Indie film distributor Gravitas Ventures has acquired U.S. and Canada and select international territories on sci-fi thriller “The Fix,” starring Grace Van Dien, who appeared in “Stranger Things.”
It will be released on Nov. 22 on digital and cable transactional video on demand.
Directed by Kelsey Egan, “The Fix” co-stars Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown.
The story takes place on a viral infected Earth years into the future, where only the rich can afford to buy immunity. It takes a turn when a wild child takes a new designer drug at a house party, inadvertently becoming an unintended test subject.
“Our journey from script to screen began in 2013, so we couldn’t be more excited to share this wild ride with the world,” said Egan in a statement. “To achieve ambitious action and VFX in a small indie is a rare feat,...
It will be released on Nov. 22 on digital and cable transactional video on demand.
Directed by Kelsey Egan, “The Fix” co-stars Daniel Sharman, Keenan Arrison, Tina Redman, Robyn Rossouw, Tafara Nyatsanza, Nicole Fortuin and Clancy Brown.
The story takes place on a viral infected Earth years into the future, where only the rich can afford to buy immunity. It takes a turn when a wild child takes a new designer drug at a house party, inadvertently becoming an unintended test subject.
“Our journey from script to screen began in 2013, so we couldn’t be more excited to share this wild ride with the world,” said Egan in a statement. “To achieve ambitious action and VFX in a small indie is a rare feat,...
- 9/18/2024
- by Emiliana Betancourt
- Variety Film + TV
Steven Spielberg is known for being one of the most talented and respected figures in Hollywood. He has been a part of some of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, making him a timeless icon in the industry. Since success brings forth influence as well, it can be assumed that he has a lot of power in the film industry.
Steven Spielberg | Photo by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Although he has mostly used it for the right reasons, he also has a reputation for being ruthless when pushed. Megan Fox famously experienced the brunt of this trait. However, many believe Spielberg to also be the reason behind Shia Labeouf’s professional shortcomings. However, some would like to disagree.
Steven Spielberg’s Play With Megan Fox’s Career
During the filming of the cult-classic Transformers series, it was well known that Megan Fox was not getting along with director,...
Steven Spielberg | Photo by Gage Skidmore, licensed under Cc By-sa 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Although he has mostly used it for the right reasons, he also has a reputation for being ruthless when pushed. Megan Fox famously experienced the brunt of this trait. However, many believe Spielberg to also be the reason behind Shia Labeouf’s professional shortcomings. However, some would like to disagree.
Steven Spielberg’s Play With Megan Fox’s Career
During the filming of the cult-classic Transformers series, it was well known that Megan Fox was not getting along with director,...
- 7/24/2024
- by Ananya Godboley
- FandomWire
We’ve all seen “Terminator.” We know robots are going to be the end of humanity. And it’s all starting because of the artificial intelligence (A.I.) that you use to make silly pictures online. It’s just the reality of the situation. But apparently filmmaker Abel Ferrara isn’t so concerned by this.
Read More: Joe Russo Says “Everyone Should Be Scared Of AI,” Especially When Used By Corporations
Kidding aside, A.I.
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Used A.I. In ‘Padre Pio’ & Isn’t Convinced It’s A Bad Thing: “It’s Progress” at The Playlist.
Read More: Joe Russo Says “Everyone Should Be Scared Of AI,” Especially When Used By Corporations
Kidding aside, A.I.
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Used A.I. In ‘Padre Pio’ & Isn’t Convinced It’s A Bad Thing: “It’s Progress” at The Playlist.
- 7/16/2024
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Abel Ferrara isn’t scared of AI. In fact, he is embracing how “cool” the technology is, especially when it comes to dubbing.
Ferrara, who recently directed “Padre Pio,” told Deadline while at the Taormina Film Festival that AI made an Italian dub possible for the feature starring Shia Labeouf. “Padre Pio” premiered at Venice 2022 and was later released in 2023. An Italian release is taking place in July 2024.
“It looks like I directed in Italian, it’s very cool,” Ferrara said of utilizing AI for the dub. He added that while all of the actors sans Labeouf were Italian but spoke in English for the feature, the Italian dub is now “the perfect storm” of a cut.
“The kids acted in English, they get to watch it in Venice, they get to see it with an audience, they get the movie, they understand what they have to do then they...
Ferrara, who recently directed “Padre Pio,” told Deadline while at the Taormina Film Festival that AI made an Italian dub possible for the feature starring Shia Labeouf. “Padre Pio” premiered at Venice 2022 and was later released in 2023. An Italian release is taking place in July 2024.
“It looks like I directed in Italian, it’s very cool,” Ferrara said of utilizing AI for the dub. He added that while all of the actors sans Labeouf were Italian but spoke in English for the feature, the Italian dub is now “the perfect storm” of a cut.
“The kids acted in English, they get to watch it in Venice, they get to see it with an audience, they get the movie, they understand what they have to do then they...
- 7/16/2024
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Abel Ferrara is an eccentric director. Conan O’Brien once had Ferrara scheduled as a guest on his former Late Night show and the comedic host claimed that prior to his segment, Ferrara tried to skip out on the show and Conan’s people had to chase him down and convince him to stay. He complied, and the interview would be a funny but slightly awkward talk show moment. Ferrara certainly seems like someone in the business who does not indulge in the madcap fast lane of Hollywood life. However, the director has said to have experienced a lot of crazy things in his profession, which is what he intends to write about in his upcoming book.
Deadline recently sat down with Ferrara, and the director of Bad Lieutenant, Body Snatchers and King of New York said that his book isn’t going to be so much a memoir as it is a tell-all.
Deadline recently sat down with Ferrara, and the director of Bad Lieutenant, Body Snatchers and King of New York said that his book isn’t going to be so much a memoir as it is a tell-all.
- 7/16/2024
- by EJ Tangonan
- JoBlo.com
Exclusive: Academy Award winner Anthony Hopkins (Freud’s Last Session) has signed on to star in Bruno Penguin and the Staten Island Princess, the latest film from director Nick Cassavetes. Billed as the first-ever major Hollywood production to shoot in Antarctica, the film also has Shia Labeouf (Padre Pio) in talks to star and will enter production in November.
Scripted by Daniel Barnz and Ned Zeman, Bruno Penguin is based on a Vanity Fair article from the latter which tells the true story of adventurous Swiss photographer Bruno Zehnder, a superb artist who spent the last 20 years of his life in Antarctica photographing Emperor penguins. He was obsessed by them – their kindness, the way they lived, their deep levels of affection for one another. Bruno spent his life trying to learn how to communicate with them and over time, the colonies grew to know him and return his fondness.
Scripted by Daniel Barnz and Ned Zeman, Bruno Penguin is based on a Vanity Fair article from the latter which tells the true story of adventurous Swiss photographer Bruno Zehnder, a superb artist who spent the last 20 years of his life in Antarctica photographing Emperor penguins. He was obsessed by them – their kindness, the way they lived, their deep levels of affection for one another. Bruno spent his life trying to learn how to communicate with them and over time, the colonies grew to know him and return his fondness.
- 5/14/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Gravitas Ventures has acquired worldwide rights to Uinta Productions and Paper Street Pictures’ “Snow Valley,” the directorial debut from the late Brandon Murphy.
Murphy, who died in January 2022, was the screenwriter for “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.” He also wrote the script for “Snow Valley,” which was in post production at the time of his death.
