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From teenage star to Oscar buzz: the evolution of Brady Corbet
Rising star at venice film festival
“The Brutalist” has emerged as one of the most talked-about films at the Venice Film Festival, propelling Brady Corbet into the limelight with many predicting an Academy Award for Best Director. This marks a significant milestone in Corbet’s career, who, two decades ago, was the teenage lead in the cult film “Thunderbirds.”
A surprising revelation at BFI London
This intriguing piece of cinema history came to light during a rare public talk at the BFI London Film Festival, where the dynamic heads of Working Title, Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner, shared insights into their storied careers. Despite being the U.K.’s most renowned production company, with over 150 films garnering more than 300 prestigious awards, they candidly discussed their failures and the invaluable lessons they’ve learned.
Lessons from cinematic failures
Among the films that didn’t quite hit the mark was “Thunderbirds,” which, despite being based on a beloved sci-fi TV series, grossed only $28 million against a hefty $57 million budget. According to Fellner, the principal flaw was trying to target both the U.K. and U.S. markets simultaneously, leading to a film that didn’t resonate fully with either audience. Bevan chimed in, noting that “Thunderbirds” wasn’t their worst film — that title went to their first project with Universal, “The Man Who Cried,” which, despite an impressive cast, made a mere $1.8 million.
Embracing Failure
“At the core of our journey,” Bevan said during the talk, “is the understanding that failure is part of life’s process. The key is to get up and keep going, to not rest on your laurels after success, nor wallow in misery after a flop.” Fellner emphasized how excessive reflection on failures can be paralyzing, preventing new creative endeavors.
This philosophy has undoubtedly fueled their persistence, as Working Title has numerous successful titles under its belt, including hit rom-coms like “Bridget Jones’s Diary” and prestige dramas such as “The Theory of Everything”. The secret to their early success? Building strong relationships with key collaborators like Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, and Helen Fielding.
Venturing into uncharted territory: Embracing bold new projects
One of their latest ventures marks a significant departure from their usual fare: the visceral body horror film, “The Substance”. Although Working Title isn’t typically known for horror, Fellner explains that their approach has always been “genre neutral but director positive.”
Discovering new talent
Their enthusiasm for working with emerging talent led them to Coralie Fargeat, whose debut feature “Revenge” caught their attention. After several trips to Paris, Fellner persuaded Fargeat to collaborate on “The Substance.”
“We went into it with full confidence in her vision and the script,” Fellner shared. “The final product was more intense than we had imagined, but the audience response was phenomenal.” Indeed, “The Substance” has become Mubi’s most successful release to date, earning close to $12 million domestically and over $24 million worldwide, solidifying its place as a major hit despite its niche appeal.
The future of independent cinema
“The Substance” highlights the untapped potential in the independent film sector, especially for bold projects budgeted under $15 million. For Bevan and Fellner, the success of such films underscores that there’s a sizable audience for innovative and daring cinema.
Fellner concluded with a hopeful sentiment: “Films like ‘The Substance’ remind us that boldness and originality can draw people back to theaters. Our aim is to continue producing captivating films that spark conversations and enthusiasm.”
An evolving landscape
In the continuously evolving landscape of cinema, Working Title’s journey offers a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the undying spirit of storytelling. From the exhilarating highs of “Bridget Jones” to the audacious depths of “The Substance,” their portfolio reflects a dedication to diverse narratives that challenge and inspire.
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Next stop: What’s coming next from Working Title? Stay tuned to find out!
