Film festivals are like fingerprints—each one has its own distinct identity, its niche in the awards season, and its unique blend of successes and disappointments. Among them all, the Venice Film Festival has emerged as something truly special. It has transcended the traditional role of a film festival to become the ultimate showcase for both major studio blockbusters and daring art-house films. This year’s line-up is no different, packed with exciting new releases that promise to set the tone for the coming months in cinema. Here are the five films premiering at Venice this year that I am most eager to experience.
Joker 2: A Darker, More Twisted Tale of Gotham’s Antihero
The first film in the “Joker” series was nothing short of a cultural phenomenon. Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal of the tortured, disturbed Arthur Fleck, a man spiraling into madness, was both haunting and mesmerizing. The character drew heavy inspiration from classic antiheroes like Travis Bickle, but with a modern, nihilistic twist. Phoenix’s performance was raw, unsettling, and deeply affecting, earning him an Academy Award for Best Actor and leaving audiences divided and deeply engaged.
Now, Arthur Fleck is back, and this time, he’s not alone. Joining him is none other than Lady Gaga, who takes on the role of Harley Quinn, a character as iconic and complex as the Joker himself. The film, directed once again by Todd Phillips, has been described as a “jukebox musical,” a surprising yet intriguing choice that suggests a mix of music, mayhem, and psychological drama. The original “Joker” set the bar high when it premiered at Venice, igniting fierce debates and critical acclaim alike. It was a film that pushed boundaries and challenged the audience, and “Joker 2” seems poised to do the same, if not more.
The first “Joker” was a mirror held up to society’s face, reflecting the darkness and despair that can lurk within us all. It was a film that didn’t just entertain—it provoked thought, conversation, and controversy. With “Joker 2,” Phillips and Phoenix are likely to delve even deeper into the psyche of these characters, exploring their descent into chaos and their twisted, codependent relationship. The addition of Lady Gaga adds another layer of intrigue, as she brings her own unique intensity and charisma to the role. As someone who considers the first “Joker” the standout film of 2019, “Joker 2” is undoubtedly my most anticipated movie of the year. I’m eager to see how it will compare to its predecessor and whether it will once again spark the kind of cultural conversation that made the first film so unforgettable.
Queer: William S. Burroughs’ Seminal Work Finally Hits the Big Screen
William S. Burroughs is a name synonymous with the Beat Generation, a literary movement that challenged the conventions of American society in the 1950s and ’60s. Burroughs, however, was always an outlier even among the Beats—his work was darker, more visceral, and often deeply personal. Before he became the legendary figure behind works like “Naked Lunch,” Burroughs wrote two novels that were essentially confessions, revealing the hidden truths of his life. The first of these was “Junkie,” published in 1953, which chronicled his experiences with drug addiction. The second, “Queer,” was written around the same time but wasn’t published until 1985, due to its controversial content and the rawness with which Burroughs explored his own identity and desires.
“Queer” is a deeply personal narrative, set against the backdrop of Burroughs’ time in Mexico, where he fled after the accidental shooting of his wife. The novel is an exploration of his obsession with a younger man, his struggles with his own identity, and the dark undercurrents of his psyche. For decades, fans of Burroughs have waited for a film adaptation that could do justice to this complex and challenging work. That wait is finally over, with Luca Guadagnino at the helm of the project.
Guadagnino, known for his visually stunning and emotionally charged films, seems like the perfect director to bring “Queer” to life. His adaptation promises to be both faithful to the source material and innovative in its interpretation. The casting of Daniel Craig as the Burroughs character adds another layer of excitement. Craig, who has proven his acting chops time and time again, seems perfectly suited to capture the complexity of Burroughs—a man torn between his desires and his self-destructive tendencies. The film will follow Burroughs’ adventures in Mexico, focusing particularly on his obsessive pursuit of a beautiful young man, played by Drew Starkey. This adaptation of “Queer” has the potential to be not just a great film, but a significant cultural event, offering a new generation the chance to engage with Burroughs’ work in a fresh and compelling way.
A Strange Way of Life: Pedro Almodóvar’s English-Language Debut Explores New Emotional Depths
Pedro Almodóvar has long been a master of vibrant, emotionally charged cinema. His films are known for their bold colors, dramatic plots, and complex characters, often blending melodrama with deeply personal storytelling. In recent years, however, Almodóvar has entered what could be described as his “blues period,” where his films have taken on a more subdued, introspective tone. This shift has led to some of the most profound work of his career, exploring themes of love, loss, and the passage of time with a new level of emotional realism.
“A Strange Way of Life,” Almodóvar’s first English-language film, continues this trend. Set in New England, the film stars Tilda Swinton as a war correspondent grappling with the complexities of her own life and relationships. Swinton, known for her ability to portray deeply flawed yet compelling characters, is the perfect choice for the role. Her character’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she navigates her estranged relationship with a novelist friend, played by Julianne Moore. Moore’s character brings another layer of depth to the story, as the two women’s pasts intertwine, revealing hidden truths and unresolved tensions.
