late evening, Jury President Damien Chazelle walks the Lido cuddling with his wife Olivia Hamilton. He smiles. Relaxed face. Are you satisfied with the films you have already watched?
filed “Commander”waiting for the second Italian at the competition, “Finally Dawn” Saverio Costanzo and ‘Poor Man’ Starring Emma Stone Forced to Leave Exhibition Due to Strike, three names took part in the race. The French on tour in the USA: Luc Besson with Dogman; an American who explores the ghostly notes of a famous Italian: Michael Mann with Ferrari; a Chilean who returns to work in his country after the Royal British Invasion “Spencer”: Pablo Larrain, director of “El Conde”.
Ferrari is Enzo’s name.. Commendatore Enzo Ferrari, for those who recognized his biblical status. Like the original, the translator is also very tall. The height of the American Adam Driver is about 190 centimeters. And he easily pulls off the role of a Modenesian gentleman from the last century who seems to be light ages away from the Californian former Marine actor who brings him to the screen. The 40-year-old Driver is recognized as perhaps the best American performer of his generation.
The same is said on the leadership front, also Michael Mann. The cult author (“The Last of the Mohicans”, “The Insider”, “The Pledge”) is not at his best here. Because, despite their best efforts, Ferrari cannot free itself from the sin of the feigned and postcard Italian character, which makes certain dynamics not entirely believable.. Thus, the best moments are those that happen at home (the agitated conflicts between Enzo and his wife Laura, well described by Penelope Cruz). Or the Mille Miglia of 1957, which marked the beginning of the final part of the operation, the meaning of which is somewhat elusive. Believe or deny we just have to wait for the Ferrari release on November 30th.
Adrenaline and pop cinema Luc Besson (“Nikita”, “Leon”, “The Fifth Element”) is not quite a festival focus. When last July it was announced “Dogman” fighting for the Lion, there was some distrust. It was then expected to see something different from the usual Besson. Instead, it’s the usual Besson. But in a better way. “Dogman” (named after a film by Garrone, which however is on the antipodes) it’s pure, brutal, over the top, insane fun. A little boy, physically and morally abused by a perverted father, a religious fanatical brother, and an overly fragile mother, develops a very close relationship with dogs. When he grows up, with the help of his animal friends, he will create a special space in the underworld.
The film opens with Lemaitre’s aphorism: “Where there is an unfortunate man, God sends a dog.” And it ends with a beautiful ending, corresponding to its beginning. American Caleb Landry Jones performs the applause. It will be released in theaters on October 5 by Lucky Red.
What if Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet hadn’t died? What if the bloodthirsty general was a vampire hungry for blood, lust and power? “El Conde” by Chilean Pablo Larrain – on Netflix from September 15 – follows this great idea. The pace isn’t always kept up, at times the film (shot by Ed Lachman in aesthetic and impactful black-and-white) turns a bit on its own. But in a grotesque author’s horror comedy that will please Polanski.
By the way, the Exhibition is ready to accept the out-of-competition “Palace” of the ninety-year-old maestro. The comedy is by no means good and potentially incendiary. Just like its author.
From Federico Fumagalli