The 2024 Venice Film Festival started off with a bang as the highly anticipated Tim Burton-Michael Keaton sequel Beetlejuice Beetlejuice hit the big screen. This event marked the beginning of the 81st edition of the festival, which is set to run until September 7 on the enchanting Lido. As Deadline covered the festival closely, all the key films were watched and analyzed.
The festival lineup boasted a myriad of world premieres, including Todd Phillips’ Joaquin Phoenix-Lady Gaga movie “Joker: Folie à Deux”, Pedro Almodóvar’s “The Room Next Door”, Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer”, and Pablo Larrain’s Maria Callas biopic “Maria” featuring Angelina Jolie. Additionally, new works from acclaimed directors like Alfonso Cuarón, Walter Salles, Harmony Korine, and more were also showcased at the festival.
The reviews for the films featured at the festival were a mixed bag. From Michael Keaton’s return as the undead star in Beetlejuice to the somewhat lackluster portrayal of Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s film “Maria”, opinions varied greatly. While Beetlejuice was described as a fun and captivating watch, Maria was criticized for its portrayal of the iconic opera singer.
Errol Morris’ non-fiction film shed light on the Trump administration’s controversial child-separation policy, providing a stark reminder of the harrowing realities that unfolded. Meanwhile, Tim Fehlbaum’s “Horizon Extra” managed to breathe new life into an old story, captivating audiences with its timely relevance and inspiring narrative.
The 2024 Venice Film Festival was a showcase of diverse talents, thought-provoking narratives, and captivating performances. While some films were praised for their innovation and entertainment value, others fell short of expectations. As the festival continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing landscape of cinema, audiences can expect more surprises, revelations, and unforgettable moments in the years to come.
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