From the moment Elizabeth “Lee” Miller (Kate Winslet), an American model turned photographer, meets future husband Roland Penrose (Alexander Skarsgård) at a gathering with her intellectual friends, she gets confrontational. In a matter of a few sentences, Lee dismantles his efforts to be perceived as less bourgeoise than he is. Roland retaliates with a matching appraisal of her fierce facade. But instead of souring their interest in one another, the polite bickering ignites a long-lasting romance.
That early scene in the mostly conventional biopic “Lee,” from cinematographer-turned-director Ellen Kuras, establishes Lee’s abrasively magnetic personality, and offers a ferocious first glance at the imposing dramatic range Winslet summons to portray her.
Based on Antony Penrose’s book “The Lives of Lee Miller,” Kuras’ film uses an interview with a young writer (Josh O’Connor) as its conspicuous framing device. “What do I get in return?” asks an elderly Lee of the...
That early scene in the mostly conventional biopic “Lee,” from cinematographer-turned-director Ellen Kuras, establishes Lee’s abrasively magnetic personality, and offers a ferocious first glance at the imposing dramatic range Winslet summons to portray her.
Based on Antony Penrose’s book “The Lives of Lee Miller,” Kuras’ film uses an interview with a young writer (Josh O’Connor) as its conspicuous framing device. “What do I get in return?” asks an elderly Lee of the...
- 10/31/2023
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Variety Film + TV
In Lee, Kate Winslet transforms into Lee Miller, a model turned photographer whose World War II images forced those outside of the conflict to confront the brutality of fascism. The actress injects award-winning cinematographer Ellen Kuras’ glossy and conventional biopic with an energy that ushers an enigmatic figure to the foreground.
The real-life Miller has had a quiet resurgence in the past few decades. In 2005, Australian writer Carolyn Burke penned a biography that meticulously chronicled Miller’s path to becoming a war photographer. Exhibitions in the U.S. and Britain in 2015 displayed her striking photographs of the Blitz and the aftermath of D-Day. Miller approached her war images with a kind of radical subjectivity, choosing to capture moments of deep empathy and pain. Considering the discomfort her photos inspired, one can only imagine how a firsthand experience of combat textured Miller’s interior life.
Winslet has this question on her mind,...
The real-life Miller has had a quiet resurgence in the past few decades. In 2005, Australian writer Carolyn Burke penned a biography that meticulously chronicled Miller’s path to becoming a war photographer. Exhibitions in the U.S. and Britain in 2015 displayed her striking photographs of the Blitz and the aftermath of D-Day. Miller approached her war images with a kind of radical subjectivity, choosing to capture moments of deep empathy and pain. Considering the discomfort her photos inspired, one can only imagine how a firsthand experience of combat textured Miller’s interior life.
Winslet has this question on her mind,...
- 9/10/2023
- by Lovia Gyarkye
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
For an admirer of his work, writing about a new movie by Roman Polanski is like facing a minefield of unsolvable questions: Can this film be judged like the others given the director’s criminal record and tarnished reputation? Is it possible to praise a work of art if certain parts of an artist’s life are reprehensible, or should the two be separated? Should Polanski still be allowed to make movies? Should this movie even be written about?
Those questions would be harder to answer if Polanski, who’s now 90, made something on the level of say, Chinatown or Rosemary’s Baby. Or even something like The Tenant or Frantic or Repulsion or his debut feature, Knife in the Water, which came out over 60 years ago and earned him his first Oscar nomination.
But the director’s latest, The Palace, leaves little room for ambiguity. It’s the worst thing...
Those questions would be harder to answer if Polanski, who’s now 90, made something on the level of say, Chinatown or Rosemary’s Baby. Or even something like The Tenant or Frantic or Repulsion or his debut feature, Knife in the Water, which came out over 60 years ago and earned him his first Oscar nomination.
But the director’s latest, The Palace, leaves little room for ambiguity. It’s the worst thing...
- 9/2/2023
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Actor, producer and director Luca Barbareschi is at the Venice Film Festival this year as one the main representatives of Roman Polanski’s new film The Palace.
The satire, poking fun at the ultra-rich against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel and featuring Mickey Rourke, Fanny Ardant and John Cleese in the ensemble cast, world premieres Out of Competition in a gala screening on Saturday.
Its selection for Venice’s 80th edition has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
The director, who turned 90 in August, has not travelled to Italy, where it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S., while a number of the film’s international stars including John Cleese...
The satire, poking fun at the ultra-rich against the backdrop of Switzerland’s luxury Gstaad Palace Hotel and featuring Mickey Rourke, Fanny Ardant and John Cleese in the ensemble cast, world premieres Out of Competition in a gala screening on Saturday.
Its selection for Venice’s 80th edition has sparked debate in the film world, which remains split over whether Polanski should be celebrated as an artist while 1970s charges of unlawful sex with a minor in the U.S. remain unresolved.
The director, who turned 90 in August, has not travelled to Italy, where it remains unclear whether he would be subject to Italy’s extradition treaty with the U.S., while a number of the film’s international stars including John Cleese...
- 9/2/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
Odds are low we’ll watch Roman Polanski’s The Palace through strictly legal means in the United States, those of us who maintain interest instead waiting for The.Palace.2023.1080p.BluRay.x264-ea.mkv.torrent. But with a Venice premiere right around the corner and Italian release set for September 28 (one day after another director returns) we have a dubbed trailer and first clip.
Co-written by Eo‘s Jerzy Skolimowski (some 60 years since Knife in the Water) and Ewa Piaskowska, Polanski’s comedy is set in Switzerland’s stunning Gstaad Palace on New Year’s Eve 1999 with throw-a-dart casting that suggests chaos of the highest order. These first two previews play into that wholesale: while Rourke dubbed into Italian is simply a demonic experience, the subtle long take in this full clip again shows Polanski’s mastery of space finding dividends in an ongoing relationship with Dp Paweł Edelman.
Co-written by Eo‘s Jerzy Skolimowski (some 60 years since Knife in the Water) and Ewa Piaskowska, Polanski’s comedy is set in Switzerland’s stunning Gstaad Palace on New Year’s Eve 1999 with throw-a-dart casting that suggests chaos of the highest order. These first two previews play into that wholesale: while Rourke dubbed into Italian is simply a demonic experience, the subtle long take in this full clip again shows Polanski’s mastery of space finding dividends in an ongoing relationship with Dp Paweł Edelman.
- 8/2/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Roman Polanski’s “The Palace” has been set for release in Italian theatres in September, prompting speculation that the controversial director’s black comedy set in a posh hotel in the Swiss Alps resort of Gstaad on the eve of the new millennium could be launching from the Venice Film Festival.
