THR’s Venice spitballing, more or less, mentions the same titles that I had put together in last week’s preview (“Venice Film Festival: Many Questions Remain About Upcoming Lineup Announcement”). However, there is no mention of “Lucy in the Sky”, Noah Baumbach, Todd Haynes’ “Dry Run” and David Michod’s “The King” — those are more likely TIFF-bound. Regardless, the Venice Film Festival will announce its lineup next week, but there has been much speculation about all the possible titles that will premiere this coming August at the Lido. Based on online speculation, intel and sources, THR does add in a bit more info to the mix.
Jojo Rabbit — Looks like Taika Waititi’s Hitler dramedy will be happening — albeit, the advanced buzz it was getting seems to have slightly dwindled the last month or so .. but there are still plenty of pundits that believe this is our Best Picture front-runner.
First Cow — it is mentioned that Sundance 2020 is more of a possibility for Kelly Reichardt’s latest.
Little Women —THR claim Greta Gerwig’s adaptation of the classic novel might bypass Venice in favor of TIFF/Telluride. Actually, it could just skip fall film festivals all around from what we’ve been hearing.
Uncut Gems — Will Venice go through their supposed Netflix ban? Right now, the answer seems to be that the streaming giant is invited to festivities on the Lido. The big title is no doubt The Safdie Brothers’ “Uncut Gems” starring Adam Sandler.
The Laundromat —Here’s a movie more people should be taking seriously. It’s Oscar-bait courtesy of Steven Soderbergh/Meryl Streep. And yet, we’ve barely heard anything about it. There is no way this sits out Venice.
Solid Venice bets [updated 7.15.19]:
Martin Eden (Pietro Marcello)
Ad Astra (James Gray)
Gloria Mundi (Robert Guédiguian)
Ema (Pablo Larrain)
Ford vs Ferrari (James Mangold)
The Truth (Hirokazu kore-eda)
About Endlessness (Roy Andersson)
MalmKrog (Christian Puiu)
Ad Astra (James Gray)
Qui Ridio io (Mario Martone)
The Salt of Tears (Philippe Garrel)
Vitalina Varela (Pedro Costa)
Joker (Todd Phillips)
The Aeronauts (Tom Harper)
A Rainy Day in New York (Woody Allen)
The Pope (Fernando Mereilles)
The Box (Lorenzo Vigos)