Venice Film Festival: A cinematic feast for the senses
Every film festival has its unique charm, its place in the awards landscape, and its highs and lows. However, the Venice Film Festival has carved out a niche all its own. It has become the epicenter of the fall movie season, showcasing the most anticipated studio premieres and daring art films. This year’s lineup is no exception, and I can’t wait to dive into it. Here are the five films at Venice this year that I’m most excited to see.
Joker: Folie à Deux
Joaquin Phoenix’s brooding, Travis-Bickle-esque Joker returns, this time joined by Lady Gaga as Harley Quinn. They form a chaotic duo in what has been described as a jukebox musical. As someone who considered Todd Phillips’ “Joker” the best film of 2019, “Joker 2” is my must-see movie of the year. The first “Joker” premiered at Venice and sparked intense debate. Let’s hope this sequel does the same.
Queer
Before William S. Burroughs became the counterculture icon who captured America’s madness in “Naked Lunch,” he penned two semi-autobiographical novels. The first was “Junkie” in 1953, and the second was “Queer,” written in the same period but published in 1985. I’ve longed to see these confessional works adapted for the screen, and Daniel Craig as the Burroughs character in Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation is a dream come true. The film follows Burroughs’ adventures in Mexico, particularly his pursuit of a young man played by Drew Starkey.
The room next door
Pedro Almodóvar seems to be in his blue period, crafting dramas that reach new levels of melancholic realism. His first English-language feature is set in New England and stars Tilda Swinton as a war correspondent and flawed mother, with Julianne Moore as her estranged novelist friend. Described as a companion piece to “Parallel Mothers,” which premiered at Venice in 2021, I’m eager to see if it matches that film’s intricate blend of melodrama and historical inquiry.
Maria
Pablo Larraín’s latest biopic tells the story of Maria Callas, the American-born Greek soprano who became one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Known for her dramatic life, this film marks Larraín’s third exploration of a diva, following “Jackie” and “Spencer.” With Angelina Jolie in the title role, there’s every reason to believe this film will be a hit.
The brutalist
The jury is still out on actor-turned-director Brady Corbet. His first two films, “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux,” showed flashes of brilliance amid waves of indulgence. However, his latest film, “The Brutalist,” feels like an event on every level. It’s a riff on Ayn Rand’s “The Fountainhead,” stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, and runs for three hours and 15 minutes. Let’s hope the brilliance outweighs the indulgence.
A personal reflection
As a cinema enthusiast, the Venice Film Festival is a treasure trove of cinematic gems. Each film offers a unique perspective, a different story, and a chance to experience the magic of filmmaking. Whether it’s the psychological depth of “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the raw honesty of “Queer,” the melancholic beauty of “The Room Next Door,” the dramatic life of “Maria,” or the ambitious scope of “The Brutalist,” there’s something for everyone.
Final thoughts
The Venice Film Festival continues to be a beacon for film lovers, offering a diverse array of films that push boundaries and challenge conventions. This year’s lineup promises to be no different, and I can’t wait to see how these films resonate with audiences. Whether you’re a fan of blockbusters or art films, the Venice Film Festival has something to offer. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready for a cinematic journey like no other.