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
Italy’s Rai Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace,” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant. Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
The Palace/Courtesy Rai Cinema
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and Rai Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster...
- 6/8/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Since premiering his last film “An Officer and a Spy” in competition at Venice in 2019, Roman Polanski has fallen from grace in France. But he’s now back with a new movie called “The Palace” that could make a surprise splash on the festival circuit.
Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, was leading a pleasant life in France for decades until he came back into the global spotlight with the Lido premiere of “An Officer and a Spy” and scooped the Grand Jury Prize.
Shortly after the movie’s Venice bow, Polanski faced new allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. When he went on to win best director at France’s Cesar Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Oscars, industry outcry prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org. The scandal sparked the...
Polanski, who fled the U.S. in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl, was leading a pleasant life in France for decades until he came back into the global spotlight with the Lido premiere of “An Officer and a Spy” and scooped the Grand Jury Prize.
Shortly after the movie’s Venice bow, Polanski faced new allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. When he went on to win best director at France’s Cesar Awards, the country’s equivalent of the Oscars, industry outcry prompted a complete overhaul of the leadership of the awards org. The scandal sparked the...
- 2/2/2023
- by Elsa Keslassy and Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Here’s the striking first official image of Kate Winslet as Lee Miller in feature Lee.
The image, shot during filming on location in Croatia, shows Oscar winner Winslet as the pioneering American photographer who covered WWII in Europe for British Vogue.
Filming is ongoing on the directorial debut of respected cinematographer Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind).
The film is not being called a biopic by Winslet and the producers, but it does explore the most significant decade of Lee Miller’s life. As a middle-aged woman, she refused to be remembered as a model and male artists’ muse and defied expectations by travelling to Europe to report from the frontline. There, in part as a reaction to her own well-hidden trauma, she used her Rolleiflex camera to give a voice to the voiceless. What Lee captured on film in Dachau and throughout Europe was shocking and horrific.
The image, shot during filming on location in Croatia, shows Oscar winner Winslet as the pioneering American photographer who covered WWII in Europe for British Vogue.
Filming is ongoing on the directorial debut of respected cinematographer Ellen Kuras (Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind).
The film is not being called a biopic by Winslet and the producers, but it does explore the most significant decade of Lee Miller’s life. As a middle-aged woman, she refused to be remembered as a model and male artists’ muse and defied expectations by travelling to Europe to report from the frontline. There, in part as a reaction to her own well-hidden trauma, she used her Rolleiflex camera to give a voice to the voiceless. What Lee captured on film in Dachau and throughout Europe was shocking and horrific.
- 10/27/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
There was a time, not so long ago, when Roman Polanski was the toast of the film industry in France, where the director has been living since 1978, when he fled the United States before sentencing after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with a 13-year-old girl.
Despite the scandal and ongoing legal issues, the veteran auteur has flourished as a filmmaker in his adopted country, celebrated as a lifelong member of France’s illustrious Academie des Beaux Arts (Academy of Fine Arts) and showered with a half-dozen César Awards, the latest three of which, including best director, are for his 2019 drama “An Officer and a Spy.”
But things are changing. The director’s latest César win, combined with more recent allegations of sexual misconduct, sparked outrage from French feminist groups and led to the 21-member board of the organization that oversees the Césars to resign en masse. Polanski has denied the more recent misconduct allegations.
Despite the scandal and ongoing legal issues, the veteran auteur has flourished as a filmmaker in his adopted country, celebrated as a lifelong member of France’s illustrious Academie des Beaux Arts (Academy of Fine Arts) and showered with a half-dozen César Awards, the latest three of which, including best director, are for his 2019 drama “An Officer and a Spy.”
But things are changing. The director’s latest César win, combined with more recent allegations of sexual misconduct, sparked outrage from French feminist groups and led to the 21-member board of the organization that oversees the Césars to resign en masse. Polanski has denied the more recent misconduct allegations.
- 5/22/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Monty Python star John Cleese and Gomorrah actor Fortunato Cerlino have been confirmed to us as among supporting cast for Roman Polanski’s new movie The Palace, which is in production in Switzerland.
German actor Oliver Masucci and French actress Fanny Ardant lead cast in the movie, which Wild Bunch is handling for sales. Mickey Rourke also stars.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine. Script comes from Polanski and fellow Polish veteran Jerzy Skolimowsk while crew includes Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman.
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer with Polish outfit Lucky Bob also aboard.
Polanski, director of films including The Pianist, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby,...
German actor Oliver Masucci and French actress Fanny Ardant lead cast in the movie, which Wild Bunch is handling for sales. Mickey Rourke also stars.
The drama, set on New Year’s Eve 1999 in a luxurious hotel, sees the lives of hotel workers and various guests intertwine. Script comes from Polanski and fellow Polish veteran Jerzy Skolimowsk while crew includes Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman.
The project was first announced last year by Italian broadcaster Rai as part of their slate. Italian actor-producer Luca Barbareschi is lead producer via his Eliseo Entertainment company. Cab Productions is the Swiss co-producer with Polish outfit Lucky Bob also aboard.
Polanski, director of films including The Pianist, Chinatown and Rosemary’s Baby,...
- 4/29/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Roman Polanski’s ‘The Palace’ Adds ‘Fantastic Beasts’ Actor Oliver Masucci, Fanny Ardant (Exclusive)
German actor Oliver Masucci and French star Fanny Ardant have joined the cast of Roman Polanski’s new movie “The Palace,” which will surely be a subject of controversy at the Cannes Film Festival where distribution rights are being sold.
The ensemble drama, which had already cast Mickey Rourke, will be headlined by Masucci, the German actor who appeared in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” and the Netflix series “Dark,” and Ardant, the esteemed French star of “La Belle Epoque” and “8 Women.” Budgeted at €13 million (13.9 million), the movie is currently shooting on location in Gstaad, Switzerland, and is being sold by Wild Bunch International, the powerhouse behind several movies competing at Cannes, notably Arnaud Desplechin’s “Brother and Sister,” Claire Denis’s “Stars at Noon” and the opening night film “Final Cut” from Michel Hazanavicius.
The key crew includes Oscar-winning music composer Alexandre Desplat, along with Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman,...
The ensemble drama, which had already cast Mickey Rourke, will be headlined by Masucci, the German actor who appeared in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore” and the Netflix series “Dark,” and Ardant, the esteemed French star of “La Belle Epoque” and “8 Women.” Budgeted at €13 million (13.9 million), the movie is currently shooting on location in Gstaad, Switzerland, and is being sold by Wild Bunch International, the powerhouse behind several movies competing at Cannes, notably Arnaud Desplechin’s “Brother and Sister,” Claire Denis’s “Stars at Noon” and the opening night film “Final Cut” from Michel Hazanavicius.