The film stars Barbara Crampton (“Re-Animator”), Rachel Michiko Whitney (“The Card Counter”), Cooper van Grootel (“One Of Us Is Lying”), Tom Williamson (“All Cheerleaders Die”), David Lambert (“The Fosters”), Paige Elkington (“Relationship Status”), and Ali Fumiko Whitney (“The Road Dance”).
In the psychological thriller, a newly engaged couple’s swanky ski weekend goes horribly awry when an unexpected guest arrives and the house’s dark supernatural forces begin to rise on the anniversary of a tragic event.
“Snow Valley” was produced by Chris Abernathy, Aaron B. Koontz, Justice Laub and Michiko Whitney. Andrea Chung and Solco Schuit executive produced.
Murphy, who died in January 2022, was the screenwriter for “Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard.” He also wrote the script for “Snow Valley,” which was in post production at the time of his death.
The film stars Barbara Crampton (“Re-Animator”), Rachel Michiko Whitney (“The Card Counter”), Cooper van Grootel (“One Of Us Is Lying”), Tom Williamson (“All Cheerleaders Die”), David Lambert (“The Fosters”), Paige Elkington (“Relationship Status”), and Ali Fumiko Whitney (“The Road Dance”).
In the psychological thriller, a newly engaged couple’s swanky ski weekend goes horribly awry when an unexpected guest arrives and the house’s dark supernatural forces begin to rise on the anniversary of a tragic event.
“Snow Valley” was produced by Chris Abernathy, Aaron B. Koontz, Justice Laub and Michiko Whitney. Andrea Chung and Solco Schuit executive produced.
- 3/1/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Abel Ferrara has made a career out of staring unflinchingly into the abyss, interrogating man’s weakness and depravity and daring his audiences to look away. Faced with the catastrophic violence of the war in Ukraine, however, which he chronicles in the Berlin-premiering documentary “Turn in the Wound,” even the iconoclastic director finds himself at a loss — for words, and for easy answers.
“Why is the violence — that’s what it’s about,” Ferrara tells Variety. “Whether it’s there, whether it’s happening in Gaza and Israel — it’s happening all over the world. It has happened, it is happening, and it’s going to happen, and the question is, Why?”
Ferrara returns to Berlin four years after competing for the Golden Bear with “Siberia,” which starred Willem Dafoe in what Variety’s Guy Lodge described as a “beautiful, unhinged, sometimes hilarious trek into geographical and psychological wilderness.” The...
“Why is the violence — that’s what it’s about,” Ferrara tells Variety. “Whether it’s there, whether it’s happening in Gaza and Israel — it’s happening all over the world. It has happened, it is happening, and it’s going to happen, and the question is, Why?”
Ferrara returns to Berlin four years after competing for the Golden Bear with “Siberia,” which starred Willem Dafoe in what Variety’s Guy Lodge described as a “beautiful, unhinged, sometimes hilarious trek into geographical and psychological wilderness.” The...
- 2/21/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
If there was ever a filmmaker who embodies a Dgaf attitude, it’s undoubtedly Bronx-born filmmaker Abel Ferrara. Having moved to Italy years ago, the filmmaker seems to have totally abandoned Hollywood but keeps on trucking unbowed nonetheless, doing whatever the F he wants. While no one else would touch Shia Labeouf after the allegations of his violent and emotionally toxic behavior against singer/actress and ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs (who launched a lawsuit against him during the tail end of #MeToo for abusive behavior), Ferrara didn’t really care and was happy to cast the actor in his last film, “Padre Pio.” And for his next movie, Ferrara will reunite with Asia Argento and Willem Dafoe, the stars of his 1998 erotic science fiction drama film, “New Rose Hotel,” co-starring Christopher Walken.
Continue reading ‘American Nails’: Willem Dafoe & Asia Argento To Star In Abel Ferrara’s ‘Gangster Movie at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘American Nails’: Willem Dafoe & Asia Argento To Star In Abel Ferrara’s ‘Gangster Movie at The Playlist.
- 2/19/2024
- by Edward Davis
- The Playlist
Abel Ferrara is set to begin production on his latest feature, “American Nails,” a modern gangster story inspired by ancient tragedy that stars Asia Argento and Willem Dafoe, Variety has learned.
According to the producers, “American Nails” charts “the rise and fall of this modern Phaedra, in a tale set in the gangster world of primal violence, power and revenge. This no-holds-barred retelling of Euripides’ masterpiece pits Argento against the male-dominated remnants of power and entitlement in contemporary Italy.”
Written by Ferrara and Rossella De Venuto, pic is produced by Diana Phillips and Philipp Kreuzer for Rimsky Productions and Maze Pictures. Production is set to begin in Italy this summer.
“American Nails” marks Dafoe’s eighth collaboration with Ferrara, including the 2014 Venice biopic “Pasolini,” 2019 Cannes Film Festival selection “Tommaso” and 2020 Berlinale entry “Siberia.” Coming off his acclaimed performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar hopeful “Poor Things,” Dafoe will again team up...
According to the producers, “American Nails” charts “the rise and fall of this modern Phaedra, in a tale set in the gangster world of primal violence, power and revenge. This no-holds-barred retelling of Euripides’ masterpiece pits Argento against the male-dominated remnants of power and entitlement in contemporary Italy.”
Written by Ferrara and Rossella De Venuto, pic is produced by Diana Phillips and Philipp Kreuzer for Rimsky Productions and Maze Pictures. Production is set to begin in Italy this summer.
“American Nails” marks Dafoe’s eighth collaboration with Ferrara, including the 2014 Venice biopic “Pasolini,” 2019 Cannes Film Festival selection “Tommaso” and 2020 Berlinale entry “Siberia.” Coming off his acclaimed performance in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Oscar hopeful “Poor Things,” Dafoe will again team up...
- 2/17/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
Paramount’s “Mean Girls” debuted atop the U.K. and Ireland box office with £3.2 million ($4.1 million), according to numbers from Comscore.
After a stellar reign at the top, Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” slid to second place with £1.6 million and after seven weekends, has a total of £58.3 million. In its second weekend, Disney’s “Poor Things” collected £1.09 million in third place for a total of £3.7 million. In fourth position, in its fourth weekend, Sony’s “Anyone But You” took in £1.07 million for a total of £7 million.
Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “One Life” that collected £858,245 in its third weekend for a total of £7.4 million.
There were two other debuts in the Top 10. Universal’s awards season contender “The Holdovers,” which has won two Golden Globes and scored five Oscar and seven BAFTA nominations, bowed with £689,771 in sixth place. Pathe Live’s “Queen Rock Montreal” concert film placed ninth with £285,110.
In 10th place,...
After a stellar reign at the top, Warner Bros.’ “Wonka” slid to second place with £1.6 million and after seven weekends, has a total of £58.3 million. In its second weekend, Disney’s “Poor Things” collected £1.09 million in third place for a total of £3.7 million. In fourth position, in its fourth weekend, Sony’s “Anyone But You” took in £1.07 million for a total of £7 million.
Rounding off the top five was Warner Bros.’ “One Life” that collected £858,245 in its third weekend for a total of £7.4 million.
There were two other debuts in the Top 10. Universal’s awards season contender “The Holdovers,” which has won two Golden Globes and scored five Oscar and seven BAFTA nominations, bowed with £689,771 in sixth place. Pathe Live’s “Queen Rock Montreal” concert film placed ninth with £285,110.
In 10th place,...
- 1/23/2024
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Actor Shia Labeouf has been confirmed into the Catholic Church and reportedly hopes to become a deacon years after he was accused of physical and emotional abuse.
