As the sun sets on the Venetian skyline, a wave of cinematic excitement sweeps through the historic city. The 81st Venice Film Festival, set to kick off on August 28, promises a star-studded showcase filled with thrilling films, intense competition, and the kinds of moments that can define careers. Among the standout features this year are the eagerly awaited sequels to two iconic films: Todd Phillips’ dramatic "Joker: Folie à Deux" and Tim Burton's whimsical "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice." The festival will run until September 7 and has already begun to generate considerable buzz within Hollywood circles.
Five years have passed since Phillips’ original "Joker" film captured the Golden Lion, and this time, he returns with even greater ambition and an all-star cast. Joaquin Phoenix reprises his role as Arthur Fleck, a mentally troubled man grappling with societal rejection, while Lady Gaga joins him as Harley Quinn. Their dynamic relationship, which serves as a focal point for the narrative, promises both musical numbers and emotional depth. The film gained attention not just for its plot, but also for the atmospheric cinematography, sure to enchant festival attendees.
Meanwhile, alongside these blockbuster contenders, the Venice lineup boasts several films featuring high-profile actors that have become synonymous with cinematic excellence. Projects like Pablo Larraín's "Maria"—a biopic about opera legend Maria Callas—will star Angelina Jolie in a nuanced portrayal designed to explore the singer's complex personal and professional life. The stakes are high, as this ambitious title also competes for the prestigious Golden Lion.
This year’s crop of films includes a myriad of genres, from erotic thrillers to suspenseful dramas. For instance, Nicole Kidman headlines "Babygirl," playing a high-powered CEO whose life spins out of control following a scandalous affair. Kidman is not alone in the spotlight; Daniel Craig’s role in Luca Guadagnino's "Queer," adapted from William S. Burroughs' novel, aims to captivate festival audiences with a blend of psychological depth and narrative complexity. Jude Law will also shine in Justin Kurzel's crime thriller "The Order," which follows the dark exploits of a white supremacist gang amidst a thrilling backdrop.
Critics highlight that the festival’s environment, shaped last year by the absence of Hollywood stars due to strikes, is now reinstating its renowned glamour. Most notably, this edition enjoys a return to traditional star power, with marquee talent such as George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Cate Blanchett gracing the Lido. Blanchett’s participation in Alfonso Cuarón’s psychological thriller series "Disclaimer" is particularly thrilling, as it marks a significant leap into television for an artist known primarily for her cinematic work.
Notably, the festival plays an influential role in shaping the awards season ahead. This event has historically served as a launch pad for films that subsequently garner nominations and wins at the Academy Awards. Last year, despite the reduced star attendance, no fewer than 24 Oscar nominations resulted from films that had their world premieres at Venice, highlighting its status as a critical platform for filmmakers seeking recognition.
The excitement builds as anticipation grows around the festival's opening film, Burton’s "Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice," which is set to feature many of the beloved characters introduced in the 1988 cult classic. Michael Keaton returns to his iconic role, along with Winona Ryder, aiming to attract not only audiences familiar with the original film but also new viewers curious about the satirical take on life, death, and everything in between.
In addition to the main competition, the festival also showcases a section dedicated to documentaries, spotlighting real-life narratives that speak to contemporary social issues. Films like "One to One: John & Yoko," which chronicles the couple's transformative years in New York during the 1970s, promises to tug at the heartstrings. Alongside that, "Separated" investigates the traumatic separation of immigrant children from their parents, further emphasizing Venice's commitment to not just entertainment, but also important conversations surrounding global human rights.
Just as Venice is known for its romantic canals, so too is it a city steeped in a rich history of art and culture. The juxtaposition of traditional and modern cinematic voices creates a unique atmosphere where established directors, like Almodóvar, also find space to debut new works. His film, "The Room Next Door," is anticipated to explore the theme of interpersonal dynamics amid chaos, starring tensed performances from Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore.
As the festival gears up for its opening night, the anticipation is palpable. Artistic director Alberto Barbera emphasized the increasing importance of expanding the definition of cinematic works, noting a shift in audience interests that encompasses a broader understanding of storytelling. He stated, “We’re witnessing a transformation in audience consumption, which allows for more diverse formats in narrative and structure.”
As attendees prepare for the thrill of evening screenings and press conferences, it becomes clear that this year’s Venice Film Festival will not only celebrate the art of filmmaking but also reaffirm its pivotal role in shaping the future landscape of cinema. As one attendee mused, "It feels like a reunion, with established favorites and newcomers taking their place on the world stage just as the leaves begin to change color, and it gives that quintessential autumnal feeling of fresh starts and bold new stories."
The excitement surrounding the 2024 Venice Film Festival signifies a return to form for the event, setting the tone for a remarkable year in cinema. With a focus on both entertainment and serious dialogues through film, Venice invites viewers and enthusiasts alike to engage with stories that challenge, delight, and inspire—an invitation not to be missed. As Cuarón cleverly noted, "Stories are the seeds from which change can grow, and every film in Venice this year is a potential garden ready to burst forth."
