Italian
Bertrand Bonello’s cinematic vision: From “The Beast” to the future of film
Reflecting on “The Beast”
In the golden sunlight of medieval Lucca, Bertrand Bonello, draped in white, contemplates his future projects. Renowned for his science-fiction drama The Beast, which competed at Venice last year, Bonello has much to share about his journey, the evolving landscape of cinema, and the role of artificial intelligence.
The plot of a dystopian future
Set in Paris in 2044, The Beast imagines a world where AI reigns supreme. Human emotions, in this technologically regulated society, are seen as threats. Gabrielle, magnificently portrayed by Léa Seydoux, must cleanse her DNA by revisiting her past lives. Reunited with her great love, Louis, played by George MacKay, she is haunted by premonitions of an impending catastrophe. This narrative, adapted from Henry James’ novella The Beast in the Jungle, intricately blends period drama, crime, and science fiction.
Conversing on AI in creativity
When asked about AI and its place in creativity, Bonello offers a candid response. “It’s freaky. So powerful. I would never use AI in creative direction,” he reveals. For instance, he once requested that AI write a script in his style, and within seconds, it produced a passable four-page story. While not absurd, it lacked the depth and complexity essential for films. “If you’re writing episode four of Season 2 of a series, it can do the job. But for a film, it’s another game entirely.”
The impact on the creative process
The advent of AI pushes creators to be more personal, an aspect that machines cannot replicate. Bonello believes that this pressure can drive artists to dig deeper into their unique perspectives and experiences.
“The Beast” delves into the idea that technology could help us overcome past traumas. Bonello speaks to the existence of ancient, unconscious traumas that shape our behaviors. He explains, “The Gabrielle of 2044 is the sum of all her past lives. We know it, she doesn’t. The same goes for Louis. These traumas build us, but they also bring suffering.”
Exploring and blending genres
Bonello has always played with genre boundaries. Describing “The Beast” as a mix of period drama, crime, and science fiction, he implies that this film marks the culmination of his genre explorations. “It’s as if all my films led to this one, and now I have to turn the page,” he reflects.
Learning and evolving with cinema
After completing a film, Bonello finds it still teaches him aspects he hadn’t initially realized. “When a film is done, it’s not over with you. It continues to reveal things through others. Critics or viewers sometimes understand my films better than I do.” This continuous learning process is vital to his growth as a filmmaker.
New horizons
While Bonello hints at his upcoming project, he remains tight-lipped about specifics. “It’s going to be very different,” he promises, with casting set to begin soon and shooting planned for next September.
The evolving landscape of cinema
The cinematic world is undergoing significant transformation. With the rise of streaming platforms, audiences’ viewing habits have evolved. Bonello emphasizes the importance of embracing these changes. “You can’t just say, ‘Oh, the audience is getting stupid. They’re watching a stupid series.’ It’s more complicated. This mutation is freaky and fascinating. If you’re not incorporating it into your creation, you’re out.”
Fifteen years ago, viewers distinguished clearly between movies and TV series. Today, the lines have blurred, creating a more fluid concept of fiction. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, as more people began watching films on personal devices. Bonello laments, “When I see people watching films on an iPhone, I think, ‘Am I working for that?’ In a way, yes. I’m always going to fight for my films to be in theaters, but some will choose to watch on their phones. I have to include that perspective.”
Embracing hope in a changing industry
Despite the challenges facing the film industry, Bonello remains optimistic. “It’s getting difficult, but if you don’t keep in mind that there is some light at the end, why continue?” His dedication to cinema and its future is unwavering, and his journey continues to inspire.
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