“We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation!” the Capuchin Franciscans — Western America Province announced in a Facebook post, reports pagesix.com.
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey.”
The 37-year-old star confirmed at Old Mission Santa Ines Parish in Solvang, California on New Year’s Eve, according to The Catholic News Agency.
The ‘Transformers’ actor embraced the practices of the Catholic church after embarking “on a profound spiritual journey,” the Capuchin Franciscans explained on social media.
“His decision to fully enter the Church is a testament to his sincere desire to grow...
“We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation!” the Capuchin Franciscans — Western America Province announced in a Facebook post, reports pagesix.com.
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey.”
The 37-year-old star confirmed at Old Mission Santa Ines Parish in Solvang, California on New Year’s Eve, according to The Catholic News Agency.
The ‘Transformers’ actor embraced the practices of the Catholic church after embarking “on a profound spiritual journey,” the Capuchin Franciscans explained on social media.
“His decision to fully enter the Church is a testament to his sincere desire to grow...
- 1/6/2024
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
Shia Labeouf took an important next step in his faith, and it sounds like there’s another on the horizon.
On Sunday (December 31), the 37-year-old Transformers actor was confirmed into the Catholic Church.
The Capuchin Franciscans shared the news on Facebook, writing that he “has fully entered the Church.”
Read more about Shia Labeouf’s confirmation and future plans…
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey,” they continued, noting that Shia has been on “a profound spiritual journey.”
“We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and to keep Shia Labeouf in your prayers as he continues to deepen his faith and seek God’s guidance in his life,” the group wrote alongside photos of the actor and the friars from the event. “May his example inspire others to explore their own spiritual...
On Sunday (December 31), the 37-year-old Transformers actor was confirmed into the Catholic Church.
The Capuchin Franciscans shared the news on Facebook, writing that he “has fully entered the Church.”
Read more about Shia Labeouf’s confirmation and future plans…
“The Capuchin Franciscan friars are overjoyed to welcome him into the fold and witness his deep commitment to his faith journey,” they continued, noting that Shia has been on “a profound spiritual journey.”
“We invite you to join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and to keep Shia Labeouf in your prayers as he continues to deepen his faith and seek God’s guidance in his life,” the group wrote alongside photos of the actor and the friars from the event. “May his example inspire others to explore their own spiritual...
- 1/4/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Shia Labeouf has been received into the Catholic Church after taking the sacrament of confirmation, and is reportedly considering becoming a deacon.
The Catholic News Agency reports that the Transformers star was confirmed Sunday by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation,” the Capuchin Franciscans from Western American Province said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Friends, please join me and the Capuchin friars in continued prayer for Shia Labeouf. Shia was fully received into the Church through the sacrament of Confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —St.… pic.twitter.com/H33IRQPWCs
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) January 4, 2024
Speaking with the Catholic News Agency, Labeouf’s confirmation sponsor Brother...
The Catholic News Agency reports that the Transformers star was confirmed Sunday by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation,” the Capuchin Franciscans from Western American Province said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Friends, please join me and the Capuchin friars in continued prayer for Shia Labeouf. Shia was fully received into the Church through the sacrament of Confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —St.… pic.twitter.com/H33IRQPWCs
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) January 4, 2024
Speaking with the Catholic News Agency, Labeouf’s confirmation sponsor Brother...
- 1/4/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As we continue to explore the best in 2023, today we’re taking a look at the articles that you, our dear readers, enjoyed the most throughout the past twelve months. Spanning reviews, interviews, features, podcasts, news, and trailers, check out the highlights below and return for more year-end coverage as well as a glimpse into 2024.
Most-Read Reviews
1. Body Parts
2. The Exorcist: Believer
3. Barbie
4. Beau Is Afraid
5. Priscilla
6. Suzume
7. Hypnotic
8. No Hard Feelings
9. The Zone of Interest
10. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Most-Read Interviews
1. Claire Simon on Capturing the Female Body and What Sets Her Apart From Frederick Wiseman
2. “I Don’t Think Directors Should Be Amenable”: Erik Messerschmidt on Shooting The Killer and David Fincher’s Simple Process
3. Richard Kelly on Creative Heartbreak, Political Cinema, and Future Projects
4. Christopher Blauvelt on May December, Formatting for Netflix and 35mm, and Life Lessons from Harris Savides
5. Brandon Cronenberg on Infinity Pool,...
Most-Read Reviews
1. Body Parts
2. The Exorcist: Believer
3. Barbie
4. Beau Is Afraid
5. Priscilla
6. Suzume
7. Hypnotic
8. No Hard Feelings
9. The Zone of Interest
10. The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Most-Read Interviews
1. Claire Simon on Capturing the Female Body and What Sets Her Apart From Frederick Wiseman
2. “I Don’t Think Directors Should Be Amenable”: Erik Messerschmidt on Shooting The Killer and David Fincher’s Simple Process
3. Richard Kelly on Creative Heartbreak, Political Cinema, and Future Projects
4. Christopher Blauvelt on May December, Formatting for Netflix and 35mm, and Life Lessons from Harris Savides
5. Brandon Cronenberg on Infinity Pool,...
- 1/1/2024
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, a biographical drama, attempts to juxtapose the anguish of the renowned Capuchin friar and stigmatist, Padre Pio, with the awakening socialist movement in Southeastern Italy. Ferrara’s cinematic endeavor, Padre Pio, unveils two parallel narratives unfolding in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. One of them delves into the struggles of Padre Pio in his early 30s, grappling with physical and mental turmoil, while the other unveils the fervent socialist movement fighting for their rights amid a nation devastated by the aftermath of war.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio’s unwavering dedication to Christ stemmed from his early exposure to biblical tales. His love for Christ nurtured his faith and unyielding devotion. However, his life was plagued by the relentless presence of his inner demons, manifested through a series of ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever, accompanied by psychological afflictions. On the one hand, Padre...
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio’s unwavering dedication to Christ stemmed from his early exposure to biblical tales. His love for Christ nurtured his faith and unyielding devotion. However, his life was plagued by the relentless presence of his inner demons, manifested through a series of ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever, accompanied by psychological afflictions. On the one hand, Padre...
- 6/4/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
You might think Shia Labeouf portraying a 20th-century Italian saint under the direction of perpetual bad-boy expat Abel Ferrara is a pretty strange prospect. But that’s just the iceberg tip of the oddities in “Padre Pio,” which, despite the American star’s casting in the title role, often appears uninterested in its own venerated ostensible subject.
Instead, much of this awkward English-language period piece focuses on peasants’ struggle to overthrow padrone control just after the First World War. Depicting that conflict often feels beyond the modest production’s scale — and, in any case, is never meaningfully connected to the angsty histrionics of Labeouf, who seems to be in his own separate, indulgent, semi-improvised movie. Though coherent relative to Ferrara’s last narrative feature, the impenetrable espionage tale “Zeroes and Ones,” this eccentric misfire will likely puzzle fans of his past cult favorites, while flummoxing Catholic viewers who expect straightforward religious uplift.
Instead, much of this awkward English-language period piece focuses on peasants’ struggle to overthrow padrone control just after the First World War. Depicting that conflict often feels beyond the modest production’s scale — and, in any case, is never meaningfully connected to the angsty histrionics of Labeouf, who seems to be in his own separate, indulgent, semi-improvised movie. Though coherent relative to Ferrara’s last narrative feature, the impenetrable espionage tale “Zeroes and Ones,” this eccentric misfire will likely puzzle fans of his past cult favorites, while flummoxing Catholic viewers who expect straightforward religious uplift.
