From Frankenstein to Putin: Unmasking the Monsters of the Venice Film Festival

Guillermo del Toro made a memorable speech when he won the Bafta for Best Director in 2018. He praised Mary Shelley, calling her a crucial figure in literary history. Del Toro spoke about how Shelley “gave voice to the voiceless,” reminding us that sometimes we must create our own “monsters” to explore deeper truths.

After nearly 20 years of planning, Del Toro is finally sharing his vision of Shelley’s Frankenstein at the Venice Film Festival. The film stars Oscar Isaac as the ambitious scientist and Jacob Elordi as the creature. This adaptation taps into the same themes Shelley explored: the thin line between humanity and monstrosity.

This year’s Venice Film Festival showcases various films featuring monsters—both fictional and real. Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, noted that the theme revolves around monsters from history, such as dictators like Mussolini, Ceaușescu, and Putin. He also highlighted the horrors of modern conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, emphasizing the human capacity for both cruelty and compassion.

For instance, Olivier Assayas’s The Wizard of the Kremlin dives into Vladimir Putin’s rise to power, with Jude Law portraying a key figure. Similarly, Jihan K’s documentary My Father and Qaddafi reveals the political struggles and personal losses tied to Libya’s dictatorship.

Natalie Lawrence, author of Enchanted Creatures: Our Monsters and Their Meanings, explains that our fascination with monsters often reflects our inner fears and societal issues. “Monsters embody our struggles,” she said. “Historical events or fictional beasts can symbolize real anxieties.”

The theme of fear extends beyond fictional tales. Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite addresses the imminent threat of nuclear war, with characters facing realities that feel all too possible. “Multiple nations have enough weapons to wipe out civilizations,” Bigelow warned, pointing to a growing numbness surrounding this danger.

Recent data shows that public fear of nuclear weapons is at a ten-year high. A poll by the Pew Research Center found that over 80% of people are concerned about the potential for nuclear conflict.

Amid this climate of dread, Kaouther Ben Hania’s The Voice of Hind Rajab captures the tragic story of a Palestinian girl killed by shelling, showcasing the personal toll of war. Ukrainian filmmaker Alexander Rodnyansky, sentenced to prison for his anti-war views, will premiere his documentary reflecting on the personal impact of the war in Ukraine.

Barbera remarked, “We are in dangerous times. The belief that peace would last is fading away.” He emphasized that filmmakers are turning to reality to shed light on today’s challenges, prompting viewers to question rather than provide clear answers.

The festival isn’t just about films; it also serves as a platform for social issues. A pro-Palestinian protest is expected to coincide with the event, reflecting growing tensions in the cultural landscape.

This year, 21 films are competing for the Golden Lion, with a jury led by Alexander Payne. Among the contenders are Yorgos Lanthimos’s Bugonia and Noah Baumbach’s Jay Kelly, featuring an ensemble of stars.

Outside the competition, expect to see Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt and Werner Herzog’s newest documentary, Ghost Elephants. Herzog will also be honored with a Golden Lion for lifetime achievement, alongside legendary actress Kim Novak.

As stories about monsters—real and fictional—continue to emerge, the Venice Film Festival seems poised to reflect the complexities of our world.

Source link