Venice Film Festival Spotlights New Frankenstein, Honors Kim Novak, and Addresses Jude Law’s Putin Role
Venice, Italy – The Venice Film Festival is underway, drawing a constellation of stars and generating buzz around several high-profile projects, including a new adaptation of Frankenstein and a discussion surrounding Jude Law’s portrayal of Vladimir Putin.Actress Kim Novaková was also honored with a lifetime achievement award.The latest take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is already garnering critical acclaim, boasting a cast led by Jacob Elordi, Mia goth, Oscar Isaac, and Christoph Waltz. Meanwhile, Amanda Seyfried made a return to the festival after an eight-year absence, receiving a warm reception for her new film, The Testament of Ann Lee. Other filmmakers present at the festival include Jim Jarmusch, Lucy Gaudagnina, Noaa Baumbach, and Yorgos Lanthimos.
This year’s festival also recognized the legacy of cinematic icon Kim Novaková, presenting her with an honorary Golden Lion. A documentary about Novaková, directed by Alexandre O. Philippe, was screened alongside the award. Alberto Barbera, the festival’s artistic director, celebrated Novaková’s career, referencing her roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo, Otto Preminger’s The Man with the Golden Arm, and Billy Wilder’s Kiss me, Fool.
Adding a layer of real-world resonance to the cinematic events, actor Jude Law addressed concerns about potential repercussions for his upcoming role as Vladimir Putin in the series The Young Pope’s Spiritual Guide. Law stated he doesn’t believe he is at risk for taking on the controversial role.