- 6/2/2023
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
A24 follows You Hurt My Feelings last weekend with dual-language romance Past Lives, starting a platform release on four screens in New York and LA including Q&As led by talent who have been champions of the film, including Steve Buscemi, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lulu Wang. Expanding this month.
The Sundance premiering pic by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, has a 97% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes – Deadline review here — and 89% with audiences. It’s part of Alamo Drafthouse Recommends film series and has sold out, or nearly so, screenings in LA, Austin, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver.
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are parted after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week, confronting notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. Playwright Song,...
The Sundance premiering pic by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, has a 97% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes – Deadline review here — and 89% with audiences. It’s part of Alamo Drafthouse Recommends film series and has sold out, or nearly so, screenings in LA, Austin, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver.
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are parted after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week, confronting notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. Playwright Song,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The Shia Labeouf comeback tour continues as his movie with Abel Ferrara, “Padre Pio,” which had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival last year, hits theaters today. Ferrara’s film is Labeouf’s first acting performance since his ex-girlfriend, FKA Twigs, sued the actor for sexual battery and emotional distress. Is two years out of the limelight (and in the middle of a pandemic) just punishment?
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Says Shia Labeouf Is Writing A Script About Auschwitz at The Playlist.
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Says Shia Labeouf Is Writing A Script About Auschwitz at The Playlist.
- 6/2/2023
- by Ned Booth
- The Playlist
Following a number of disappointing blockbusters in May, there are a few promising ones this month (as glimpsed in our honorable mentions below), but it feels like we’ll have to wait until July for a trio of heavy hitters. In the meantime, June brings an eclectic mix of sturdy debuts, auteur-driven offerings, and accomplished documentaries.
15. Shadow Kingdom (Alma Har’el; June 6)
Technically released in limited capacity a couple years ago, the Bob Dylan concert film Shadow Kingdom is now getting proper distribution. As Nick Newman said in our summer movie preview, “Your local Bob Dylan obsessive has surely mentioned Shadow Kingdom, the 2021 concert film that saw him rework an assortment of earlier songs––some established, some deeper in the back catalogue. One case (‘To Be Alone with You’) marked an almost-total rewrite, and courtesy the end credits (which we now know is called ‘Sierra’s Theme’) an entirely new track.
15. Shadow Kingdom (Alma Har’el; June 6)
Technically released in limited capacity a couple years ago, the Bob Dylan concert film Shadow Kingdom is now getting proper distribution. As Nick Newman said in our summer movie preview, “Your local Bob Dylan obsessive has surely mentioned Shadow Kingdom, the 2021 concert film that saw him rework an assortment of earlier songs––some established, some deeper in the back catalogue. One case (‘To Be Alone with You’) marked an almost-total rewrite, and courtesy the end credits (which we now know is called ‘Sierra’s Theme’) an entirely new track.
- 6/2/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
There are few filmmakers quite like Abel Ferrara. His unique, distinctive brand of filmmaking has been illuminating screens, and disturbing audiences across decades, though now in a newfound life of sobriety, we’re seeing a more spiritual turn, resulting in his latest feature Padre Pio.
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ferrara, from his home in Italy, to talk about the film, dealing with religious figures on screen, and the collaboration process with Shia Labeouf. He also talks about his new appreciation for life since being sober, and his forthcoming documentary on the war in Ukraine, and on his new life in Italy, and why he doesn’t miss New York.
Watch the full interview with Abel Ferrara here:
Synopsis
World War I has ended and Italian soldiers, broken but victorious, are returning to an impoverished village ruled by wealthy landowners. As events surrounding the first free election in...
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ferrara, from his home in Italy, to talk about the film, dealing with religious figures on screen, and the collaboration process with Shia Labeouf. He also talks about his new appreciation for life since being sober, and his forthcoming documentary on the war in Ukraine, and on his new life in Italy, and why he doesn’t miss New York.
Watch the full interview with Abel Ferrara here:
Synopsis
World War I has ended and Italian soldiers, broken but victorious, are returning to an impoverished village ruled by wealthy landowners. As events surrounding the first free election in...
- 6/2/2023
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Even having interviewed Abel Ferrara a decade ago on the occasion of Ms. 45‘s re-release, an opportunity to speak with the legend still felt exciting, and borderline nerve-wracking.
As something of a fanboy, I didn’t bring up trailing him around a TIFF party hosted by my former place of work years ago, but it was still an enlivening chat. Done in accordance with the release of his new film Padre Pio, which has brought much controversy for casting Shia Labeouf (who’s made public the spiritual film and role as an act of redemption), I saw it fit to ask a number of questions, be it moral or political, that arise from the film, which cross-cuts the saint’s spiritual battle with a fascist uprising in Italy. The opinionated, lively Ferrara naturally had much to say during our brief Zoom chat.
The Film Stage: Nicholas St. John, your former writing partner,...
As something of a fanboy, I didn’t bring up trailing him around a TIFF party hosted by my former place of work years ago, but it was still an enlivening chat. Done in accordance with the release of his new film Padre Pio, which has brought much controversy for casting Shia Labeouf (who’s made public the spiritual film and role as an act of redemption), I saw it fit to ask a number of questions, be it moral or political, that arise from the film, which cross-cuts the saint’s spiritual battle with a fascist uprising in Italy. The opinionated, lively Ferrara naturally had much to say during our brief Zoom chat.
The Film Stage: Nicholas St. John, your former writing partner,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
Shia Labeouf is deepening his knowledge of World War II.
After starring as Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara’s biopic about the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars, Labeouf is said to be writing a script set in the Holocaust concentration camp Auschwitz, according to the filmmaker.
“Padre Pio” director Ferrara told The Film Stage that he is working on the film alongside Labeouf.
“He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie,” Ferrara said, citing Labeouf’s role in “Megalopolis.”
He continued, “So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, ‘Padre Pio’ was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time. But anyway, it was good and he’s working. And we’re working on a film together,...
After starring as Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara’s biopic about the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars, Labeouf is said to be writing a script set in the Holocaust concentration camp Auschwitz, according to the filmmaker.
“Padre Pio” director Ferrara told The Film Stage that he is working on the film alongside Labeouf.
“He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie,” Ferrara said, citing Labeouf’s role in “Megalopolis.”
He continued, “So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, ‘Padre Pio’ was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time. But anyway, it was good and he’s working. And we’re working on a film together,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In the Name of the Father: Ferrara Explore Infamous Saint with Guerrilla Branded Biopic
Like many of Abel Ferrara’s projects hobbled by various production issues, an arduous journey from conception to screen results in a sort of exceptional catharsis by the time it’s finally delivered (like sins being expiated). Having touched upon the controversial Catholic Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina previously in part of a 2015 documentary series, Ferrara at last unveils his feature length Padre Pio, a hybrid biopic and cultural portrait of post WWI Italian politics.
Filmed on location in Puglia and shot in English, Ferrara boldly casts Shia Labeouf as the stigmata suffering saint, whose presence is both a blessing in attracting curious audience members and an authentic deriding curse (though more so the latter for cementing the production’s staginess since it would been more appropriate for an actor who can speak Italian).…
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Like many of Abel Ferrara’s projects hobbled by various production issues, an arduous journey from conception to screen results in a sort of exceptional catharsis by the time it’s finally delivered (like sins being expiated). Having touched upon the controversial Catholic Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina previously in part of a 2015 documentary series, Ferrara at last unveils his feature length Padre Pio, a hybrid biopic and cultural portrait of post WWI Italian politics.