The film has been described as a companion piece to Almodóvar’s 2021 film, “Parallel Mothers,” which also premiered at Venice and received widespread acclaim for its exploration of motherhood, identity, and history. While “Parallel Mothers” was rooted in the vibrant culture of Spain, “A Strange Way of Life” takes Almodóvar’s unique sensibilities and applies them to a more melancholic, American setting. This change of scenery, combined with the film’s focus on mature, complex relationships, suggests that “A Strange Way of Life” could be one of Almodóvar’s most introspective and emotionally resonant films to date.
For fans of Almodóvar, this film represents an exciting new chapter in his career—one that pushes the boundaries of his storytelling while staying true to the emotional core that has always defined his work. The combination of Almodóvar’s direction, Swinton’s and Moore’s performances, and the film’s exploration of deep emotional truths make “A Strange Way of Life” one of the most anticipated films of the Venice Film Festival.
Maria: Pablo Larraín’s Exploration of the Life of an Icon
Pablo Larraín has made a name for himself as a director who specializes in biographical films that go beyond mere retellings of famous lives. His films, such as “Jackie” and “Spencer,” are more like psychological portraits, delving deep into the minds and emotions of their subjects. His latest project, “Maria,” is no different, offering a close look at the life of one of the 20th century’s most celebrated and enigmatic figures: Maria Callas.
Maria Callas was more than just an opera singer—she was a cultural icon, known for her incredible talent and her equally dramatic personal life. Born in the United States to Greek parents, Callas became one of the most famous opera singers of all time, but her life was marked by tumultuous relationships, public scandals, and intense personal struggles. Larraín’s film focuses on these aspects of her life, exploring the complexities of a woman who lived her life in the spotlight, yet remained deeply private and enigmatic.
The casting of Angelina Jolie as Callas is inspired. Jolie, herself a figure of intense public interest, brings a deep understanding of the pressures that come with fame. Her portrayal of Callas is expected to be both powerful and nuanced, capturing the diva’s larger-than-life persona as well as her vulnerabilities. The film will likely delve into Callas’ troubled relationships, her struggles with her voice, and her constant battle with the expectations placed upon her as a woman in the public eye.
Larraín’s previous films have shown his ability to capture the essence of his subjects, not just in terms of their public personas but in their private, often hidden, emotional lives. With “Maria,” he has the opportunity to do the same for Callas, offering audiences a glimpse into the life of a woman who was as complex and compelling as any of the characters she portrayed on stage. For fans of Larraín’s work, and for anyone interested in the life of Maria Callas, this film is a must-see.
The Brutalist: Brady Corbet’s Ambitious New Vision
Brady Corbet is a filmmaker who has always pushed boundaries. His first two films, “The Childhood of a Leader” and “Vox Lux,” were bold, ambitious works that explored themes of power, fame, and the human condition. However, they were also divisive, with some critics praising Corbet’s vision and others finding his films overly indulgent. With his latest project, “The Brutalist,” Corbet seems poised to once again challenge audiences with a film that is as ambitious as it is provocative.
“The Brutalist” is based on Ayn Rand’s controversial novel “The Fountainhead,” a book that has been both praised and criticized for its exploration of individualism and the role of the artist in society. Corbet’s film takes this source material and reimagines it for a modern audience, bringing in a cast that includes Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. The film’s three-hour-and-fifteen-minute runtime suggests that it will be an epic, sprawling narrative, one that dives deep into the philosophical and psychological themes that have always intrigued Corbet.
Adrien Brody, known for his intense and often unconventional roles, seems like an ideal choice to lead this film. His ability to portray characters who are both flawed and deeply human will be crucial in bringing “The Brutalist” to life. Felicity Jones, with her blend of strength and vulnerability, adds another layer to the film, suggesting that it will explore not just the mind of its protagonist but the relationships that shape him.
While Corbet’s previous films have been met with mixed reactions, there is no denying his talent and ambition. “The Brutalist” has the potential to be his most significant work yet—a film that challenges audiences, provokes thought, and offers a new perspective on a classic work of literature. For those who appreciate cinema that pushes the envelope, “The Brutalist” is not to be missed.
Venice 2024: A Festival of Bold Cinema
The Venice Film Festival has always been a place where bold, innovative cinema is celebrated, and this year is no different. Whether you’re a fan of intense psychological dramas, literary adaptations, or biographical films that explore the complexities of their subjects, Venice 2024 has something to offer. These five films are just a glimpse into what promises to be one of the most exciting film festivals in recent memory. Each of these films brings something unique to the table, offering audiences the chance to experience cinema that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining. As the festival unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these films are received and which ones will go on to leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
