Renowned actress Julia Roberts made a striking entrance at the Venice Film Festival, showcasing her unique style while supporting her director, Luca Guadagnino. The Oscar-winning star sported a custom white cardigan adorned with Guadagnino's face, exuding both charm and individuality as she flashed her signature smile. This bold fashion choice perfectly mirrors Guadagnino's cinematic vision, known for its emotive extremes and decadent visuals.
Guadagnino, acclaimed for films like “Call Me by Your Name”, “Challengers”, and “Queer”, is celebrated for his audacious storytelling. His latest collaboration with Roberts, titled “After the Hunt”, is poised to be one of the most provocative films of the year. This gripping narrative tackles sensitive themes surrounding a rape accusation on a college campus, challenging the BelieveWomen mantra prevalent in today's discourse. In this film, Roberts portrays Alma Olsson, a philosophy professor at Yale, who finds herself embroiled in controversy when her favored student, Maggie (played by Emmy-winner Ayo Edebiri), accuses another professor, Hank (played by Andrew Garfield), of sexual assault.
As Alma navigates the fallout of Maggie's allegations, her relationships with her husband, Frederik (played by Michael Stuhlbarg), and her friend, Kim (played by Chloë Sevigny), begin to deteriorate. The film, which will have its North American premiere at the New York Film Festival before hitting theaters on October 10, has already sparked intense debate among audiences and critics alike.
During a group interview at Hotel Cipriani, just a day after the film's premiere, Roberts reflected on her collaboration with Guadagnino, drawing parallels to her work with the late director Mike Nichols. She expressed her desire for Nichols to witness her performance in “After the Hunt,” sharing that the emotional depth that drives Guadagnino's work is something Nichols would have appreciated. “It would just be really meaningful,” Roberts remarked, hinting at the profound impact of their collective artistic journeys.
“After the Hunt” has been described as a rarity in modern cinema, a prestige ensemble drama that resonates with adult audiences. Its unique opening credits, which list actors in alphabetical order as a nod to Woody Allen films, set the stage for an experience that is both engaging and thought-provoking. At a press conference, when a journalist labeled the film “anti-feminist,” Roberts confidently countered the claim with her characteristic grace and humor, proving that America’s sweetheart is unafraid to engage in complex discussions.
Roberts shared amusing anecdotes about her time with Guadagnino and the cast, including a humorous moment when Guadagnino volunteered to direct her in a potential sequel to “My Best Friend’s Wedding”. The camaraderie extended beyond the set, with Roberts recalling how she invited Guadagnino and his production designer to stay at her home, where they even bunked in her twins’ rooms.
Roberts described the challenge of portraying Alma, a character who is cold, isolated, and grappling with chronic pain—qualities that starkly contrast with her own nurturing personality. “The hardest part for me was not being sympathetic and empathetic,” she admitted, emphasizing the mental gymnastics required to embody such a complex character. Guadagnino’s guidance was instrumental in keeping her grounded throughout the process.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, and the actors shared their experiences of working under Guadagnino’s direction. Edebiri described the liberating atmosphere on set, while Stuhlbarg expressed the joy of collaborating with a director who encourages exploration of their craft. Guadagnino’s unique approach, including limited takes and shooting on film, adds to the urgency and authenticity of the storytelling.
As the discussion turned to the film's themes, Guadagnino critiqued the simplistic labeling of “After the Hunt” as anti-feminist. He argued that the film's powerful female characters embody complexity and nuance, urging audiences to appreciate the richness of their narratives. Edebiri echoed this sentiment, highlighting the intelligence and empowerment of the women portrayed in the film.
With “After the Hunt”, Guadagnino and Roberts have crafted a thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to consider multiple perspectives on sensitive issues. As the festival continues and the film prepares for a wider release, audiences are eager to witness this boundary-pushing collaboration that underscores the deep bond between its creator and lead actress.