Filmed on location in Puglia and shot in English, Ferrara boldly casts Shia Labeouf as the stigmata suffering saint, whose presence is both a blessing in attracting curious audience members and an authentic deriding curse (though more so the latter for cementing the production’s staginess since it would been more appropriate for an actor who can speak Italian).…
Continue reading.
- 5/31/2023
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
Abel Ferrara announced in an interview with The Film Stage that his “Padre Pio” star Shia Labeouf is currently writing a movie about Auschwitz that the two men are thinking of filming together. No other details were provided at this time. Variety has tapped Labeouf’s manager for additional details.
In Ferrara’s “Padre Pio,” which premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, Labeouf plays the eponymous 19th century religious figure, who rose to fame in the Catholic world for exhibiting stigmata — crucifixion wounds corresponding to those on the body of Jesus Christ — before becoming a symbol of hope for southern Italians during the country’s turbulent period between the two World Wars.
“Padre Pio” marked Labeouf’s first major acting role after taking a hiatus following abuse allegations made in 2020 by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs. The singer sued Labeouf for sexual battery and emotional distress.
When asked by...
In Ferrara’s “Padre Pio,” which premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, Labeouf plays the eponymous 19th century religious figure, who rose to fame in the Catholic world for exhibiting stigmata — crucifixion wounds corresponding to those on the body of Jesus Christ — before becoming a symbol of hope for southern Italians during the country’s turbulent period between the two World Wars.
“Padre Pio” marked Labeouf’s first major acting role after taking a hiatus following abuse allegations made in 2020 by his ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs. The singer sued Labeouf for sexual battery and emotional distress.
When asked by...
- 5/31/2023
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
Clockwise from top left: Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts (Paramount Pictures); Across The Spider-Verse (Sony Pictures); Elemental (Walt Disney Pictures), The Flash (Warner Bros. Pictures), Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny (Walt Disney Pictures)Graphic: Libby McGuire
Summer movie season is in full swing, and June will bring a mix of blockbuster sequels,...
Summer movie season is in full swing, and June will bring a mix of blockbuster sequels,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Robert B. DeSalvo, Mark Keizer, Jen Lennon
- avclub.com
The headline would almost suffice. Would there be something expansive to report, word of––I’ll repeat––Shia Labeouf writing a film about Auschwitz for Abel Ferrara establishes a tone, an idea, a response, though the truth is that we don’t have much deeper information. Except that our soon-to-be-published interview with Ferrara, on the subject of Padre Pio, revealed his recent collaboration with Labeouf was strong enough to engender… well, you can see first signs.
When asked if Ferrara has maintained contact with Labeouf since Padre Pio, the former told us:
He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie. So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, Padre Pio was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time, But anyway, it was good and he’s working.
When asked if Ferrara has maintained contact with Labeouf since Padre Pio, the former told us:
He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie. So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, Padre Pio was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time, But anyway, it was good and he’s working.
- 5/30/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Exclusive: Shia Labeouf has joined action thriller Mace, directed by Jon Amiel from a script by David Chisholm. Trevor Jackson will co-star. Myriad Pictures is shopping the project to buyers here in Cannes this week.
Mace is the harrowing story of two very different types of cops – a veteran officer Mace (Labeouf), dangerous and corrupt, and Virgil Woods (Jackson), a young rookie who believes that he can change the system that fosters cops like Mace from within. It’s inspired by the recent racial injustice on the streets of America and Woods refuses to be bullied and pits his principles against the amoral Mac. Woods risks everything he believes to stop Mace from destroying the city when Mace unleashes a gang war to cover up his crimes. Everyone around Mace is in danger as Mace plays his game and tries to conceal his tracks, no matter the cost.
Mace is the harrowing story of two very different types of cops – a veteran officer Mace (Labeouf), dangerous and corrupt, and Virgil Woods (Jackson), a young rookie who believes that he can change the system that fosters cops like Mace from within. It’s inspired by the recent racial injustice on the streets of America and Woods refuses to be bullied and pits his principles against the amoral Mac. Woods risks everything he believes to stop Mace from destroying the city when Mace unleashes a gang war to cover up his crimes. Everyone around Mace is in danger as Mace plays his game and tries to conceal his tracks, no matter the cost.
- 5/17/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s Shia Labeouf-starring follow-up to 2021’s Zeroes and Ones, finally gets a trailer ahead of its theatrical release next month. The biopic, co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci, depicts the early life of the titular Catholic saint as he begins his ministry at a monastery in a remote Italian village that becomes rocked by political tension in the wake of WWI. The film premiered last year during the Venice Film Festival in Italy, fitting for the film’s subject matter and the director’s longtime residence in the country. Alongside Labeouf, Padre Pio stars Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia […]
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s Shia Labeouf-starring follow-up to 2021’s Zeroes and Ones, finally gets a trailer ahead of its theatrical release next month. The biopic, co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci, depicts the early life of the titular Catholic saint as he begins his ministry at a monastery in a remote Italian village that becomes rocked by political tension in the wake of WWI. The film premiered last year during the Venice Film Festival in Italy, fitting for the film’s subject matter and the director’s longtime residence in the country. Alongside Labeouf, Padre Pio stars Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia […]
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Shia Labeouf is washing away his sins in the biopic of real-life monk Padre Pio.
The eponymous film, directed by Abel Ferrara, will be distributed by Gravitas Ventures. “Padre Pio” stars Labeouf as the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars. Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, exhibited stigmata, or Christ-like crucifixion wounds. Padre Pio died in 1968 at the age of 81; he was later beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and canonized in 2002.
The film is co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci. “He’s an iconic figure,” Ferrara told Variety of Padre Pio’s legacy. “He’s on the back of every truck. He’s the saint of every drug dealer in Naples. Pio is like the alternative Jesus, in a way.”
After connecting with Labeouf about the role, Ferrara said the “Transformers” alum was “driving to a monastery in California” moments later...
The eponymous film, directed by Abel Ferrara, will be distributed by Gravitas Ventures. “Padre Pio” stars Labeouf as the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars. Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, exhibited stigmata, or Christ-like crucifixion wounds. Padre Pio died in 1968 at the age of 81; he was later beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and canonized in 2002.
The film is co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci. “He’s an iconic figure,” Ferrara told Variety of Padre Pio’s legacy. “He’s on the back of every truck. He’s the saint of every drug dealer in Naples. Pio is like the alternative Jesus, in a way.”
After connecting with Labeouf about the role, Ferrara said the “Transformers” alum was “driving to a monastery in California” moments later...
- 5/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Fittingly premiering at Venice, Italy’s most famous film festival, last fall, Abel Ferrara’s latest film Padre Pio will now arrive in the U.S. in a few weeks. With Shia Labeouf playing the title figure, the story follows him as the young priest who begins his ministry at a remote monastery in Italy right after WWI has ended. As events surrounding the first free election in Italy threaten to tear the village apart, Padre Pio struggles with his own personal demons, ultimately emerging from his spiritual anguish to become one of Catholicism’s most venerated figures. “Padre Pio is a film about the spiritual journey of the great saint in parallel with that of Shia Labeouf who portrays him,” said Ferrara. Ahead of a June 2 release by Gravitas Ventures, the first trailer has arrived.
David Katz said in his review, “The film is grounded in the reality of...
David Katz said in his review, “The film is grounded in the reality of...