The key crew includes Oscar-winning music composer Alexandre Desplat, along with Polanski’s regular cinematographer Pawel Edelman,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Elsa Keslassy
- Variety Film + TV
Sales
WestEnd Films has launched a global sales campaign for Guillem Morales’ (“The Miniaturist”) revenge thriller “The Duchess of Malfi,” produced by Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective (“Postcard Killings”). Based on John Webster’s classic Jacobean play, the feature adaptation was penned by Luke Garrett (“Ruby Strangelove Young Witch”).
Casting for the period drama is led by BAFTA-nominees Morfydd Clark (“Saint Maud”) and Sam Riley (“Control”) with BIFA-nominee Dominic Cooper (“Preacher”). Equally impressive is the film’s behind-the-scenes lineup, including Academy Award-nominated DoP Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist”), BAFTA-nominated costume designer Carlo Poggioli (“Cold Mountain”), and Editor Joe Randall-Cutler (“I Hate Suzie”). Shooting will begin in November in Italy, with WestEnd set to present the film at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival virtual market.
“There are no better times than these to tell the story of ‘The Duchess of Malfi.’ Webster’s masterpiece is ready for new, young...
WestEnd Films has launched a global sales campaign for Guillem Morales’ (“The Miniaturist”) revenge thriller “The Duchess of Malfi,” produced by Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective (“Postcard Killings”). Based on John Webster’s classic Jacobean play, the feature adaptation was penned by Luke Garrett (“Ruby Strangelove Young Witch”).
Casting for the period drama is led by BAFTA-nominees Morfydd Clark (“Saint Maud”) and Sam Riley (“Control”) with BIFA-nominee Dominic Cooper (“Preacher”). Equally impressive is the film’s behind-the-scenes lineup, including Academy Award-nominated DoP Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist”), BAFTA-nominated costume designer Carlo Poggioli (“Cold Mountain”), and Editor Joe Randall-Cutler (“I Hate Suzie”). Shooting will begin in November in Italy, with WestEnd set to present the film at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival virtual market.
“There are no better times than these to tell the story of ‘The Duchess of Malfi.’ Webster’s masterpiece is ready for new, young...
- 8/27/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Hot off wrapping season one of Amazon’s mega-budget The Lord Of The Rings series, Saint Maud star Morfydd Clark is attached to star alongside Sam Riley (Control) and Dominic Cooper (Preacher) in revenge thriller The Duchess Of Malfi.
Guillem Morales (Julia’s Eyes) is helming the project from Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective (Postcard Killings). Luke Garrett has adapted the classic Jacobean play by John Webster. The story follows the recently widowed Duchess (Clark) who falls in love with her steward Antonio. Their union sets in motion a conflict with her cruel and vengeful brothers, thde Cardinal and Ferdinand, who enlist the spy Bosola to keep her from escaping their control.
WestEnd Films has picked up worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the virtual Toronto market. Filming is set to start in November in Italy.
Additional cast includes Freddie Fox (The Three Musketeers) and Frank Dillane...
Guillem Morales (Julia’s Eyes) is helming the project from Miriam Segal’s Good Films Collective (Postcard Killings). Luke Garrett has adapted the classic Jacobean play by John Webster. The story follows the recently widowed Duchess (Clark) who falls in love with her steward Antonio. Their union sets in motion a conflict with her cruel and vengeful brothers, thde Cardinal and Ferdinand, who enlist the spy Bosola to keep her from escaping their control.
WestEnd Films has picked up worldwide sales rights and will introduce the project at the virtual Toronto market. Filming is set to start in November in Italy.
Additional cast includes Freddie Fox (The Three Musketeers) and Frank Dillane...
- 8/27/2021
- by Tom Grater
- Deadline Film + TV
Slate is led by Roman Vasyanov’s ‘The Dorm’, which has secured a world sales agent.
Russian production outfit MetraFilms is showcasing multiple projects at the EFM, led by Roman Vasyanov’s The Dorm, on which New Europe Film Sales has boarded world sales.
The Dorm marks the directorial debut of Vasyanov, who is best known as David Ayer’s cinematographer on End Of Watch, Fury, Suicide Squad and Bright.
Vasyanov’s debut, which he also co-wrote, is an adaptation of Alexei Ivanov’s novel Dorm To Blood. Set in the Soviet Union of 1984, it follows five students whose friendship...
Russian production outfit MetraFilms is showcasing multiple projects at the EFM, led by Roman Vasyanov’s The Dorm, on which New Europe Film Sales has boarded world sales.
The Dorm marks the directorial debut of Vasyanov, who is best known as David Ayer’s cinematographer on End Of Watch, Fury, Suicide Squad and Bright.
Vasyanov’s debut, which he also co-wrote, is an adaptation of Alexei Ivanov’s novel Dorm To Blood. Set in the Soviet Union of 1984, it follows five students whose friendship...
- 3/2/2021
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
Mad Men star Jon Hamm, Danny Pudi, Sarah Gadon and Christopher Heyerdahl are headlining the dark comedy Corner Office, the film adaptation of Swedish actor Jonas Karlsson’s existential novel The Room, about an office outsider who discovers a mysterious place of refuge.
Corner Office is directed by Oscar-winning Danish director Joachim Back (The New Tenants), while The Pianist cinematographer Pawel Edelman is the director of photography. The indie is shooting in Vancouver through mid-March.
The office satire sees Hamm play Orson, a compulsive bureaucrat who discovers a secret room his co-workers deny exists. Community star Pudi is the messy office colleague Rakesh, while Gadon plays ...
Corner Office is directed by Oscar-winning Danish director Joachim Back (The New Tenants), while The Pianist cinematographer Pawel Edelman is the director of photography. The indie is shooting in Vancouver through mid-March.
The office satire sees Hamm play Orson, a compulsive bureaucrat who discovers a secret room his co-workers deny exists. Community star Pudi is the messy office colleague Rakesh, while Gadon plays ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mad Men star Jon Hamm, Danny Pudi, Sarah Gadon and Christopher Heyerdahl are headlining the dark comedy Corner Office, the film adaptation of Swedish actor Jonas Karlsson’s existential novel The Room, about an office outsider who discovers a mysterious place of refuge.
Corner Office is directed by Oscar-winning Danish director Joachim Back (The New Tenants), while The Pianist cinematographer Pawel Edelman is the director of photography. The indie is shooting in Vancouver through mid-March.
