“A Dream Come True: Michel Franco’s Latest Masterpiece Secures US Deal, Cementing His Status as a Global Filmmaking Force”
In the world of cinema, few directors have managed to captivate audiences and critics alike with their unique vision and bold storytelling. One such mastermind is Mexican auteur Michel Franco, known for his unflinching and thought-provoking films that often push the boundaries of conventional narrative. And now, his latest Berlinale selection, ‘Dreams’, has landed a US buyer, further solidifying his reputation as a global filmmaking force to be reckoned with.
Jessica Chastain’s Return to Horror
After starring in films of various genres, Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Chastain has finally found her way back to horror with Incidents Around the House, a new project from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse, who are teaming up with Spin a Black Yarn to make it. Universal Pictures is signed on as distributor.
Can you believe it? Chastain is diving back into horror! The last time we saw her take on a horror role was in the 2019 supernatural horror flick It Chapter Two, where she played the grown-up Beverly Marsh. But before that, you might remember her from the other supernatural horror Mama, where she starred as a reluctant guardian to two haunted children. Well, it looks like supernatural horror movies are her thing because her upcoming project Incidents Around the House looks to be of the same genre.
Chastain’s Horror Legacy
With Incidents Around the House, Chastain is revisiting her horror roots, and it’s exciting to see her explore this genre once again. Her previous horror roles showcase her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters, making her a compelling choice for horror films.
From Mama to It Chapter Two, Chastain has consistently demonstrated her range and versatility as an actress. Her horror filmography is a testament to her ability to take on diverse roles and bring a level of authenticity to her performances.
Berlinale Competition Results
The Berlin Jury Grid has been updated with the latest scores, and it’s clear that Gabriel Mascaro’s The Blue Trail is leading the pack with a strong 3.4. The film received four four stars (excellent) and five three stars (good), already beating the score of last year’s joint winners My Favourite Cake and The Devil’s Bath with 3.1.
Closer to the top was Michel Franco’s Dreams, which secured an average of 3.1 with one critic yet to score. Ratings for the Mexican-produced feature starring Jessica Chastain included three fours, three threes, and two twos (average) – the latter from Rita Di Santo (Morning Star, UK) and Carlos Heli Di Almedia (O Globo, Brazil).
The Berlin Jury Grid
- The Blue Trail (Gabriel Mascaro) – 3.4
- Dreams (Michel Franco) – 3.1
- The Ice Tower (Lucile Hadzihalilovic) – 2.6
- Ari (Leonor Serraille) – 2.0
- Reflection In A Dead Diamond (Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani) – 1.7
Industry Insights
The Match Factory’s International Rights
The Match Factory is representing international rights for Dreams, and it’s clear that the company is confident in the film’s potential. With its strong Berlinale performance, it’s likely that the film will attract a significant amount of attention from international distributors.
Greenwich Entertainment’s Awards Push
Greenwich Entertainment is planning to mount an awards push for Dreams, with key dates and strategies yet to be announced. With its strong performance at the Berlinale, it’s likely that the company will be focusing on securing nominations and wins for the film in various categories.
As the film’s distributor, Greenwich Entertainment will be working closely with the filmmakers to promote Dreams for awards recognition. With its strong cast and direction, it’s clear that the film has the potential to make a significant impact in the awards season.
Conclusion
In the article “Michel Franco’s Berlinale selection ‘Dreams’ lands US buyer – Screen Daily”, we explored the significant news that Michel Franco’s film “Dreams” has secured a US distribution deal at the Berlinale. Franco’s film, which premiered at the festival, has garnered attention for its thought-provoking and visually stunning portrayal of a dystopian society. The US buyer, a major independent film distribution company, has acquired the rights to bring “Dreams” to American audiences, marking a significant milestone in the film’s journey.
The significance of this deal cannot be overstated. “Dreams” is not only a critically acclaimed film but also a testament to the power of independent cinema. Franco’s unique vision and storytelling have resonated with audiences and critics alike, and this deal will allow his work to reach a wider audience. Moreover, this development underscores the importance of film festivals like the Berlinale, which provide a platform for innovative and bold storytelling to be discovered and shared.