- 5/10/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
"It feels like a sin to question these things, it feels like a sin to be angry with the Lord." Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for Padre Pio, a new film from American director Abel Ferrara, who now lives and works in Italy. This premiered at the Venice Days sidebar of the Venice Film Festival last year (did anyone even see it?) and opens in the US this June. This biopic from Ferrara follows Roman Catholic Saint Padre Pio in his early years. At the end of World War I, Padre Pio begins his ministry at a remote monastery in southern Italy. Soon, his charisma and storied visions bring him fame. Shia Labeouf stars alongside Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia Argento, Vincenzo Crea, Luca Lionello, Brando Pacitto, Stella Mastrantonio, and Salvatore Ruocco. Some may remember that this role "saved" Labeouf's life, as he claimed in an interview last...
- 5/9/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
It’s not all that surprising that the most intriguing aspect of Abel Ferrara’s upcoming drama, “Padre Pio” might not be anything that is actually relevant to the plot of the film. Instead, it’s the curiosity of seeing Shia Labeouf begin his latest career revival after abuse allegations surfaced. And now, audiences will be able to see if Labeouf and Ferrara are able to collaborate on something worth seeing more than just as a novelty.
Continue reading ‘Padre Pio’ Trailer: Shia Labeouf Is An Italian Priest In Abel Ferrara’s Latest Drama at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Padre Pio’ Trailer: Shia Labeouf Is An Italian Priest In Abel Ferrara’s Latest Drama at The Playlist.
- 5/9/2023
- by Charles Barfield
- The Playlist
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has nabbed North American rights to the Shia Labeouf-led drama Padre Pio from filmmaker Abel Ferrara, slating it for a day-and-date release on June 2nd.
Related Story Neon Acquires Domestic Rights To Anne Hathaway Sundance Movie ‘Eileen’ Related Story Gravitas Ventures Acquires Sophie Lane Curtis Drama 'On Our Way' Starring Micheál Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave And Jordana Brewster Related Story Jennifer A. Goodman Thriller 'The Unseen' Starring 'Breaking Bad's Rj Mitte Acquired By Gravitas Ventures
In the film penned by Maurizio Braucci and Ferrara, which world premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, it’s the end of World War I and the young Italian soldiers are making their way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, a land of poverty, historic violence and the ironclad rule of the church and its wealthy landowners. Families are desperate; the men are broken, but victorious.
Related Story Neon Acquires Domestic Rights To Anne Hathaway Sundance Movie ‘Eileen’ Related Story Gravitas Ventures Acquires Sophie Lane Curtis Drama 'On Our Way' Starring Micheál Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave And Jordana Brewster Related Story Jennifer A. Goodman Thriller 'The Unseen' Starring 'Breaking Bad's Rj Mitte Acquired By Gravitas Ventures
In the film penned by Maurizio Braucci and Ferrara, which world premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, it’s the end of World War I and the young Italian soldiers are making their way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, a land of poverty, historic violence and the ironclad rule of the church and its wealthy landowners. Families are desperate; the men are broken, but victorious.
- 3/28/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Mammoth Film Festival is set to open with Shia LeBeouf’s Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s historical drama that debuted at Venice.
Ferrara’s latest feature has LeBoeuf playing an Italian friar who rose to prominence at a time when fascist powers began to take over Italy. Padre Pio also stars Asia Argento, Marco Leonardi and Christina Chiriac, and director Ferrara will be at the northern California festival to do a post-film Q&a on March 2.
Mammoth will close with Bonded, which stars Diego Calva and is directed by Mohit Ramchandani. The thriller is inspired by a true story from the producers of Argentina 1985 and is executive produced by Yalitza Aparicio.
Mammoth, which is set to run from March 2 to 6 in Mammoth Lakes, California, has also added the horror thriller Night Shift, which stars Phoebe Tonkin, Lamorne Morris and Patrick Fischler and is directed and written by Benjamin and Paul China.
Ferrara’s latest feature has LeBoeuf playing an Italian friar who rose to prominence at a time when fascist powers began to take over Italy. Padre Pio also stars Asia Argento, Marco Leonardi and Christina Chiriac, and director Ferrara will be at the northern California festival to do a post-film Q&a on March 2.
Mammoth will close with Bonded, which stars Diego Calva and is directed by Mohit Ramchandani. The thriller is inspired by a true story from the producers of Argentina 1985 and is executive produced by Yalitza Aparicio.
Mammoth, which is set to run from March 2 to 6 in Mammoth Lakes, California, has also added the horror thriller Night Shift, which stars Phoebe Tonkin, Lamorne Morris and Patrick Fischler and is directed and written by Benjamin and Paul China.
- 2/24/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
As we continue to explore the best in 2022, today we’re taking a look at the articles that you, our dear readers, enjoyed the most throughout the past twelve months. Spanning reviews, interviews, features, podcasts, news, and trailers, check out the highlights below and return for more year-end coverage as well as a glimpse into 2023.
Most-Read Reviews
1. Deep Water
2. Don’t Worry Darling
3. Avatar: The Way of Water
4. The 2022 Oscar-Nominated Short Films, Reviewed
5. Gentle
6. Alice, Darling
7. Speak No Evil
8. Bones and All
9. First Love
10. Ticket to Paradise
Most-Read Interviews
1. Strange What Love Does: David Lynch on Remastering Inland Empire
2. Michael Bauman on Lighting Licorice Pizza and Bringing Paul Thomas Anderson’s Vision to Life
3. Licorice Pizza Editor Andy Jurgensen on Collaborating with Paul Thomas Anderson, Deleted Scenes, and Keeping the Momentum
4. Life Is Suffering: David Cronenberg on Kidney Stones, NFTs, and Crimes of the Future
5. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Team on Sex Positivity,...
Most-Read Reviews
1. Deep Water
2. Don’t Worry Darling
3. Avatar: The Way of Water
4. The 2022 Oscar-Nominated Short Films, Reviewed
5. Gentle
6. Alice, Darling
7. Speak No Evil
8. Bones and All
9. First Love
10. Ticket to Paradise
Most-Read Interviews
1. Strange What Love Does: David Lynch on Remastering Inland Empire
2. Michael Bauman on Lighting Licorice Pizza and Bringing Paul Thomas Anderson’s Vision to Life
3. Licorice Pizza Editor Andy Jurgensen on Collaborating with Paul Thomas Anderson, Deleted Scenes, and Keeping the Momentum
4. Life Is Suffering: David Cronenberg on Kidney Stones, NFTs, and Crimes of the Future
5. Good Luck to You, Leo Grande Team on Sex Positivity,...
- 1/2/2023
- by The Film Stage
- The Film Stage
Walk a few clicks from Venice’s Palazzo del Cinema and you’ll find the Hotel Excelsior, as grand a work of Moorish revival architecture as you can likely find this side of the Mediterranean. Since 1908 its rooms have hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to George Clooney. It’s where Noodles shows off to Deborah in Once Upon a Time in America. Benito Mussolini once entertained Adolf Hitler on its terrace (you won’t find that mentioned on the website.) A short hop across the street lies the significantly more humble grounds of Tennis Club Venezia, a similarly venerable institution whose courts appear not to have changed a great deal over the last century or so.
Earlier this month you could have spotted Abel Ferrara, a director whose latest film, Padre Pio, dips into similar bygone eras. Starring a shrewdly cast Shia Labeouf, Padre Pio recounts the events leading up...
Earlier this month you could have spotted Abel Ferrara, a director whose latest film, Padre Pio, dips into similar bygone eras. Starring a shrewdly cast Shia Labeouf, Padre Pio recounts the events leading up...