The office satire sees Hamm play Orson, a compulsive bureaucrat who discovers a secret room his co-workers deny exists. Community star Pudi is the messy office colleague Rakesh, while Gadon plays ...
Corner Office is directed by Oscar-winning Danish director Joachim Back (The New Tenants), while The Pianist cinematographer Pawel Edelman is the director of photography. The indie is shooting in Vancouver through mid-March.
The office satire sees Hamm play Orson, a compulsive bureaucrat who discovers a secret room his co-workers deny exists. Community star Pudi is the messy office colleague Rakesh, while Gadon plays ...
- 2/24/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Cannes Jury Prize winner is also France’s submission to the Oscars this year.
Ladj Ly’s debut feature and Cannes Jury Prize winner Les Misérables, revolving around social tensions in a tough Paris suburb, is the frontrunner in the 25th edition of France’s Lumière awards this year, with seven nominations.
The awards which are voted on by some 130 international correspondents hailing from 40 countries are France’s equivalent of the Golden Globes.
Les Misérables has been nominated for best film, director, screenplay, cinematography, first film and twice in the best new actor section for two of its cast members,...
Ladj Ly’s debut feature and Cannes Jury Prize winner Les Misérables, revolving around social tensions in a tough Paris suburb, is the frontrunner in the 25th edition of France’s Lumière awards this year, with seven nominations.
The awards which are voted on by some 130 international correspondents hailing from 40 countries are France’s equivalent of the Golden Globes.
Les Misérables has been nominated for best film, director, screenplay, cinematography, first film and twice in the best new actor section for two of its cast members,...
- 12/3/2019
- by 1100388¦Melanie Goodfellow¦0¦
- ScreenDaily
Roman Polanski's An Officer and a Spy, lensed by his frequent collaborator Pawel Edelman (The Pianist), will open the 27th EnergaCamerimage cinematography festival Nov. 9 in Torun, Poland.
The thriller, based on the novel by Robert Harris, recently received the Silver Lion and the Fipresci Award at the Venice Film Festival. An Officer and a Spy tells the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a French officer wrongly convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The cast includes Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Louis Garrel (The Dreamers) and Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur).
As previously announced, this year Camerimage will honor ...
The thriller, based on the novel by Robert Harris, recently received the Silver Lion and the Fipresci Award at the Venice Film Festival. An Officer and a Spy tells the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a French officer wrongly convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The cast includes Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Louis Garrel (The Dreamers) and Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur).
As previously announced, this year Camerimage will honor ...
- 10/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Roman Polanski's An Officer and a Spy, lensed by his frequent collaborator Pawel Edelman (The Pianist), will open the 27th EnergaCamerimage cinematography festival Nov. 9 in Torun, Poland.
The thriller, based on the novel by Robert Harris, recently received the Silver Lion and the Fipresci Award at the Venice Film Festival. An Officer and a Spy tells the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a French officer wrongly convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The cast includes Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Louis Garrel (The Dreamers) and Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur).
As previously announced, this year Camerimage will honor ...
The thriller, based on the novel by Robert Harris, recently received the Silver Lion and the Fipresci Award at the Venice Film Festival. An Officer and a Spy tells the story of Alfred Dreyfus, a French officer wrongly convicted of treason and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The cast includes Jean Dujardin (The Artist), Louis Garrel (The Dreamers) and Emmanuelle Seigner (Venus in Fur).
As previously announced, this year Camerimage will honor ...
- 10/18/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
“I do not separate the man from the art,” Jury President Lucrecia Martel said on the eve of the 76th Venice Film Festival, as the fest’s first press conference prompted her to comment on the inclusion of Roman Polanski’s An Officer and a Spy (J’accuse) among the year’s twenty-one Golden Lion hopefuls. While the remarks sparked further debate around Polanski’s competition slot, the idea of a schism between artist and craft (or the impossibility to draw one) seemed all the more relevant to director’s latest, a chronicle of the Dreyfus affair, a scandal that swept across France in the late nineteenth century and led to the disgrace of an army officer falsely convicted as spy. Difficult as it may be to gloss over the meta-fictional echoes—corroborated by the parallels Polanski himself has spotted between his situation and Dreyfus’ own in an interview circulated...
- 9/1/2019
- MUBI
Any controversy that might erupt over Roman Polanski’s decision to implicitly equate himself with one of history’s greatest victims of injustice is dissipated by the resultant film’s tepid listlessness. The filmmaker has scored any number of artistic achievements over the course of his controversial career, but with “An Officer and a Spy” (aka “J’accuse”), he fails to serve as his own Émile Zola.
Zola, of course, helped throw a spotlight on the French government’s cover-up after it unjustly railroaded Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus to Devil’s Island following a trumped-up court-martial that incorrectly branded him a spy. In telling the story of how that cover-up was uncovered and investigated, Polanski fails the main requirement of any historical drama: Keep the audience in suspense even when they already know how it comes out.
Polanski knows a thing or two about suspense, as one of the true heirs of Alfred Hitchcock,...
Zola, of course, helped throw a spotlight on the French government’s cover-up after it unjustly railroaded Jewish army officer Alfred Dreyfus to Devil’s Island following a trumped-up court-martial that incorrectly branded him a spy. In telling the story of how that cover-up was uncovered and investigated, Polanski fails the main requirement of any historical drama: Keep the audience in suspense even when they already know how it comes out.
Polanski knows a thing or two about suspense, as one of the true heirs of Alfred Hitchcock,...
- 8/30/2019
- by Alonso Duralde
- The Wrap
Early in Afterimage avant garde artist Władysław Strzemiński sits huddled in a cramped apartment painting. When his only light source is blocked by the red of a multi-floor Stalin banner unspooled atop his apartment complex, he gets up, slashes a hole in the banner, and gets back to work. The final film by maverick Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda — who passed away at the age of 90, shortly after the film premiered last fall at Tiff — is a triumphant, defiant portrait of an artist whose hands are tied and nearly cut off after refusing Sovietism and embracing the utility of art as propaganda. Wajda, unlike many of his contemporaries, rarely strayed from his native Poland, choosing to produce a wide range of features, including sprawling historical epics with national narratives like Pan Tadeuz and Katyn and a handful of more personal works like Everything For Sale, a meditation on the death of...
- 4/30/2017
- by John Fink
- The Film Stage
Photo: AMPAS // RopeofSilicon.com Just as I did with the month of November, I bring you a guide for the potential Oscar contenders releasing in December 2012 and the number of films previewed has nearly doubled from seven last month to 13 this month (sorry, it was 14, but We Bought a Zoo got the axe). Just as I did with the seven titles last month, I'll give you a few thoughts on each film, a look at the Oscar categories (Best Picture, Actor, Actress, etc.) each film has a chance of being nominated in and the trailer and a link to more information on top of that. Of course, if you want to keep closer tabs on the awards race just keep an eye on my Oscar Contenders section with frequently updated Oscar Predictions, Awards Schedule and my exclusive Oscar Overture section, which tracks a variety of the major precursor awards handed...
