Traditionally a non-audience friendly festival, Venice has in recent times
faced up to some of the problems which made it one of the least pleasant
festivals to attend. Huge crowds, very poor ticketing systems and long
delays were not uncommon, and these problems were frequently more of a
talking point than the films themselves. The festival organisers have
made a concerted effort to overcome these difficulties: however, this
year, they are faced with another problem.
Practically all cinemas in Italy have closed for the summer months, due to
the intense heat and the unwillingness of the public to attend films
during this period. This year though, a new strategy has been applied,
whereby Italian distributors and exhibitors have opened their big
block-busters during the summer months, and this has restricted the
festivals ability to secure higher profile films and guests this year.
While still a very impressive programme, the organisers feel that the
extension of the Italian distribution season has had a somewhat negative
effect; however, the result is a more eclectic line-up featuring only 2 US
produced films in competition.
‘Space Cowboys’, the new film produced, directed by and starring Clint
Eastwood opens the festival, out-of-competition. Eastwood is scheduled to
attend the opening night ceremony where he will also receive a lifetime
achievement award. The film, an ‘Armageddon’ for the older generation, has
been well received both critically and commercially in the US where it
opened several weeks ago. Co-starring James Garner and Tommy Lee Jones,
it is the story of four 'old-timers' who are sent into space following a
long hiatus. Featuring some charming, tongue-in-cheek performances, and
an impressive special-effects-laden denouement, the film seems like an
upbeat opener.
The fact that Venice immediately precedes the Toronto International Film
Festival inevitably means that some of the programme will be duplicated.
Several titles showing in both festivals this year are Julian Schnabel's
follow-up to his acclaimed ‘Basquiat’, ‘Before Night Falls’; Robert Altman's
latest film, ‘Dr. T and the Women’ which stars Richard Gere and a starry
cast; and the new feature by Stephen Frears, hot on the heels of ‘High Fidelity’, is ‘Liam’, yet another Irish depression drama.
One of the most
highly anticipated films which will also screen at both festivals is Tom
(Run Lola Run) Tykwer's ‘The Princess and the Warrior’. Tykwer has recently
commenced shooting on his latest film, an English language Miramax
co-production entitled ‘Heaven’. Intriguingly, the screenplay was written
by the great Kryzstof Kieslowski as part of a trilogy; the other two
screenplays, which will be shot over the next two years, are ‘Hell’ and
‘Purgatory’.
The line-up of guests at Venice this year includes Richard Gere,
publicising the new Altman film; Jennifer Lopez, who is currently starring
in the number one movie in the US, ‘The Cell’, and who has two more movies
due over the next six months; and Johnny Depp, due to commence work on
Terry Gilliam's ‘Don Quixote’ very soon.
- Glenn Hogarty
Visit the Venice International Film Festival at www.labiennaledivenezia.net/gb/cinema
