International Desk (EFE).- Hollywood star Emma Stone lit up the Venice Film Festival on Thursday with Yorgos Lanthimos’ “Bugonia,” a brutal and satirical thriller competing for the Golden Lion, where the actress also revealed her belief in extraterrestrial life.
The day also featured George Clooney in Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly,” Laszló Nemes’ war-themed Orphan, Paolo Sorrentino’s political drama “La Grazia,” and Noomi Rapace in “Mother,” a film revisiting Mother Teresa’s human struggles.
Stone, who plays a ruthless executive kidnapped by a worker convinced she is an alien, said the story reflects contemporary society’s disconnection.
“We live in a time when it’s hard to know who you are really dealing with,” she told reporters. Joking, she added: “How do you know I’m not an extraterrestrial?”
The Oscar-winning actress recalled her admiration for Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, admitting, “I believe in aliens. The idea that we are alone in this vast universe is narcissistic.”
Director Yorgos Lanthimos stressed that the dystopia in the film is rooted in today’s reality.
“Technology, artificial intelligence, wars, climate change, denial, this is a reflection of our times,” he said.
Stone praised her collaboration with Lanthimos, describing the environment as “a family” that allows creative exploration.
Jesse Plemons, her co-star, warned the film may unsettle audiences: “It might not be suitable for people who dislike violence, but we can’t close our eyes to things that scare us.”
George Clooney’s “Jay Kelly” and Venice glamour
The festival also saw the premiere of “Jay Kelly,” Noah Baumbach’s portrait of a fading film legend played by George Clooney.
The director explained his casting choice: “I wanted audiences to already have a relationship with the actor. George reveals more of himself as the film goes on.”
Although Clooney missed the press conference due to illness, Aman Sandler and Laura Dern joined Baumbach in Venice.
Dern praised the film as “a beautiful reflection on honesty versus the masks we wear.” The film will stream on Netflix from Dec. 5 after a theatrical release in November.
Politics and history on screen: Nemes, Sorrentino, Rapace
Hungarian director László Nemes presented Orphan, set in 1957 Budapest, which he described as his artistic response to wars past and present, including Gaza.
“Cinema must create human connections and honesty. That is my answer as a filmmaker,” he said.
Italian auteur Paolo Sorrentino unveiled La Grazia, centered on a fictional president facing decisions on euthanasia and pardons.
“I’ve portrayed vain politicians before. Now I wanted to show another kind, the ethical and moral one,” said Sorrentino, while actor Toni Servillo added that the film depicts “a human side lacking in today’s politics.”
Swedish actress Noomi Rapace brought Mother, a portrait of Mother Teresa’s early struggles to found her order.
Rapace highlighted the nun’s courage: “If she were alive today, she would be in Gaza with the children.”
The actress said she discovered Teresa’s “internal battles, pain, doubts, and strength,” which made the role deeply inspiring. EFE
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