VENICE: The 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival concluded with a notable lineup of strong films and politically charged statements, even as the absence of Hollywood stars due to the ongoing strike impacted the event’s star-studded atmosphere.
Despite the strike, which led to several high-profile names not attending the festival, Venice maintained its reputation as a platform for launching potential Oscar contenders and addressing societal issues.
Among the standout entries was “Poor Things,” a feminist reimagining of Frankenstein featuring Emma Stone in a critically acclaimed and humorous yet explicit role as a reanimated corpse. It is likely to receive Oscar nominations.
Another late entry, “Memory,” could also contend for awards. The film, portraying the relationship between a recovering alcoholic and a man with dementia, stars Jessica Chastain and was given an exemption from the strikes as it was made outside the studio system.
Chastain voiced her support for the strikes, emphasizing the need to address workplace abuse and unfair contracts in the entertainment industry. Adam Driver, promoting the independent film “Ferrari,” also expressed solidarity with the unions.
Director David Fincher, whose film “The Killer” premiered at the festival, took a more balanced approach, saying he understood “both sides” of the strike.
Films at Venice Films Festival
Venice served as the launchpad for numerous awards campaigns this year, featuring prestige films like “Maestro,” directed by and starring Bradley Cooper as Leonard Bernstein, and Sofia Coppola’s biopic “Priscilla,” starring Cailee Spaeny as Elvis Presley’s young wife.
Powerful migrant dramas, such as “Io Capitano” by Matteo Garrone and “Green Border,” highlighted the festival’s socially relevant themes. Luc Besson’s “Dogman,” however, received harsh criticism, with one critic dubbing it “the year’s dumbest film.”
Another unconventional entry was “El Conde” by Chile’s Pablo Larrain, reimagining former dictator Augusto Pinochet as a vampire.
Despite the strong competition lineup, the festival faced controversy over the inclusion of Roman Polanski’s “The Palace” in the out-of-competition section, given his status as a convicted sex offender. The film garnered disastrous reviews, further hindering its distribution prospects.
On a brighter note, Woody Allen’s 50th film, “Coup de Chance,” his first in French, was well-received and considered his best work in a decade.
