Despite the strike, Jessica Chastain is in Venice to support Michel Franco’s film Memento, which will be in competition at Venice 2023 with Peter Sarsgaard.
Jessica Chastain AND Peter Sarsgaard these are two souls wounded by life in the new film by Mexican director Michel Franco. Memory“, one of the last films of the 2023 Venice Competition. In the star-sparing episode, Jessica Chastain appears at a conference wearing a black T-shirt in support of the Hollywood actors’ strike and says: “Some people from the crew advised me not to come to Venice, the idea made me nervous, but I’m here because it’s an independent project and there was an agreement with the union. I hope my presence will encourage other indie producers. create new projects and invest in new talents”.
It depends on the Michelle Franco explain the origin Memorya film completely different from the works of the curly-haired filmmaker. “I didn’t know I wanted to make a film about memory until I started writing about these two characters. At that moment the script was focused on the concept of memory and its absence, and I also found the title of the film.”. Regarding the decision to focus on a character with dementia, he adds: “My biggest fear is losing my mind, I wanted to banish that worry. People try to forget pain, but I think cinema is a great medium for exploring difficult situations. Films should be more than just entertainment, they should describe the human spirit..
Perfect cast
Our review of Memories reveals its dramatic nature, but above all, its love story centered around the presence of two top-tier performers. Michel Franco himself admits that he feels “I was very lucky to have such a fantastic cast. Many directors are afraid of actors, but I love them. I discovered that Jessica liked my work, and as soon as I had the right project, I contacted her. For me, she was the best for this role.” Peter Sarsgaard was the first to intervene. I saw him in many films and appreciated his talent. I was afraid he would be too energetic, but when I saw his naked Tommy, I knew he was the one. But I asked not to shave”.
For Peter Sarsgaard, the story of In Memoriam has a personal aspect. In fact, the actor remembers the death of his uncle, who passed away several years ago due to a form of dementia. “He was a firefighter and played boxing and football in his youth, which can eventually lead to injuries.” – the actor shares. “He was a very important person in my life and had recently died when the Memory proposal came to me.” It seemed like magic, for me this work had a therapeutic effect.”. Jessica Chastain chimes in: “Sometimes actors change a story to make it their own. Peter is one of those actors who changes himself to suit the characters. Working with him is a great pleasure.”.
Venice 2023: from Jessica Chastain to Damien Chazelle, all the stars will come to the festival
The cathartic power of cinema
Jessica Chastain held the Memento script in her hands after the pandemic and #MeToo wave, and she thought of a kind revenge drama, but then admits that she was struck by the lack of clichés and the cathartic experience she had on the set of Michael Franco. The director explains that he made the film “After sunset, which is the result of an existential crisis that I had. When I felt more comfortable with myself, I wrote this, my eighth film. My goal is to try not to repeat myself. I never analyze my work, perhaps by watching the film again here in Venice I will understand more.”.
Unlike his previous works, this time Michel Franco felt the need to leave his native Mexico to film Memento in New York. “For me, films are something very personal, I knew that the action would take place in the USA or London. I felt it was right, American cities tempt me. At the moment, I don’t know whether I will return to my homeland or what my next film will be. I try not to think too much, I’m a worker and immerse myself in projects. I don’t have a target audience, I just try to make good films.”.