Julia Ducournau
#CANNES: DAY ONE – JURY PRESS CONFERENCE
Our Amanda Gilmore has arrived in Cannes to deliver us some coverage of the Festival, its stars and most buzzy films! The Festival is on now through May 27, 2023. Today, she attended the Press Conference for this year’s Jury, featuring some very accomplished names in the industry including Paul Dano, Brie Larson, Ruben Ă–stlund and Julia Ducornau.
Some quotes from today, starting with Paul Dano.
Dano: “I’m so excited to be here and be surrounded by these people”. “I’ve been going every year since I was a teenager to the Cannes Festivalto see what films I wanted to seek-out, especially foreign filmmakers.”.
He also comments on the current Writers’ Strike taking place in Hollywood and both him and his wife Zoe Kazan working hard to create awareness for the cause.
Dano: “My wife is currently on the picket line with our (child) and when I get home I will join her on the picket line.”.
Julia Ducournau, Palme d’Or-winning Director of acclaimed Titane also is a jury member and comments about the Festival.
Ducournau: “I was extremely happy they let me do this”. “I don’t want to know anything about the films before I see them. You come here for open-mindedness.”.
She comments on handing on the torch and what the impact of winning a Palme d’Or can have on one’s career.
Ducournau: “Giving the Palme d’Or to someone can really change their life. It’s the Holy Grail!”.
Ruben Ă–stlund, Director of Oscar-nominated Triangle of Sadness, speaks about being Jury President.
Ă–stlund: “You try to crate a certain atmosphere”. “People shouldn’t be scared to say what they want.
We don’t have to be smart, we just have to have the first instinct and speak what we think.”.
He is asked what he thinks of this year’s in-competition films:
Ă–stlund: “We’re going to keep our mouths completely shut this year.”.
Academy Award-winning Actress Brie Larson comments on her approach to work and having expectations going into see a film.
Larson: “I take the same level and care in everything. It doesn’t matter the budget, a film is a film”. “I love going into films without knowing anything”.
Remember to bookmark this link and check daily for updates, reviews and sightings from this year’s Festival!
Some sights from Cannes from Amanda:
(Photo credit: Amanda Gilmore)
#GIVEAWAY: ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A DIGITAL DOWNLOAD OF “TITANE”
Elevation Pictures x Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a digital download of acclaimed TIFF ’21 selection TITANE. Note, this is not for the faint of heart.
Synopsis:
Following a series of unexplained crimes, a father is reunited with the son who has been missing for 10 years. Titane : A metal highly resistant to heat and corrosion, with high tensile strength alloys.
To enter for a chance to win, click “like” on this Post at MR. WILL ON FACEBOOK. Re-Tweet this Contest Tweet for an extra chance.
Rules and regulations here.
NOTE: Winners will be contacted only from this account. Please do not accept friend requests from other accounts asking to input your personal information.
Elevation Pictures release TITANE on digital and on demand November 16, 2021.
(Photo/video credit: Elevation Pictures)
#TIFF21: “TITANE” REVIEW
Review by Amanda Gilmore
Body Horror has never looked so good as in Writer-Director Julia Ducournau’s Titane.
An automobile accident creates life-altering repercussions for child Alexie (Agathe Rousselle). In order to survive, she’s forced to get a titanium plate in her skull. But this one moment has disturbing ripple effects throughout her remaining years.
Ducournau has managed to make a Body Horror film laced with themes of sexual and gender fluidity. She introduces us to adult Alexie in a hyper-sexualized car show where she dances on the hood of a flame-painted car, gawked at by the male onlookers. Her use of music, dance and camera angles from this early scene evoke a high-octane thrill ride that kicks off and never stops. Ducournau shoots this scene in a way that shows the hyper-sexualized view of the female body. Later (without giving too much away), she brilliantly flips this on its head when Alexie performs in a similar way but under different circumstances. It’s with these two pivotal yet parallel scenes, Ducournau explores sexual and gender fluidity and makes us question our views.
Another theme Ducournau explores is parenthood. This is where true Body Horror is born. It’s hard to speak of Titane because it’s best to go in blind. Yet, this theme of parenthood must be highlighted as it results in a change in our lead. It’s through this parenthood theme the layers of the story and Alexie’s complexity become exposed. Rousselle shows immense depth with Alexie, exposing her rage, fear, anguish but also a longing ache simmering beneath the surface. She uses her entire body, hypnotizing and captivating audiences from beginning to end. Rousselle gives one of the best performances of the year.Â
Additionally, the theme of parenthood brings us firefighter Vincent (Vincent Lindon in a commanding performance) who lost his son 10 years ago and desires to be reunited with him. Once again, Ducournau uses music and dance to visualize the inner life of her character. Therefore, giving Vincent desperation and empathy that’s opposite to the rage-infused Alexie. Alone, Lindon and Rousselle are powerhouses but together, they are explosive.
Overall, Titane is a gory, high-octane thrill ride with a dose of needed dark humour. Ducournau is an artist that has something to say and a wild creative vision to get her voice heard. She is truly a master of her craft and in a lane of her own.
Titane screens at TIFF ’21:
Fri, Sep 10 at 11:59 PM at Princess of Wales
Sat, Sep 11 at 7 PM on Digital TIFF Bell Lightbox
Thu, Sep 16 at 8 PM at Cinesphere IMAX Theatre
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