- 9/26/2022
- by Rory O'Connor
- The Film Stage
French New Wave auteur Jean-Luc Godard’s lasting legacy on cinema was embodied by the thousands of tributes to the late “Breathless” director.
Godard died at age 91 of assisted suicide in Switzerland, where the elective injection is legal. “He was not sick, he was simply exhausted,” a Godard family member told press outlets. The director’s longtime legal advisor Patrick Jeannere confirmed to The New York Times that Godard suffered from “multiple disabling pathologies.”
“He could not live like you and me, so he decided with a great lucidity, as he had all his life, to say, ‘Now, it’s enough,’” Jeanneret said.
Fellow directors, film critics, and actors paid tribute to the late “Band of Outsiders” icon.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Godard in a social media statement, writing, “It was like an appearance in French cinema. Then he became a master. Jean-Luc Godard, the most iconoclastic of New Wave filmmakers,...
Godard died at age 91 of assisted suicide in Switzerland, where the elective injection is legal. “He was not sick, he was simply exhausted,” a Godard family member told press outlets. The director’s longtime legal advisor Patrick Jeannere confirmed to The New York Times that Godard suffered from “multiple disabling pathologies.”
“He could not live like you and me, so he decided with a great lucidity, as he had all his life, to say, ‘Now, it’s enough,’” Jeanneret said.
Fellow directors, film critics, and actors paid tribute to the late “Band of Outsiders” icon.
French President Emmanuel Macron honored Godard in a social media statement, writing, “It was like an appearance in French cinema. Then he became a master. Jean-Luc Godard, the most iconoclastic of New Wave filmmakers,...
- 9/15/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
The Lebanese film will now receive promotional support from Europa Cinemas.
Wissam Charaf’s Dirty Difficult Dangerous has won the Europa Cinemas Label at Venice Film Festival.
The Lebanese film, which opened the programme, entwines multiple love stories against the backdrop of Lebanon’s near collapse and stars Clara Couturent, Ziad Jallad, Rifaat Tarabey and Darina Al Joundi.
A jury of European exhibitors crowned the film as the best in the Giornate degli Autori (GdA) sidebar.
European cinemas will now receive financial incentives from Europa Cinema if they include Dirty Difficult Dangerous in their programming.
This is Charaf’s second feature film,...
Wissam Charaf’s Dirty Difficult Dangerous has won the Europa Cinemas Label at Venice Film Festival.
The Lebanese film, which opened the programme, entwines multiple love stories against the backdrop of Lebanon’s near collapse and stars Clara Couturent, Ziad Jallad, Rifaat Tarabey and Darina Al Joundi.
A jury of European exhibitors crowned the film as the best in the Giornate degli Autori (GdA) sidebar.
European cinemas will now receive financial incentives from Europa Cinema if they include Dirty Difficult Dangerous in their programming.
This is Charaf’s second feature film,...
- 9/9/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
Shia Labeouf is setting the record clear on his involvement with “Don’t Worry Darling”.
The actor was originally cast in the role of “Jack” before he left the production and Harry Styles was recast in the role.
In her Variety cover story, director Olivia Wilde claimed she fired Labeouf due to his “combative energy” and the style of his “process” not fitting with the other cast members. She said she did this to create a safe environment for star Florence Pugh. This claim was also made amidst Labeouf’s ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs’ claims of abuse.
Read More: Olivia Wilde Addresses ‘Internet Bullying’ Surrounding ‘Don’t Worry Darling’, Defends ‘Brilliant’ Cast And Relationship With Harry Styles
Labeouf refuted her claims after, alleging he left the production due to a lack of rehearsal time.
“I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however,” he wrote to Wilde in...
The actor was originally cast in the role of “Jack” before he left the production and Harry Styles was recast in the role.
In her Variety cover story, director Olivia Wilde claimed she fired Labeouf due to his “combative energy” and the style of his “process” not fitting with the other cast members. She said she did this to create a safe environment for star Florence Pugh. This claim was also made amidst Labeouf’s ex-girlfriend FKA Twigs’ claims of abuse.
Read More: Olivia Wilde Addresses ‘Internet Bullying’ Surrounding ‘Don’t Worry Darling’, Defends ‘Brilliant’ Cast And Relationship With Harry Styles
Labeouf refuted her claims after, alleging he left the production due to a lack of rehearsal time.
“I am a little confused about the narrative that I was fired, however,” he wrote to Wilde in...
- 9/8/2022
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Click here to read the full article.
No stranger to controversy, Shia Labeouf kicked up a media frenzy when — ahead of Don’t Worry Darling’s Sept. 5 world premiere at the Venice Film Festival — he released a trove of texts and a video from director Olivia Wilde in an effort to disprove Wilde’s claims of having fired him from the film. Wilde, meanwhile, has kept the he-said, she-said going, doubling down on her assertion in a new Vanity Fair interview.
On Sept. 2, Labeouf, 36, attended his own Venice premiere — for Abel Ferarra’s Padre Pio, a historical drama set at the dawn of fascism in Italy. Labeouf plays the title character, a Franciscan Capuchin monk who became a household name in Italy after allegedly experiencing stigmata. Like Labeouf, Padre Pio faced his own scandals: Pope John Xxiii accused him of sleeping with women, based on secret recordings of his confessions.
The...
No stranger to controversy, Shia Labeouf kicked up a media frenzy when — ahead of Don’t Worry Darling’s Sept. 5 world premiere at the Venice Film Festival — he released a trove of texts and a video from director Olivia Wilde in an effort to disprove Wilde’s claims of having fired him from the film. Wilde, meanwhile, has kept the he-said, she-said going, doubling down on her assertion in a new Vanity Fair interview.
On Sept. 2, Labeouf, 36, attended his own Venice premiere — for Abel Ferarra’s Padre Pio, a historical drama set at the dawn of fascism in Italy. Labeouf plays the title character, a Franciscan Capuchin monk who became a household name in Italy after allegedly experiencing stigmata. Like Labeouf, Padre Pio faced his own scandals: Pope John Xxiii accused him of sleeping with women, based on secret recordings of his confessions.
The...
- 9/8/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2022 Venice Film Festival kicked off August 31 with an already star-studded red carpet. The fall festival launcher runs through September 10. Noah Baumbach’s “White Noise” made its world premiere as the Opening Night selection for the festival, marking the first Netflix film to ever open the annual festival in its 79 years…and meaning that Adam Driver, Greta Gerwig, Noah Baumbach, and Jodie Turner-Smith all stunned at the red carpet premiere.
Fellow Netflix feature “Blonde,” helmed by Andrew Dominik and adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’ portrait of late film icon Marilyn Monroe, is among the highly anticipated titles. Ana de Armas will surely remind us that “Some Like It Hot” when it comes to red carpet fashion, alongside co-stars Adrien Brody and Bobby Cannavale. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s first Netflix film and long-awaited return to Mexico, “Bardo,” additionally premieres.
And don’t worry, the “Don’t Worry Darling” cast came out in full swing with Florence Pugh,...
Fellow Netflix feature “Blonde,” helmed by Andrew Dominik and adapted from Joyce Carol Oates’ portrait of late film icon Marilyn Monroe, is among the highly anticipated titles. Ana de Armas will surely remind us that “Some Like It Hot” when it comes to red carpet fashion, alongside co-stars Adrien Brody and Bobby Cannavale. Alejandro González Iñárritu’s first Netflix film and long-awaited return to Mexico, “Bardo,” additionally premieres.
