Watching movies for the selection has become a year-round proposition from morning until night and on weekends.
In December, we started watching films that were also being submitted to Berlin, Cannes and other festivals.
And the filmmakers and their teams want a response immediately.
Director of the Venice Festival Alberto Barbera, ‘Poor Things,’ ‘Maestro’ and ‘Priscilla’Getty Images/Searchlight/Netflix/A24
How can we invite a film in December?
Its getting more and more complicated.
When I first did Venice in 99 we had 900 submissions.
Searchlight Pictures
We thought that was a lot at the time.
This year, all in all, weve seen more than 4,000 films.
DEADLINE:Lets talk about some of these films.
BARBERA: Yes, last night we exchanged some texts.
He was extremely happy.
He didnt know about the reaction.
DEADLINE:He didnt read any of the reviews?
BARBERA: He told me that he doesnt read any reviews at all, not even the good ones.
He doesnt want anything to interfere with his process of finding and telling other stories.
BARBERA: No, I didnt.
DEADLINE:Poor Things was tremendous: an incredible level of filmmaking.
DEADLINE:Theyre very likely Best Picture contenders too…
BARBERA: Yes, I agree.
BARBERA: I agree.
Its very, very rare.
I had no doubt when I saw the movie.
I knew it was unique and special.
DEADLINE:Do you think the discussion over Bradley Coopers prosthetic nose could hurt Maestros chances of awards?
BARBERA: No, I really dont.
I think that has already started to go away.
Did that reaction surprise you and has it made you doubt the selection?
BARBERA: I didnt understand the level of negativity in the reviews.
The film isnt a great, great movie, otherwise it probably would have been in Competition.
I told Roman before the festival that it was weak, but I dont agree with the critics.
The response seems personal and disrespectful towards him and the film.
It comes across as mean.
BARBERA: I dont regret the choice.
The film was bood by the Sala Grande, which is normally a nice crowd.
Even if they dont love something they will normally clap it.
I dont know why they dislikedUnder The Skinso much but its now considered to be a great British movie.
Now, Im not saying that will happen with the Polanski…
There isnt much middle ground, it seems…
BARBERA: Absolutely.
DEADLINE:Which movies do you think could delight (or horrify) people in the second week?
Are you aware whether the film has an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA?
Jessica has changed her mind a couple of times.
Penelope Cruz and one or two others not coming gave her some pause, I think.
The latest we have is that she is coming.
Were not sure but we hope she makes it.
BARBERA: I havent heard a word about that.
Weve had chats but I havent heard any doubt along those lines.
DEADLINE:Have you spoken to Woody Allen?
Is he excited about being back at an A-list festival?
Im curious to see the response to the film.
Its a good film, one of his best in recent years.
DEADLINE:Have you heard any whispers about the tenor of the jurys discussions?
BARBERA: I know nothing of that.
The first meeting between them is today, actually.
BARBERA: I wanted to seeThe Bikeridersbut they decided not to show it to us.
I was very curious.
I also wanted to seeFingernailsbut Apple decided against bringing it to Venice.
Weve never had an Apple movie at the festival.
Is there any truth to that?
BARBERA: The mandate of the President of the Biennale expires at the end of February next year.
We heard rumours that he wont be renewed.
We dont know who his successor will be.
So far we havent seen any impact on the festival from the new government.
Weve had friendly dialogue with the minister of culture so far.
But you cant foresee the agenda they may have in mind for the festival.
DEADLINE:Do you feel any threat to your position?
BARBERA: Not at all.
I will accept any decision that is made.
Thats the right position.
If they ask me to stay, Ill stay with pleasure.
If not, Ill accept it.
DEADLINE:The festival remains a mecca for many.
The streets are packed out there.
Youre clearly doing a job that many enjoy.
In the first day or two of this edition things seemed very quiet.
Everyone was remarking the same.
Well be releasing some accreditation and ticketing numbers tomorrow and they are up year-on-year.
Were selling more tickets to the public than ever before.
