It’s been a busy week in the world of cinema. Cannes inevitably takes all the spotlight.  Every time the stars descend on the Croisette, we find ourselves buried in controversy and scandal and occasionally discover a great movie. However, the world of movies doesn’t grind to a halt just because of the festival. Here is a recap of all the movie news you might have missed this past week. 

Movie Updates

Todd Haynes’ X-Rated 1930s Gay Drama With Joaquin Phoenix

Todd Haynes has revealed that his next film project, a gay romance set in the 1930s, will star Joaquin Phoenix and is expected to receive an NC-17 rating. The film, which is still in the early stages of development, is based on an original script developed with Phoenix and Jon Raymond. Phoenix, who has been actively involved in the production and storyline of the film, has been pushing Haynes to take the narrative further, leading to the anticipated NC-17 rating. 

This will be Phoenix’s first gay role, adding another layer of intrigue to the project. The film is expected to begin shooting in early 2024. Given Haynes’ and Phoenix’s track records, this daring project will likely generate significant interest in the film industry and among audiences.

Pawel Pawlikowski’s ‘The Island’ On Hold Indefinitely

Pawel Pawlikowski’s highly anticipated film “The Island,” which was set to star Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara, has been scrapped due to insurance issues. It’s been an eventful week for Phoenix. The film was supposed to start shooting in Spain this month, but the inability to secure insurance led to the project being put on hold indefinitely. 

The film, loosely based on real events, was set to follow an American couple in the 1930s who escaped to their own private island and lived off the land. However, their tranquil lifestyle is disrupted by a millionaire passing by on his yacht, turning the couple into a tabloid sensation. Considering Pawlikowski, Phoenix and Mara’s recent successes, this highlights how even the most promising of products can be scuppered by insurance-related issues in the current climate. 

Sofia Coppola’s ‘Priscilla’ Rumours

Sofia Coppola‘s upcoming film “Priscilla” is generating significant buzz. The film, based on Priscilla Presley’s memoir “Elvis and Me,” stars Cailee Spaeny and Jacob Elordi as Priscilla and Elvis. Coppola describes “Priscilla” as “Marie Antoinette in Graceland,” hinting at a unique blend of historical drama and pop culture similar to her 2006 film. 

The film is about Priscilla becoming who she is and figuring out her sense of womanhood. Despite not screening at Cannes, the film is now rumoured to premiere in Venice. The film wrapped its production in December, and Coppola started post-production in January.

Film Productions

Martin Scorsese Wants to Adapt “A Pipe for February”

In a recent press conference for Killers of the Flower Moon, Martin Scorsese and Lily Gladstone expressed interest in adapting Charles H. Red Corn’s novel “A Pipe For February” into a film. The novel provides an earlier narrative about the Osage community, told from their perspective. Details about the potential adaptation are sparse at this point, but the interest from Scorsese and Gladstone suggests a promising future for the project. It should be noted that Scorsese recently wrote a foreword for the book.

The novel has been described as “extraordinary, evocative, riveting, and moving,” shedding light on the experiences of the Osage people. Given Scorsese’s track record of delivering compelling cinematic narratives, this potential adaptation could offer a profound exploration of the Osage community’s history and experiences.

Kleber Mendonça Filho to Shoot New Film Set in 1970s Brazil

Kleber Mendonça Filho, the acclaimed Brazilian filmmaker behind Bacurau, Aquarius, and Neighbouring Sounds, is planning to shoot a new film set in 1970s Brazil. The film, titled “Secret Agents,” will star actor Wagner Moura. 

Despite the 1970s setting, Filho clarifies that the film is not about the era’s dictatorship. Instead, it is about the “logic of Brazil.” The film is described as a “historical” piece, and given Filho’s reputation for crafting powerful social commentaries, it is expected to be an unusual and compelling exploration of Brazil’s socio-political landscape during the 1970s.

Karim Ainouz Remaking Bellocchio’s ‘Fists in the Pocket’ with Kristen Stewart

Acclaimed filmmaker Karim Aïnouz, fresh off the debut of Firebrand, is set to direct a remake of the classic Italian film Fists in the Pocket. The new film, titled “Rosebushpruning,” has already lined up an impressive cast, including Kristen Stewart, Elle Fanning, and Josh O’Connor. 

The original film, directed by Marco Bellocchio, tells the story of a family dealing with various medical conditions and how it affects their relationships. The remake will be written by Efthimis Filippou, known for his collaborations with Yorgos Lanthimos on films like The Lobster, Dogtooth, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. The film is expected to go into production sometime in the spring of 2024.

David Cronenberg’s ‘The Shrouds’ Starts Production

David Cronenberg has officially commenced production on his latest film, “The Shrouds,” in Toronto. The film, which was initially slated to begin shooting in March, faced minor delays due to casting issues. Diane Kruger was added to the cast, replacing Léa Seydoux, and Guy Pearce has also been confirmed. They will star alongside Vincent Cassel in this intriguing sci-fi film set in a world where people can watch their deceased relatives decaying in real time. 

Cronenberg has mentioned that ‘Shrouds’ was part of an aborted Netflix project, which the streaming giant reportedly got cold feet about after reading the second episode. The film is being co-produced by Saïd Ben Saïd. Certainly, a film to keep an eye out for. 

Premier News

Venice Film World Premier for Ferrari

Producer Niels Juul has confirmed via Instagram that Michael Mann‘s Ferrari will have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film, which is currently being shopped around for US distribution, cost around $90 million to produce. The narrative is said to be epic in scope, focusing on a single year (1957) in the life of Enzo Ferrari, played by Adam Driver, and his wife Laura, portrayed by Penelope Cruz. This film has been a passion project for Mann for several years and marks his first film since 2015’s Blackhat. The cinematography of Ferrari is helmed by David Fincher regular Erik Messerschmidt. 

Mann, now 80, is expected to shoot a sequel to his 1995 classic Heat next year. Despite Ferrari’s high production cost, the anticipation surrounding the film is palpable, given Mann’s reputation for delivering world-class films like Heat, Collateral, The Insider, and Thief.

Rumours for Venice Film Festival Lineup

Other Venice film festival news isn’t readily available. Still, Screen Daily has speculated on several films that could be part of the lineup for the Venice Film Festival, which is set to be announced in July. Some of the potential films include Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things, Matteo Garrone’s Io Capitano, Pablo Larrain’s El Conde, David Michod’s Wizards!, Luca Guadagnino’s Challengers, Michel Franco’s Memory, Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla, Bradley Cooper’s Maestro, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon, and Emerald Fennell’s Saltburn. 

It’s important to note that these are speculations, and the official lineup will be confirmed in July. However, these predictions from Screen Daily provide an interesting insight into the potential films that could be showcased at the prestigious event.

Other News

Victor Erice Pens Letter Against Cannes

The revered Spanish auteur Victor Erice has penned an angry open letter in El Pais, expressing his disappointment with the Cannes Film Festival. His film Close Your Eyes was relegated to the relatively low-profile Cannes Premiere section, despite being acclaimed by some as one of the best films of this year’s Cannes lineup. 

Erice’s letter reveals his frustration with the lack of dialogue and consultation with the festival and its artistic director, Thierry Frémaux. He claims that he was kept in the dark about the selection process, causing his film to miss out on other opportunities for its launch. Erice’s decision not to attend the Cannes premiere was a protest against this lack of communication. This incident has sparked a debate about the selection process at Cannes and the treatment of filmmakers.