- 12/1/2011
- by Brad Brevet
- Rope of Silicon
By Sean O’Connell
hollywoodnews.com: Organizers of the 19th Plus Camerimage film festival – held each year in Bydgoszcz, Poland – have selected Roman Polanski’s “Carnage” as their opening night film. The adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning stage play, will kick off the fest on Nov. 26.
Polanski’s uncomfortably comedic drama stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly as parents trying to smooth things out following a physical altercation between their adolescent sons. The Camerimage fest places its focus on cinematography, so expect Polanski’s cinematographer – the great Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist,” “Ray”) – to be recognized for his accomplishment in containing the “Carnage” action to one cramped, sun-drenched New York apartment.
In addition to “Carnage,” this year’s fest will screen Terrence Malick’s “Tree of Life,” Steve McQueen “Shame,” Andrea Arnold’s “Wuthering Heights,” Ralph Fiennes’ “Coriolanus,” and the period rom-com “Hysteria” … all recognized for their striking visuals.
hollywoodnews.com: Organizers of the 19th Plus Camerimage film festival – held each year in Bydgoszcz, Poland – have selected Roman Polanski’s “Carnage” as their opening night film. The adaptation of Yasmina Reza’s Tony-winning stage play, will kick off the fest on Nov. 26.
Polanski’s uncomfortably comedic drama stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly as parents trying to smooth things out following a physical altercation between their adolescent sons. The Camerimage fest places its focus on cinematography, so expect Polanski’s cinematographer – the great Pawel Edelman (“The Pianist,” “Ray”) – to be recognized for his accomplishment in containing the “Carnage” action to one cramped, sun-drenched New York apartment.
In addition to “Carnage,” this year’s fest will screen Terrence Malick’s “Tree of Life,” Steve McQueen “Shame,” Andrea Arnold’s “Wuthering Heights,” Ralph Fiennes’ “Coriolanus,” and the period rom-com “Hysteria” … all recognized for their striking visuals.
- 11/16/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Roman Polanski's new film Carnage, an adaptation of Yasmina Reza's play God of Carnage, will soon premiere at the Venice Film Festival, and then open the New York Film Festival. We know the basics -- Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly play two couples who spend an evening... let's say 'interacting,' after their kids get into an altercation at school. That's the pretty wonderful French poster for the film above on the left, and we've got the full-size image along with some new images from the film after the break. These images aren't terribly exciting, but then again, the movie is basically four people talking. But take heart: Pawel Edelman, who did a wonderful job shooting Polanski's last film, The Ghost Writer, is again manning the lights and camera for this one. His work was a highlight of The Ghost Writer, and I'm...
- 8/16/2011
- by Russ Fischer
- Slash Film
Sony Pictures Classics has finalized a deal to distribute Roman Polanski's Carnage. The film is an adaptation of the Broadway hit God of Carnage. The film has a great cast that includes Jodie Foster, John C. Reilly, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz. They star as four thespians who, "play two couple who come together one evening to discuss the behavior of their children, only for things to quickly become heated." Earlier we shared some stills from the film so check those out here.
I love most of Polanski's films, especially his last film The Ghost Writer. This sounds like a cool story, so I am interested in seeing this. What are your thoughts?
For all the details, check out the full press release below.
New York (April 14, 2011) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they will release Roman Polanski’s new film, Carnage, in North America. Polanski penned the script with Yasmina Reza,...
I love most of Polanski's films, especially his last film The Ghost Writer. This sounds like a cool story, so I am interested in seeing this. What are your thoughts?
For all the details, check out the full press release below.
New York (April 14, 2011) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they will release Roman Polanski’s new film, Carnage, in North America. Polanski penned the script with Yasmina Reza,...
- 4/15/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
Deadline told you last week that Sony Pictures Classics was wrapping up distribution on Roman Polanski's adaptation of the Broadway hit God of Carnage. They've just announced the deal for the movie, with the abbreviated title Carnage: New York (April 14, 2011) – Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they will release Roman Polanski’s new film, Carnage, in North America. Polanski penned the script with Yasmina Reza, which is adapted from Reza’s 2009 Tony Award® winning play God of Carnage. Carnage is produced by Said Ben Said (The Witnesses, The Girl On The Train) and stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly. Spc expects an end of year release. Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film from Said Ben Said and ICM’s Jeff Berg. Polanski assembled an all-star crew to work on Carnage, director of photographer Pawel Edelman (The Ghost Writer, Ray, The Pianist), production designer Dean Tavoularis (The Ninth Gate,...
- 4/14/2011
- by MIKE FLEMING
- Deadline
Sony Pictures Classics (Spc) announced today that they will release Roman Polanski's new film, Carnage , in North America. Polanski penned the script with Yasmina Reza, which is adapted from Reza's 2009 Tony Award® winning play "God of Carnage." Carnage is produced by Said Ben Said ( The Witnesses , The Girl on the Train ) and stars Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz and John C. Reilly. Spc expects an end of year release. Sony Pictures Classics acquired the film from Said Ben Said and ICM.s Jeff Berg. Carnage 's production crew will include director of photographer Pawel Edelman ( The Ghost Writer , Ray , The Pianist ), production designer Dean Tavoularis ( The Ninth Gate , The Godfather , The Outsiders ), editor Herve de Luze ( The Ghost Writer , Wild...
- 4/14/2011
- Comingsoon.net
Xavier Beauvois' "Of Gods and Men" dominated the nominations of the 36th Annual Cesar Awards, the French equivalent of the Oscars. "Of Gods" received 11 nominations total and will compete against Heartbreaker (L'Arnacoeur), Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique), Mammuth, Le Nom Des Gens, The Ghost Writer, and On Tour for Best Film.
The Social Network, Invictus, Inception, Illegal, The Secret In Their Eyes, Bright Star, and Les Amours Imaginaires will duke it out for the Best Foreign Film category.
Jodie Foster will preside over the ceremony and Quentin Tarantino will be given an honorary Cesar award. The 36th Annual Cesar Awards will be held on Feb. 25th.
Here is the full list of nominees:
Best Film
Heartbreaker (L'Arnacoeur), dir: Pascal Chaumeil
Of Gods and Men (Des Hommes Et Des Dieu), dir: Xavier Beauvois
Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique), dir: Joann Sfar
Mammuth, dir: Benoit Delepine, Gustave Kervern
Le Nom Des Gens, dir: Michel Leclerc
The Ghost Writer,...
