to expose her darkest secrets. The series boasts an impressive cast, including Sacha Baron Cohen, Louis Partridge, Kevin Kline, Kodi Smit-McPhee, HoYeon Jung, Lesley Manville, and Leila George.
Venice Film Festival legacy
All seven episodes of Disclaimer are set to screen out of competition at the Venice Film Festival. Blanchett is no stranger to Venice, having won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress in 2007 for her portrayal of Bob Dylan in I’m Not There and again in 2022 for her performance in Tár.
Award-winning director Alfonso Cuarón also has a rich history with the festival. He opened the 2010 edition with Gravity, starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney, a film that later earned him an Oscar for Best Director. In 2015, Cuarón served as the president of the Venice Film Festival’s jury, and his film Roma won the Golden Lion in 2018 before earning him his second Best Director Oscar. Prior to Disclaimer, his last television venture was the 2014 fantasy drama series Believe.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, witnessing the collaboration between Cate Blanchett and Alfonso Cuarón is nothing short of exhilarating. Blanchett’s ability to embody complex characters and Cuarón’s visionary direction promise a series that will captivate and challenge viewers. The psychological depth of Disclaimer is likely to resonate with audiences, offering a narrative that delves into the human psyche and the consequences of hidden truths.
Premiere details
Disclaimer is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on October 11. This highly anticipated series is expected to be a significant addition to the streaming platform’s lineup, offering a blend of suspense, drama, and stellar performances.
For those eager to get a glimpse of the series, you can watch the trailer here.
In the world of cinema and television, moments like these remind us of the power of storytelling and the impact of exceptional performances. Whether you’re a fan of psychological thrillers or simply appreciate the artistry of film, Disclaimer is a series that should not be missed.