Venice Film Festival Highlights: Bizarre Films and Unexpected Delights

Who needs Hollywood A-listers when Venice delivers its own brand of cinematic magic?

Despite the absence of Hollywood stars, this year’s Venice Film Festival has not disappointed. From bizarre films to unexpected delights, there are plenty of talking points and wonderful movies to enjoy. Brian Viner reviews two standout films – Poor Things and Hit Man – that have captured the attention of festival-goers.

Poor Things by Yorgos Lanthimos is a film that is bound to leave audiences perplexed and fascinated. Set in Victorian London, this bizarre and extraordinary tale follows the life of Bella, played brilliantly by Emma Stone. With the mind of an infant, Bella shares a home with a renowned surgeon, Godwin Baxter, portrayed by Willem Dafoe. However, there’s a catch – Bella’s mind is actually that of her own unborn child. Baxter reanimated her after she drowned herself in the Thames.

Despite her initially simple-minded nature, Bella gradually develops into an independent adult throughout the course of the film. Her journey is propelled forward by her exploration of sex, depicted somewhat graphically. Yorgos Lanthimos’s distinct and wacky style shines through in every scene, and Mark Ruffalo delivers an uproarious performance as the conniving character who tries to take advantage of Bella’s childlike innocence, only to face dire consequences.

Richard Linklater’s Hit Man offers a unique blend of genres, seamlessly combining romance, thrills, and dark comedy. Glen Powell steals the show in the title role, playing a mild-mannered philosophy professor who moonlights as an undercover assassin. As he pretends to be a hitman, he ensnares unsuspecting individuals looking to hire him. The film captivates audiences with its clever plot twists and surprising turns.

Coup de Chance, Woody Allen’s latest film, is a delightful story set in Paris. With a soothing jazz soundtrack, this French-language feature follows the life of Fanny, played by Lou de Laage. Fanny’s seemingly perfect marriage to a wealthy businessman is shaken when she rekindles a romantic relationship with an old school friend, Alain, portrayed by Niels Schneider. The film swiftly evolves into an intricate tale of adultery, jealousy, and murder, reminiscent of Allen’s signature style. Coup de Chance showcases Allen’s impeccable storytelling abilities and marks a standout addition to his impressive filmography.

In The Killer, Michael Fassbender takes on the role of an international assassin. Moody, stylish, and at times preposterous, this Netflix film keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Tilda Swinton delivers a memorable cameo, adding another layer of intrigue to the storyline. The Killer offers a captivating viewing experience for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

The absence of Hollywood big-hitters may have dimmed the glamour of the Venice Film Festival, but it certainly hasn’t dampened the excitement surrounding these remarkable films. From Poor Things’ mind-bending storyline to Hit Man’s genre-bending premise, the festival continues to offer fresh and engaging cinematic experiences.

• Poor Things, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a bizarre and remarkable film set in Victorian London. Emma Stone delivers a superb performance as a woman with the mind of an infant.
• Hit Man, directed by Richard Linklater, is a thrilling and comedic rom-com. Glen Powell shines in the lead role as a philosophy professor pretending to be an assassin.
• Woody Allen’s Coup de Chance is a fun and well-executed film about adultery, jealousy, and murder.
• The Killer, featuring Michael Fassbender as an international assassin, is a moody and stylish film with a standout performance by Tilda Swinton.

The Venice Film Festival may be lacking in star power, but it more than makes up for it with its selection of unique and captivating films. From the bizarre and remarkable Poor Things to the thrilling and comedic Hit Man, there is something for every movie enthusiast. As the festival draws to a close, it’s clear that Venice’s spotlight shines bright, even without Hollywood’s biggest names.