The Social Network, Invictus, Inception, Illegal, The Secret In Their Eyes, Bright Star, and Les Amours Imaginaires will duke it out for the Best Foreign Film category.
Jodie Foster will preside over the ceremony and Quentin Tarantino will be given an honorary Cesar award. The 36th Annual Cesar Awards will be held on Feb. 25th.
Here is the full list of nominees:
Best Film
Heartbreaker (L'Arnacoeur), dir: Pascal Chaumeil
Of Gods and Men (Des Hommes Et Des Dieu), dir: Xavier Beauvois
Gainsbourg (Vie Heroique), dir: Joann Sfar
Mammuth, dir: Benoit Delepine, Gustave Kervern
Le Nom Des Gens, dir: Michel Leclerc
The Ghost Writer,...
- 1/21/2011
- by Manny
- Manny the Movie Guy
The nominations for this year’s César Awards (France’s Oscar equivalent) has been announced. In addition the awards ceremony has also chosen Quentin Tarantino as the recipient of the ceremony’s honorary award. Alain Terzian, the president of the Académie des arts et techniques du cinéma announced at a press conference this morning confirmed that the director would be present to ick up his award in person.
It is also worth noting that there are three American movies among the seven nominees for Best Foreign Film: Inception, The Social Network and perhaps the biggest surprise, Invictus.
The 36th edition of the Césars will take place on February 25 in Paris.
Here’s the full list of nominees:
Best Movie
L’arnacoeur by Pascal Chaumeil
Le nom des gens by Michel Leclerc
The Ghost Writer by Roman Polanski
Tournée by Mathieu Amalric
Des Hommes et des Dieux by Xavier Beauvois
Gainsbourg...
It is also worth noting that there are three American movies among the seven nominees for Best Foreign Film: Inception, The Social Network and perhaps the biggest surprise, Invictus.
The 36th edition of the Césars will take place on February 25 in Paris.
Here’s the full list of nominees:
Best Movie
L’arnacoeur by Pascal Chaumeil
Le nom des gens by Michel Leclerc
The Ghost Writer by Roman Polanski
Tournée by Mathieu Amalric
Des Hommes et des Dieux by Xavier Beauvois
Gainsbourg...
- 1/21/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Three U.S. films are among the seven nominees for best foreign film in this year’s César Awards, France’s version of the Oscars. Meanwhile, American director Quentin Tarantino has been selected to receive an honorary award and will be at the Feb. 25 ceremony in Paris to accept it, it was announced Friday.
The three American films cited by the Académie des arts et techniques du cinema are Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” David Fincher’s “The Social Network” and Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus,” an Oscar contender in the States last year.
Xavier Beauvois’ “Of Gods and Men” (“Des hommes et des Dieux”) — not one of the nine films still in contention for the best foreign film Oscar — leads with 10 nominations, while Roman Polanski’s “The Ghost Writer” and Joann Sfar’s “Gainsbourg” (“Vie Héroïque”) are also nominated in multiple categories.
Presiding over this year’s awards is American actress and director Jodie Foster.
The three American films cited by the Académie des arts et techniques du cinema are Christopher Nolan’s “Inception,” David Fincher’s “The Social Network” and Clint Eastwood’s “Invictus,” an Oscar contender in the States last year.
Xavier Beauvois’ “Of Gods and Men” (“Des hommes et des Dieux”) — not one of the nine films still in contention for the best foreign film Oscar — leads with 10 nominations, while Roman Polanski’s “The Ghost Writer” and Joann Sfar’s “Gainsbourg” (“Vie Héroïque”) are also nominated in multiple categories.
Presiding over this year’s awards is American actress and director Jodie Foster.
- 1/21/2011
- by admin
- Moving Pictures Network
Cinematography and its significance is an aspect of film that is usually overlooked by your average movie goer. Often times when a director is know for consistently maintaining a certain style it is due in part to the cinematographers contribution. Like film editors, cinematographers take a back seat to directors when it comes to the public’s perception of each of their significances. Although it is ultimately the directors medium, the cinematographer guides the tone and feel of the film by controlling the aesthetics. This is of course excluding art direction, wardrobe and set design. A beautifully constructed sequence arrests your attention with such command and power, while still displaying a subtle eloquence. This display of the mastery of film is often referred to as something “cinematic”. In that moment it is film declaring “I am what I am.” The cinematographer plays an instrumental role is deciding what that declaration is going to convey.
- 6/30/2010
- by Jordan Collins
- The Film Stage
American Cinematographer – the official magazine of the American Society of Cinematographers – just published a ranking of the best shot films for the 1998 to 2008 decade, and Amélie tops the list.
I initially thought the selections were chosen specifically by members of the Asc, but I learned that it was actually an open process; in short, the magazine asked its subscribers all over the world to nominate 10 films released between 1998 and 2008, that they believed had the best cinematography; the 50 most popular choices were then posted on the Asc website, with the rest of the public free to vote/rank the 50 finalists. Reportedly, more than 17,000 people around the world participated.
And, as already stated, Amélie was ranked in the top spot most consistently. I haven’t watched Amélie in years, but I’d certainly throw it up there on my list of one of the best shot films from 1998 to 2008. Will it be my #1? I don’t know.
I initially thought the selections were chosen specifically by members of the Asc, but I learned that it was actually an open process; in short, the magazine asked its subscribers all over the world to nominate 10 films released between 1998 and 2008, that they believed had the best cinematography; the 50 most popular choices were then posted on the Asc website, with the rest of the public free to vote/rank the 50 finalists. Reportedly, more than 17,000 people around the world participated.
And, as already stated, Amélie was ranked in the top spot most consistently. I haven’t watched Amélie in years, but I’d certainly throw it up there on my list of one of the best shot films from 1998 to 2008. Will it be my #1? I don’t know.
- 6/29/2010
- by Tambay
- ShadowAndAct
Did you find political thriller The Ghost one of Roman Polanski's best films in years? Or do you think it's difficult to separate an appreciation of his work from his chequered personal history?
The critics say Roman Polanski's latest is a confident, suspenseful thriller with a touch of Hitchcock. According to some, The Ghost is also the director's best film for a number of years.
Despite its gentle – some might say ponderous – pace, this politically charged tale of a Blair-like former prime minister and the man brought in to help write his memoirs proves the film-maker's ability to create gripping cinema without succumbing to the action-movie tropes that have infiltrated the thriller genre in recent years. Polanski delivers an air of intrigue as chilling as the wintry Martha's Vineyard estate where much of it is set, and the classy cast, including Ewan McGregor as the ghost writer, Pierce...
