We’re getting a new film from Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski, this one starring real-life couple Joaquin Phoenix and Rooney Mara. Exciting.
The working title is “The Island”, set to shoot in 2023. Described as a drama/thriller, the film is loosely based on real events. I wouldn’t expect this one until 2024.
Mara and Phoenix will play an American couple in the 1930s who escape to their own private island and live off the land. However, a millionaire disrupts their tranquil lifestyle, as he passes by on his yacht, turning the couple into a tabloid sensation. Even worse, a self-styled Countess appears with two lovers and plans to build a luxury hotel on the island.
I’m guessing this film won’t be shot in black and white. Pawlikowski’s last two films, “Ida” and “Cold War,” were critically-acclaimed sensations. There’s a lot of high expectations for this one. I would imagine he wants to get back into Cannes competition as well with this one.
Before his last two critical hits, Pawlikowski had directed the wonderful 2004 coming-of-age romance “My Summer of Love,” but followed that one up with a major faux-pas that some have completely forgotten, 2011’s atrocious “The Woman in the Fifth” starring Ethan Hawke and Kristen Scott-Thomas.
Marvel's "Ghost Rider" just hired one of the best cinematographers working today. Linus Sandgren will serve as DP on Shawn Levy's MCU flick, and, most notably, the project will be shot on film.