All the components are there, but is most of America likely to see this masterpiece? I doubt it, and that’s probably best. Can’t have that mainstream mucking with our arthouse films can we? It’s been awhile since we posted the first trailer for director Ari Folman’s mind-bending look at the future of Hollywood, in particular it’s starlets (at least the ones who desire immortality). As I mentioned before, this trailer reminds me a bit of the Al Pacino film S1Mone, but with more substance.
The film has shown at several festivals to mixed reviews as one might’ve guessed with something this groundbreaking, but that doesn’t make me not want to see it. The film has stars like Harvey Keitel, Jon Hamm, Paul Giamatti, and Danny Huston why wouldn’t you risk seeing it, if nothing else, but for the great performers. Oh, I know most of my rants will fall on deaf ears, but to those in dire need of something different, watch this trailer and then watch the film.
The Congress opens in limited release on August 29.
More than two decades after catapulting to stardom with The Princess Bride, an aging actress (Robin Wright, playing a version of herself) decides to take her final job: preserving her digital likeness for a future Hollywood. Through a deal brokered by her loyal, longtime agent (Harvey Keitel) and the head of Miramount Studios (Danny Huston), her alias will be controlled by the studio, and will star in any film they want with no restrictions. In return, she receives healthy compensation so she can care for her ailing son and her digitized character will stay forever young. Twenty years later, under the creative vision of the studio’s head animator (Jon Hamm), Wright’s digital double rises to immortal stardom. With her contract expiring, she is invited to take part in “The Congress” convention as she makes her comeback straight into the world of future fantasy cinema.
Directed by Ari Folman (Waltz With Bashir), the film also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Sami Gayle and Paul Giamatti.
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