The critics say Roman Polanski's latest is a confident, suspenseful thriller with a touch of Hitchcock. According to some, The Ghost is also the director's best film for a number of years.
Despite its gentle – some might say ponderous – pace, this politically charged tale of a Blair-like former prime minister and the man brought in to help write his memoirs proves the film-maker's ability to create gripping cinema without succumbing to the action-movie tropes that have infiltrated the thriller genre in recent years. Polanski delivers an air of intrigue as chilling as the wintry Martha's Vineyard estate where much of it is set, and the classy cast, including Ewan McGregor as the ghost writer, Pierce...
- 4/19/2010
- by Ben Child
- The Guardian - Film News
Director: Roman Polanski Writers: Polanski (screenplay), Robert Harris (novel and adaptation) Cinematographer: Pawel Edelman Starring: Ewan McGregor, Pierce Brosnan, Olivia Williams, Kim Cattrall, Timothy Hutton, Tom Wilkinson, Eli Wallach Studio/Run Time: Summit Entertainment, 128 min. Surprisingly uneven, unsurprisingly subpar Roman Polanski may be one of the screen’s best directors, but with the exception of 2002’s The Pianist the fugitive filmmaker has not created anything close to his two signature films: 1968’s Rosemary’s Baby and 1974’s Chinatown. The release of The Ghost Writer does nothing to change that....
- 2/26/2010
- Pastemagazine.com
An efficient suite in the mode of Hitchcock's pure cinema, the opening of The Ghost Writer, Roman Polanski's eminently suave town-car thriller, relaxes willing viewers right into the director's velvet grip. It comprises the arrival of a night ferry and the evacuation of the below-deck parking lot: an abandoned mini-suv grows conspicuous; eventually it is all that remains. Cinematographer Pawel Edelman's ever-watchful camera moves in for a closer look just as a tow truck clamps down on the unclaimed vehicle's bumper, causing it to blink its lights and mewl in a protest that seems both witty and forlorn. In fact it is a hedge against the true alarm of the next image, that of an ocean-battered corpse. Just like that, we have received much of the information we will need to follow the conspiracy-driven storyline that unfolds. We have also been notified of Polanski the playful ironist's return to slow-boiling,...
- 2/19/2010
- Movieline
It’s more than a little odd that The Ghost Writer, Roman Polanski’s best film in 30 years, is in the official Berlin competition. Yes, the 76-year-old veteran is up against a few other prolific filmmakers such as Zhang Yimou and Michael Winterbottom, but many of the others have only one or two features under their belts. And, at the end of the day, as beautifully executed as The Ghost Writer is by Polanski and his cinematographer, fellow Polish native Pawel Edelman, it is a conventional genre film—a fusion of classical Hitchcock and the Bourne series--about a Tony Blairish British former Prime Minister (Pierce Brosnan), now residing in the U.S., whose in-office participation in a nasty scandal becomes public knowledge, thanks to the...
- 2/18/2010
- by Howard Feinstein
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
The Hollywood Film Festival has announced the lineup of honorees for excellence in the cinematic arts. Cinematographer Pawel Edelman will receive honors Oct. 24 along with editor Walter Murch, costume designer Colleen Atwood, designer Grant Major and casting director Avy Kaufman at the Hollywood Film Festival's Hollywood Awards Gala Ceremony at the Beverly Hilton. "All filmmaking disciplines are equally important, therefore we honor craftspeople every year," said Carlos de Abreu, founder and executive director of the Hollywood Film Festival.
In announcing its nominees for the year's best cinematography, the American Society of Cinematographers has become the industry's first professional organization to include Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ among its list of honorees. Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel, who lensed Icon Prods.' Passion, is among the film nominees for the 19th annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstanding Achievement Awards, to be held Feb. 13 at the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland. Other nominees include Dion Beebe and Paul Cameron, who contributed to the cinematography on DreamWorks' Collateral; Bruno Delbonnel, for Warner Independent Pictures' A Very Long Engagement; Pawel Edelman, for Universal Pictures' Ray; and Robert Richardson, for Miramax Pictures' The Aviator.
- 1/12/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
PARIS -- Roman Polanski's Oliver Twist, the latest adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1838 classic, will begin a 16-week shoot in Prague on July 12 and is scheduled for a Christmas 2005 release, co-producer Robert Benmussa said Monday. Introducing Barney Clark -- a 10-year-old boy from Hackney, London, who has been cast in the leading role -- Polanski told a crowded news conference that he has stuck closely to Dickens to make what is "essentially a children's film," which would be "quite different" from his Oscar-winning The Pianist. The film reunites much of the Pianist team, including scriptwriter Ronald Harwood, cinematographer Pawel Edelman, production designer Allan Starski, film editor Herve de Luze, costume designer Anna B. Sheppard and actor Frank Finlay.
- 4/27/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
This review was written for the festival screening of "The Pianist".
CANNES -- Roman Polanski, who survived the Nazi occupation of Poland as a young boy, has finally made a film about this horrifying period in that country's history. Because he didn't want the film to be autobiographical, he and writer Ronald Harwood selected as source material a 1946 memoir by Jewish pianist and composer Wladyslaw Szpilman, "Death of a City", a book noted for the detached tone of its recollection of misery, disease and near starvation in Warsaw. Polanski takes a similar tack, which makes for a remote emotional experience. What Szpilman goes through is beyond incredible. Yet "The Pianist" recounts those torments less through his eyes than in a cool third-person narration, keenly observing but uninvolved.
Too many books, documentaries and features already have told this story for Polanski's version to have the international boxoffice impact it deserves. His name will, of course, attract many. But you can't help feel disappointed that one of the few directors who actually lived through this tragic period isn't able to personalize the material more.
The scale of this production is epic. Entire streets of a now vanished city are re-created in Berlin's Babelsberg Studios and miniatures and digital effects later portray a city turned into an uninhabitable wasteland.
In the central role, Adrien Brody does his best with a highly educated character who is initially aloof to the coming trouble and then, as his dilemma becomes painfully obvious, scared and reactive.
When Germany invades Poland in September 1939, Wladyslaw is literally blown off the air when a bomb drops near a Warsaw radio studio while he plays Chopin. He returns home, where his parents (Frank Finlay and Maureen Lipman) are packing to leave, but their grown children prefer to stay, especially hot-headed brother Henryk (Ed Stoppard), who wants to fight. News of Britain and France's declaration of war against Germany causes everyone to stay, but soon the family has no choice. The Nazis enter the city on October 1.
