The anticipation for the Venice Film Festival is reaching fever pitch as Hollywood’s elite prepare to descend upon the Lido. Among the most eagerly awaited films is “Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” directed by Todd Phillips. This sequel to the 2019 Golden Lion-winning “Joker” promises to be a standout, featuring Lady Gaga and Joaquin Phoenix in a musical twist on the dark tale. The film is expected to be a strong contender in the competition, adding to the festival’s allure.
Another film generating significant buzz is Pablo Larraín’s “Maria,” a biopic of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with Angelina Jolie in the titular role. Larraín, known for his poignant portrayals of iconic women in “Spencer” and “Jackie,” is likely to captivate audiences once again with this deeply emotional narrative.
Adding to the star-studded lineup, Johnny Depp is poised to make a return to Venice, this time as a director. His film “Modì,” a biopic of the Italian artist Amedeo Modigliani, features Riccardo Scamarcio as the troubled artist and Al Pacino as the art collector Maurice Gangnat. Depp’s involvement in the festival comes after his notable appearance at Cannes last year, and it will be interesting to see how his directorial effort is received.
Luca Guadagnino’s adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ “Queer” is also expected to be a highlight. Starring Daniel Craig as the author’s alter ego, the film delves into the life of an American expat in Mexico battling heroin addiction. Drew Starkey co-stars as the young man who becomes the object of the expat’s obsession. Guadagnino’s previous film, “Challengers,” was set to open Venice last year but was pulled due to the SAG-AFTRA strike, making his return to the festival highly anticipated.
The festival will also feature Jon Watts’ action comedy “Wolfs,” starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt as rival fixers forced to collaborate on a high-profile cover-up. Although this film is likely to screen out of competition, its star power ensures it will be a major draw.
Ron Howard’s survival thriller “Eden,” with a cast including Jude Law, Ana de Armas, Sydney Sweeney, Vanessa Kirby, and Daniel Brühl, is another film expected to screen out of competition. The film’s gripping narrative and ensemble cast make it a must-see.
Julian Schnabel’s “In the Hand of Dante,” based on Nick Tosches’ novel, is also tipped for a competition slot. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Gal Gadot, Oscar Isaac, Jason Momoa, Gerard Butler, Al Pacino, and Martin Scorsese. The story revolves around a manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s “The Divine Comedy” and its journey from the Vatican to New York City’s underworld.
The Venice Film Festival remains a crucial platform for films aiming for Oscar glory, with streamers and studios alike vying for the spotlight. Isabelle Huppert will preside over the jury for this year’s edition, which runs from August 28 to September 7.
In the midst of this cinematic excitement, the art world has also been abuzz. Jeff Koons recently dedicated his controversial “Bouquet of Tulips” sculpture in Paris. The 41-foot work, intended as a memorial for the victims of the 2015 Charlie Hebdo and Bataclan attacks, has sparked debate over its design, cost, and location. Despite the controversy, Koons emphasized the sculpture’s symbolic significance as a gesture of remembrance and healing.
In literary news, Andrea Long Chu has won the Pulitzer Prize for criticism, recognized for her insightful reviews in New York magazine. Her work delves into the broader implications of her subjects, making her a standout voice in contemporary criticism.
As the Venice Film Festival approaches, the excitement continues to build. With films like “Joker 2: Folie à Deux,” “Maria,” and “Modì” on the horizon, and stars like Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp in the mix, this year’s festival promises to be a memorable celebration of cinema.
