Venice Film Festival 2023: These Five Films Premiere Despite Hollywood Strike

The glitz, the glamour, the sound of cameras flashing - the 80th Venice Film Festival, running from August 30 to September 9, is upon us. Nestled in the heart of the Italian lagoon city, the festival this year is under an unexpected shadow: Hollywood's standstill due to the ongoing strike by the unions WGA and SAG-AFTRA. With movie productions and promotional tours globally at a pause, and with negotiations over fair working conditions ongoing, it's a tense period for the industry.

The initial setback was felt when Luca Guadagnino's eagerly awaited "Challenger", featuring Zendaya and Josh O'Connor, had to be pulled out from its opening slot, its release date shifting to 2024. This set off a trail of whispers about Venice's future, with some suggesting it might become an all-European affair. However, against all the odds, Venice has curated a program rich with cinematic treasures.

There were some noticeable omissions, with audiences notably missing Ridley Scott's "Napoleon" and Emerald Fennell's "Saltburn". However, the inclusion of films from directors with controversial histories, such as Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson, surely did raise a few eyebrows. And with the shadow of the Hollywood strike looming, who walks the Venetian red carpet remains a tantalizing mystery. Yet, the revered Golden Lion waits at the end of the festival, unaltered in its splendor.

Here's a look at five standout films premiering at the festival:

Priscilla

  • Directed by Sofia Coppola: A Glimpse Beyond the Spotlight. Coppola, known for her nuanced portrayal of characters, crafts a narrative focusing on Priscilla, the wife of Elvis Presley. While most are familiar with Elvis's journey, Priscilla often remains in the shadows. The film captures the challenges and luxuries of being associated with the King of Rock 'n' Roll. With Cailee Spaeny capturing Priscilla's elegance and Jacob Elordi bringing to life the charm of Elvis, the movie promises a refreshing perspective, celebrating 60s fashion, music, and the emotional journey of a woman intertwined with an icon.

Poor Things

  • Directed by Giorgos Lanthimos: Love, Revival, and Surrealism. After stunning audiences with his darkly comic touch in "The Favourite", Lanthimos returns with a concoction of love, science, and the supernatural. Emma Stone's character, revived by the enigmatic scientist played by Willem Dafoe, embarks on a whirlwind journey through 19th-century Europe. Lanthimos' signature surrealism promises a blend of period drama with elements of speculative fiction, challenging our notions of life, love, and existence.

Ferrari

  • Directed by Michael Mann: Speed, Passion, and a Marriage on the Edge. Mann, known for his gripping narratives, takes on the world of racing and the personalities behind the luxury sports car empire, Ferrari. With Adam Driver as Enzo and Penélope Cruz as Laura Ferrari, the film delves deep into the intricacies of their stormy marriage. The "Mille Miglia" race serves as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop, representing the high stakes of their relationship and the future of their empire. It’s a tale of ambition, love, rivalry, and the adrenaline of the race track.

Maestro

  • Directed by Bradley Cooper: Music, Love, and Legacy. Cooper's "Maestro" paints a poignant picture of Leonard Bernstein, the musical maestro who shaped American classical music. As Bernstein, Cooper portrays the conductor's professional crescendos and personal troughs, with Carey Mulligan delivering a touching performance as his wife, Felicia Montealegre. The film, set against the backdrop of the musical world, delves deep into the challenges of maintaining a marriage amidst fame and artistic pursuits.

Origin

  • Directed by Ava DuVernay: A Deep Dive into Systemic Racism. "Origin", inspired by Isabel Wilkerson's groundbreaking non-fiction work, is an exploration of the deep-seated racism embedded in the fabric of society. DuVernay, celebrated for her socially relevant films, creates a narrative that spans continents, drawing parallels between the U.S.'s racial hierarchy, India's caste system, and Germany's dark era under the Nazis. With performances from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Audra McDonald, "Origin" isn't just a movie; it's a movement, shedding light on the unseen chains that bind societies across the globe.

The film industry, especially Hollywood, is currently navigating treacherous waters. The ongoing strike led by the unions for writers and actors, WGA and SAG-AFTRA, has not only brought a halt to major productions but also opened a Pandora's box highlighting systemic issues of unfair working conditions and wage disparities. For many, the world of cinema isn't just about glamour; it's their livelihood. Participation of certain films at prominent festivals, such as Venice, during such turbulent times, is viewed with skepticism by many union members. Their concerns aren't misplaced.

On one hand, festivals champion art and culture, and on the other, they inadvertently may sideline the pressing concerns of those who make these cinematic marvels possible. By celebrating films while ignoring the pleas of the very creators and crew who breathe life into them, festivals might risk appearing tone-deaf to the industry's struggles. For many in the unions, the essence isn't about halting the celebration of cinema but ensuring that the industry, as a collective, stands in solidarity during testing times. And as Venice rolls out the red carpet, the echoing cries for justice from Hollywood studios can't and shouldn't be ignored.

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