The film charts the now all-too-familiar outrages. Initially forbidden to eat here or stroll there, Wladyslaw's family and all the Jews are eventually herded into a walled ghetto created by the Germans. Here Wladyslaw is able to find work playing piano in a restaurant. Then in 1942, whole blocks are marched into cattle cars and shipped to the Treblinka death camp.
An acquaintance in the Jewish police pulls Wladyslaw from his family's march and saves his life. He is anything but free, though. A three-year odyssey takes him from one hiding place to the next. People help him, perhaps out of friendship or kindness or perhaps -- the movie never really gets into it -- because of his celebrity status as a top Warsaw musician.
As his ordeal nears its end, a German officer (Thomas Kretschmann) comes to his rescue with food and even the gift of his coat. You never understand why this helping hand comes from an enemy. Perhaps the captain simply got tired of killing. He then disappears, evidently doomed to die in a Soviet POW camp.
Working with cinematographer Pawel Edelman and designer Allan Starski, Polanski re-creates the sweep of history. Color drains away and Wojciech Kilar's music grows increasingly solemn. But the movie lacks those specific personal moments that pull an audience into a story and let them identify with a character. Other than his musical skills, Wladislaw is a little too much the all-purpose victim-survivor.
In fact, as other Jews and Poles get executed right and left, you wonder why you are supposed to care so mightily for this particular man. He never even experiences any guilt that a seemingly invisible protective cloak around him benefits no one else.
Since Wladislaw is often alone, how he feels about what is happening to him other than such primal emotions as hunger and fear isn't always clear. The movie recounts its tales of horror and triumph, but never makes the viewer experience them.
THE PIANIST
R.P. Productions/Heritage Films/Studio Babelsberg/Runteam Ltd.
Credits:
Director: Roman Polanski
Writer: Ronald Harwood
Based on the book by: Wladyslaw Szpilman
Producers: Roman Polanski, Robert Benmussa, Alain Sarde
Director of photography: Pawel Edelman
Production designer: Allan Starski
Costume designer: Anna Sheppard
Co-producer: Gene Gutowski
Music: Wojciech Kilar
Editor: Herve De Luze
Cast:
Wladyslaw Szpilman: Adrien Brody
Captain Wilm Hosenfeld: Thomas Kretschmann
The father: Frank Finlay
The mother: Maureen Lipman
Dorota: Emilia Fox
Henryk: Ed Stoppard
Regina: Julia Raayner
Halina: Jessica Kate Meyer
Running time -- 148 minutes
No MPAA rating...
CANNES -- Roman Polanski, who survived the Nazi occupation of Poland as a young boy, has finally made a film about this horrifying period in that country's history. Because he didn't want the film to be autobiographical, he and writer Ronald Harwood selected as source material a 1946 memoir by Jewish pianist and composer Wladyslaw Szpilman, "Death of a City", a book noted for the detached tone of its recollection of misery, disease and near starvation in Warsaw. Polanski takes a similar tack, which makes for a remote emotional experience. What Szpilman goes through is beyond incredible. Yet "The Pianist" recounts those torments less through his eyes than in a cool third-person narration, keenly observing but uninvolved.
Too many books, documentaries and features already have told this story for Polanski's version to have the international boxoffice impact it deserves. His name will, of course, attract many. But you can't help feel disappointed that one of the few directors who actually lived through this tragic period isn't able to personalize the material more.
The scale of this production is epic. Entire streets of a now vanished city are re-created in Berlin's Babelsberg Studios and miniatures and digital effects later portray a city turned into an uninhabitable wasteland.
In the central role, Adrien Brody does his best with a highly educated character who is initially aloof to the coming trouble and then, as his dilemma becomes painfully obvious, scared and reactive.
When Germany invades Poland in September 1939, Wladyslaw is literally blown off the air when a bomb drops near a Warsaw radio studio while he plays Chopin. He returns home, where his parents (Frank Finlay and Maureen Lipman) are packing to leave, but their grown children prefer to stay, especially hot-headed brother Henryk (Ed Stoppard), who wants to fight. News of Britain and France's declaration of war against Germany causes everyone to stay, but soon the family has no choice. The Nazis enter the city on October 1.
The film charts the now all-too-familiar outrages. Initially forbidden to eat here or stroll there, Wladyslaw's family and all the Jews are eventually herded into a walled ghetto created by the Germans. Here Wladyslaw is able to find work playing piano in a restaurant. Then in 1942, whole blocks are marched into cattle cars and shipped to the Treblinka death camp.
An acquaintance in the Jewish police pulls Wladyslaw from his family's march and saves his life. He is anything but free, though. A three-year odyssey takes him from one hiding place to the next. People help him, perhaps out of friendship or kindness or perhaps -- the movie never really gets into it -- because of his celebrity status as a top Warsaw musician.
As his ordeal nears its end, a German officer (Thomas Kretschmann) comes to his rescue with food and even the gift of his coat. You never understand why this helping hand comes from an enemy. Perhaps the captain simply got tired of killing. He then disappears, evidently doomed to die in a Soviet POW camp.
Working with cinematographer Pawel Edelman and designer Allan Starski, Polanski re-creates the sweep of history. Color drains away and Wojciech Kilar's music grows increasingly solemn. But the movie lacks those specific personal moments that pull an audience into a story and let them identify with a character. Other than his musical skills, Wladislaw is a little too much the all-purpose victim-survivor.
In fact, as other Jews and Poles get executed right and left, you wonder why you are supposed to care so mightily for this particular man. He never even experiences any guilt that a seemingly invisible protective cloak around him benefits no one else.
Since Wladislaw is often alone, how he feels about what is happening to him other than such primal emotions as hunger and fear isn't always clear. The movie recounts its tales of horror and triumph, but never makes the viewer experience them.
THE PIANIST
R.P. Productions/Heritage Films/Studio Babelsberg/Runteam Ltd.
Credits:
Director: Roman Polanski
Writer: Ronald Harwood
Based on the book by: Wladyslaw Szpilman
Producers: Roman Polanski, Robert Benmussa, Alain Sarde
Director of photography: Pawel Edelman
Production designer: Allan Starski
Costume designer: Anna Sheppard
Co-producer: Gene Gutowski
Music: Wojciech Kilar
Editor: Herve De Luze
Cast:
Wladyslaw Szpilman: Adrien Brody
Captain Wilm Hosenfeld: Thomas Kretschmann
The father: Frank Finlay
The mother: Maureen Lipman
Dorota: Emilia Fox
Henryk: Ed Stoppard
Regina: Julia Raayner
Halina: Jessica Kate Meyer
Running time -- 148 minutes
No MPAA rating...
- 12/27/2002
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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