And don’t worry, the “Don’t Worry Darling” cast came out in full swing with Florence Pugh,...
- 9/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson and Ryan Lattanzio
- Indiewire
[Venice] It’s Saturday afternoon at the Tennis Club on the Lido, and American director Abel Ferrara chats on camera to an Italian television host before some of his customary swearing sets in, courtesy of a few brave souls wanting a photo with him next to the courts. He’s hungry. “The Bad Lieutenant” director wolfs down a white bread sandwich while flapping that he needs an Atm and some water before his next interview begins.
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Talks Shia Labeouf Playing A ‘Padre Pio’ Saint, Sobriety, & Working On A New Ukraine War Doc [Venice Interview] at The Playlist.
Continue reading Abel Ferrara Talks Shia Labeouf Playing A ‘Padre Pio’ Saint, Sobriety, & Working On A New Ukraine War Doc [Venice Interview] at The Playlist.
- 9/6/2022
- by Liza Foreman
- The Playlist
First thing’s first, Abel Ferrara’s latest film “Padre Pio” can’t exactly be described as a biographical drama about Francesco Forgione, the Franciscan Capuchin friar whose stigmata and mystical abilities — as well as his ties to, and later rejection of, fascism — garnered him controversy during his lifetime. While Shia Labeouf stars as Pio and the film sometimes features him, Ferrara isn’t much interested in the particulars of his life in any conventional sense. In fact, he spends much of the film’s running time among the exploited agricultural workers of rural southern Italy who embrace socialism as a means to combat their fascist oppressors. Meanwhile, Pio appears in disjointed vignettes contending with his guilt over various personal failings, like his evasion of military service and his numerous past sins.
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Venice Blocks Question on Shia Labeouf for Olivia Wilde, Who Shuts Down One on Florence Pugh Herself
It’s been quite the whirlwind for “Don’t Worry Darling” the past few weeks, and the press tour for Olivia Wilde’s sophomore directing effort just kicked things up a notch with the film’s world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.
At the press conference for the movie, at which Wilde was present alongside Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, and Chris Pine, the director skillfully dodged a question about absent star Florence Pugh and her rumored feud with the actress.
“Florence is a force. We are so grateful she’s able to make it tonight [for the red carpet, but not to take questions] despite being in production on ‘Dune.’ I know, as a director, how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day, so I’m very grateful to her, and to [Denis Villeneuve] for helping us. And we’ll get to celebrate her work tonight. I can’t say how honored I am to have her as our lead.
At the press conference for the movie, at which Wilde was present alongside Harry Styles, Gemma Chan, and Chris Pine, the director skillfully dodged a question about absent star Florence Pugh and her rumored feud with the actress.
“Florence is a force. We are so grateful she’s able to make it tonight [for the red carpet, but not to take questions] despite being in production on ‘Dune.’ I know, as a director, how disruptive it is to lose an actor even for a day, so I’m very grateful to her, and to [Denis Villeneuve] for helping us. And we’ll get to celebrate her work tonight. I can’t say how honored I am to have her as our lead.
- 9/5/2022
- by Christian Blauvelt
- Indiewire
Mel Gibson Introduced ‘Close’ Friend Shia Labeouf to Traditional Latin Mass Services for ‘Padre Pio’
Shia Labeouf may be emerging from a month of bad press over his involvement with (and exit from) “Don’t Worry Darling,” but the actor is able to take solace in his newfound faith. Labeouf recently starred in “Padre Pio,” a new Abel Ferrara film that sees him portraying the eponymous monk who famously exhibited stigmata throughout his life. Labeouf converted to Catholicism while working on the film (which may have contributed to his recent apologies for his past behavior) and credits his experiences attending traditional Latin Mass services with inspiring him to believe.
Labeouf elaborated about his interest in Latin Mass in a new appearance on the Catholic web series “Bishop Barron Presents,” which is hosted by Bishop Robert Barron, the current bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He explained that he was introduced to Latin Mass by his friend Mel Gibson, whose passion for historically accurate Christianity led him...
Labeouf elaborated about his interest in Latin Mass in a new appearance on the Catholic web series “Bishop Barron Presents,” which is hosted by Bishop Robert Barron, the current bishop of the Diocese of Winona-Rochester. He explained that he was introduced to Latin Mass by his friend Mel Gibson, whose passion for historically accurate Christianity led him...
- 9/3/2022
- by Christian Zilko
- Indiewire
Something has happened in Abel Ferrara’s working life that aligns him with Stanley Kubrick’s later career journey. The latter shot all his features from 2001 onwards in the UK and eventually settled there—thus he came to be seen as an authentic “British” filmmaker. Their casts are festooned with British faces and British accents; the streets of London famously masquerade as New York City’s very own in Eyes Wide Shut. They feel as utterly British as dry irony and shortbread biscuits—seriously, have you rewatched Clockwork or Barry Lyndon recently?
Previously considered a grotty New York poet laureate, Ferrara now permanently resides in Rome, and the sense of him as an American lying low (and sobering up) in the land of his roots is pleasingly ebbing away. This shines chiefly in the set-up of his latest feature, Padre Pio, which has just premiered in Venice’s Giornate section.
Previously considered a grotty New York poet laureate, Ferrara now permanently resides in Rome, and the sense of him as an American lying low (and sobering up) in the land of his roots is pleasingly ebbing away. This shines chiefly in the set-up of his latest feature, Padre Pio, which has just premiered in Venice’s Giornate section.
- 9/3/2022
- by David Katz
- The Film Stage
Shia Labeouf was in a reverential frame of mind at the first public screening of Abel Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” at the Venice Film Festival, as befits a film about a monk in a Capuchin monastery in post-wwi Italy.
Labeouf, who is embroiled in controversy after being accused of abuse and sexual battery in a bombshell lawsuit filed by his former partner FKA Twigs, made a rare public appearance at Venice. He isn’t doing any press at the festival, but the actor was present in the cinema before the screening where he obliged fans with selfies and participated in a Q&a after.
“I feel super blessed to have worked on this movie — this movie kind of saved my life,” Labeouf said during the Q&a. “But I didn’t enter the process as a God guy — definitely not a Catholic. And this movie just found me at a...
Labeouf, who is embroiled in controversy after being accused of abuse and sexual battery in a bombshell lawsuit filed by his former partner FKA Twigs, made a rare public appearance at Venice. He isn’t doing any press at the festival, but the actor was present in the cinema before the screening where he obliged fans with selfies and participated in a Q&a after.
“I feel super blessed to have worked on this movie — this movie kind of saved my life,” Labeouf said during the Q&a. “But I didn’t enter the process as a God guy — definitely not a Catholic. And this movie just found me at a...
- 9/2/2022
- by Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Apart from the few but mighty completists of renegade filmmaker Abel Ferrara, the primary draw to watch “Padre Pio” is star Shia Labeouf making his first on-screen attempt at a comeback after facing domestic abuse allegations. The star credits the film with prompting his conversion to Catholicism and helping to begin the process of repairing his life. Whatever catharsis the film prompted off-screen is not the territory of any review, but it’s notable that whatever transformation may have occurred in production finds little to no expression on screen.
Continue reading ‘Padre Pio’ Review: Shia Labeouf’s On-Screen Redemption Play From Abel Ferrara Holds Little Power [Venice] at The Playlist.
Continue reading ‘Padre Pio’ Review: Shia Labeouf’s On-Screen Redemption Play From Abel Ferrara Holds Little Power [Venice] at The Playlist.
- 9/2/2022
- by Marshall Shaffer
- The Playlist
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