Son of the Century;Rodrigo SorogoyensThe New Years;andThomas VinterbergsFamilies Like Ours.
DEADLINE:You said this morning that you thoughtJoker 2was going to surprise people.
Its a continuation of the story but the film is completely different from the first film.
‘Joker: Folie à Deux’, ‘Maria’, ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and ‘The Room Next Door’Warner Bros./Pablo Larrain
If youre expecting the same in terms of violence or other things, youll be surprised.
It is a darker film.
I think its one of the most daring, brave and creative films in recent American cinema.
Daniel Craig at the premiere of 2021’s ‘No Time to Die’Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images
And I think it really confirms Todd Phillips as one of the most creative directors working at the moment.
DEADLINE:The trailer todaywas really intriguing.
Do you think the Academy will respond to the film?
BARBERA: I would be surprised if not… What did you mean by that?
I think its the performance of his life so far.
The same for Joaquin Phoenix inJoker 2.
They are two really outstanding performances… Thats quite full-on in an erotic sense.
DEADLINE:Thats refreshing.
A lot of streamer projects have been quite sanitised in that sense…
Which films in the lineup do you think will stand out for the Academy?
BARBERA:Joker,Queer,Mariaand the Almodovar are among them.
MaybeThe Brutalist, too.
DEADLINE:How do they approach the singing inMaria?
BARBERA: It seemed to me that Angelina [Jolie] lip-synced the original songs.
DEADLINE:You have these four really intriguing series this year.
We have five and half hours of the Cuaron and thats the shortest series were showing.
Each series is very cinematic and has real filmic qualities.
DEADLINE:WasGladiatorever an option?
BARBERA: No, it wasnt ready.
DEADLINE:Could we see any more big films added to the lineup?
BARBERA: Im seeing one more film tomorrow.
DEADLINE:As always, you have a great docs lineup.
The Russian filmRussians At War by Anastasia Trofimova sounds fascinating for its critical approach to the invasion.
Will the festival need to supply extra security for the filmmaker given its sensitive subject?
BARBERA: The filmmaker finished the film in Canada and France.
She is planning to come with the film as far as we know.
We havent discussed security yet but it will be something we discuss Im sure.
DEADLINE:Can you pinpoint a gem or surprise for in Competition?
Have you experienced anything in the way of censorship or political direction from them?
Weve been working very well and Ive worked exactly like I did before…
