Margot Robbie expressed her confusion over the poor box office performance of the 2022 film 'Babylon,' directed by Damien Chazelle, which grossed only $63 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. Despite its failure, Robbie enjoyed working on the project and speculated that the film might gain appreciation over time, similar to how 'The Shawshank Redemption' did. The film, set in Hollywood during the transition from silent to sound films, also starred Brad Pitt and Diego Calva.
Paramount made a strong showing at CinemaCon with announcements of new films and star-studded appearances, including a "Gladiator II" sequel and a Damien Chazelle project. Despite reports of a potential sale, the studio highlighted successful recent releases and upcoming films, while acknowledging the need for industry improvements to attract more moviegoers.
Damien Chazelle, the Oscar-winning filmmaker behind La La Land, is set to write and direct his next feature at Paramount, with plot details currently under wraps. The movie is being produced under Chazelle and Olivia Hamilton’s Wild Chickens Productions banner as part of their first-look deal with the studio. Chazelle is also producing another Paramount feature, Heart of the Beast, under the same pact. The new project was announced during Paramount’s presentation at CinemaCon and is noted as part of the studio’s 2025/26 release calendar.
Damien Chazelle, after signing an overall deal with Paramount Pictures, is set to direct a new untitled film for the studio based on an original script he wrote, with plot details still vague but rumors suggesting it will be set in a prison. The film is expected to attract A-list talent, and Chazelle's track record of success with diverse genres, from musicals to biopics, has generated anticipation for his take on a prison drama.
The Venice Film Festival kicked off with notable absences of Hollywood stars due to dual strikes by the writers and actors guilds, forcing a Hollywood shutdown. Zendaya's film "Challengers" was delayed and removed from the festival lineup, while other actors from independent productions managed to secure guild waivers. Damien Chazelle, the jury president, called on studios to compensate artists fairly and emphasized the erosion of the value of art over the past decade. Despite the strikes, high-powered directors and independent films are still expected to be showcased at the festival.
Damien Chazelle, the jury president of the Venice Film Festival, expressed his support for the strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, highlighting the need for art to triumph over content in the entertainment industry. The strikes, which have brought much of the U.S. entertainment industry to a standstill, are demanding curbs on the use of artificial intelligence and higher pay as streaming becomes more prevalent. Chazelle emphasized the importance of valuing each work of art individually and ensuring fair compensation for those involved in its creation. While the strike has impacted some films in the festival's main competition, the overall impact has been limited.
The 80th Venice Film Festival opened with the world premiere screening of Edoardo De Angelis' film "Comandante." The festival's opening ceremony featured a retrospective of the event's 80-year history, including a tribute to the late William Friedkin. Italian actress Caterina Murino presented Liliana Cavani with a Golden Lion award for lifetime achievement, and Damien Chazelle, the president of the jury, declared the festival open. "Comandante" tells the story of Salvatore Todaro, a real-life submarine commander who saved 26 Belgian merchant seamen during World War II.
Damien Chazelle, the international jury president at the Venice Film Festival, expressed support for the ongoing strikes in Hollywood, emphasizing the importance of "art over content." Chazelle highlighted the erosion of the idea that each work of art has inherent value and should be remunerated accordingly. The strikes have impacted the festival, with some high-profile stars unable to attend, but films with traditional distribution and independent movies can still promote at the event.
Damien Chazelle, the head of the jury at the Venice Film Festival, wore a "Writers Guild on Strike" t-shirt and badge at the opening press conference. Chazelle expressed his support for the writers and actors on strike, emphasizing the importance of valuing each work of art and ensuring fair compensation for artists. Other jury members, Martin McDonagh and Laura Poitras, also wore the same t-shirt. Chazelle praised the Venice Film Festival as the best in the world, while acknowledging the difficult times in Hollywood for working crew and writers.
Damien Chazelle's film Babylon, despite being a box office flop and receiving mixed reviews, is being hailed as one of the most powerful movies in recent years. The movie's failure can be attributed to its unconventional story, lengthy runtime, misguided marketing, and COVID restrictions. However, those who give it a chance may find themselves immersed in a love letter to Hollywood, with stunning performances, excellent direction, and a captivating soundtrack. Babylon explores the changes in the film industry and the struggles of its characters, making it a worthwhile watch for those who appreciate period pieces and are willing to overlook occasional shocking moments.
Damien Chazelle will preside over the competition jury of the upcoming Venice Film Festival. French director Alice Diop will head the jury panel of the fest’s Luigi De Laurentiis Award for best debut film, while Italy’s Jonas Carpignano will be president of the jury of the Horizons section for more cutting-edge works. The 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival will run Aug. 30-Sept. 9.
