by Francesco Stumpo
As the world’s best and brightest directors were back in the French Riviera this May to showcase their latest films and compete to receive the coveted Palme d’Or, our team got into the Cannes spirit by previewing the top five films at the festival that everyone’s talking about. All five movies are set to screen in Italian cinemas this year.
The Apprentice
In a riveting docudrama, director Ali Abbasi captures the transformative years of Donald Trump, charting his rise from a real estate mogul to a notorious public figure. “The Apprentice” stars Sebastian Stan as Trump and Jeremy Strong as Roy Cohn, the lawyer and fixer who played a pivotal role in shaping Trump’s unorthodox approach to power. The narrative begins in 1973, depicting Trump’s initial tutelage under Cohn’s ruthless guidance. The first half of the film is a tour de force, vividly illustrating Trump’s metamorphosis. However, as Trump’s journey of malevolence surpasses even his mentor’s machinations, the enigma of his complete transformation remains unsolved, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Pathé, the French distributor, reaffirmed its dedication to grand cinematic experiences with a majestic adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic, “The Count of Monte Cristo.” Following the success of last year’s adaptation of “The Three Musketeers,” the studio presents a three-hour epic that condenses Dumas’ 1,200-page novel into a visually stunning and emotionally charged film. Pierre Niney, recognized in America for his portrayal in “Yves Saint Laurent,” takes on the titular role, delivering a performance that captivates and thrills. This adaptation, with its Hollywood-level spectacle and flair, would undoubtedly have been a strong contender for a Best Picture Oscar had it been released in English in an earlier era.
Grand Tour
In a world fraught with challenges and a pervasive sense of disillusionment, Portuguese filmmaker Miguel Gomes offers a breath of fresh air with “Grand Tour.” Premiering at Cannes, this enchanting travelogue spans continents and eras, imbuing audiences with a revitalized zest for adventure. Gomes’ film stands out as a beacon of hope, inspiring viewers with its vibrant storytelling and a compelling antidote to the creeping pessimism of our times. “Grand Tour” is a cinematic journey that promises to reignite the spark of wanderlust in even the most jaded of hearts.
Anora
Sean Baker reaches new heights with “Anora,” a dazzling and Palme d’Or-winning film that delves into the life of a Manhattan strip-club dancer, played by the breakout star Mikey Madison. The story takes an unexpected turn as Anora impulsively marries the spoiled son of a Russian oligarch, portrayed by Mark Eydelshteyn. The ensuing comic chaos, though occasionally stretched beyond plausibility, is underpinned by Baker’s profound affection for his characters. His belief in the redemptive power of unexpected kindness shines through, making “Anora” a compelling and heartwarming narrative that explores the complexities of the human spirit.
Parthenope
Italian auteur Paolo Sorrentino returns with “Parthenope,” a film that, like many of his works, could be described as “The Great Beauty.” This latest offering presents a visually and emotionally rich exploration of Naples, the director’s hometown. Central to the story is a modern-day goddess named after the Siren Parthenope, brought to life by the enchanting Celeste Dalla Porta. While the film’s sumptuous aesthetics and Sorrentino’s ambivalent yet powerful vision of Naples captivate, the character of Parthenope herself occasionally falls short of the epic grandeur the film aspires to achieve. Nonetheless, “Parthenope” remains a testament to Sorrentino’s ability to blend beauty and introspection in his cinematic endeavors.
