Julia Roberts and Luca Guadagnino Stir Debate at Venice Film Festival Over 'After the Hunt'

Venice, Aug 29 (AP) Julia Roberts and filmmaker Luca Guadagnino were at the center of a heated dialogue at the Venice Film Festival. During a news conference for “After the Hunt”, both faced intense inquiries regarding their film's stance on the feminist movement and #MeToo initiative.

Set in an academic environment, the film features Roberts as a popular philosophy professor. The narrative intensifies when her mentee, portrayed by Ayo Edebiri, accuses Roberts' friend and co-worker, played by Andrew Garfield, of misconduct. With Nora Garrett's script offering no simple answers, the film poses challenging questions.

Roberts was specifically asked if the movie challenges advancements in the feminist movement and the progress heralded by #MeToo. “I don't necessarily think it revives an old argument of women being pitted against one another,” Roberts remarked.

“After the Hunt” premiered Thursday for the press and industry insiders, preceding its official Friday evening debut. Although reviews remain embargoed until the premiere, the film is already generating discussion at the festival.

Jokingly commenting on the direct nature of the questions, Roberts emphasized the significance of the conversations sparked by the film. The poster's tagline, “not everything is supposed to make you feel comfortable,” encapsulates the film’s intent.

“That's how we wanted it to feel,” Roberts said. She highlighted that the film elicits a myriad of emotions and perspectives, challenging viewers to confront their convictions. “So, you're welcome,” she added.

Guadagnino supported this sentiment, explaining that the film explores the clash of truths. “It's not about making a manifesto to revive old fashioned values,” he stated.

Roberts elaborated, saying that “After the Hunt” doesn’t proclaim statements. Instead, the film is like a lens dropping from above, capturing characters in a moment of complexity and deceit.

“We're kind of losing the art of conversation in humanity right now,” Roberts asserted. She expressed hope that the film would foster dialogue among viewers.

The movie, which Amazon MGM Studios will release in North American theatres on October 10, features opening credits with a typeface reminiscent of Woody Allen's iconic films, such as “Annie Hall” and “Crimes and Misdemeanors.” When questioned about this choice, Guadagnino responded, “Why not?”

He explained that while developing “After the Hunt,” the team felt a strong connection to Allen's work from 1985 to 1991, pondering the complexities of admiring an artist facing personal controversies.

Although “After the Hunt” isn't in the main competition, it marks Guadagnino’s return to Venice, a festival where he previously showcased “Queer” with Daniel Craig and “Bones & All” with Timothee Chalamet. His anticipated film, “Challengers” featuring Zendaya, was meant to open the 2023 festival but was withdrawn due to the Hollywood strikes.

Roberts, a Venice veteran professionally but a first-timer at the festival, reflected on her stay. “It's so magical,” she said, though lamenting that this trip was solely work-focused.

As the 82nd Venice Film Festival progresses, it awaits several high-profile premieres, including Guillermo del Toro's “Frankenstein,” Benny Safdie's “The Smashing Machine,” and Kathryn Bigelow's “A House of Dynamite.” (AP) RB RB

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