Roman Polanski’s ‘The Palace’ Eyeing Venice Premiere

Back in March, I had Polanski’s go-to cinematographer, Pawel Edelman, briefly mentioning that a September premiere is in the works for “The Palace.” That’s when the Venice Film Festival is happening.

Now I’m hearing that Polanski’s team are pushing hard for a Venice world premiere. Venice boss Alberto Barbera would be hard pressed to say no at this point, especially since Polanski’s last film, “J’accuse,” won him the Grand Jury Prize.

Back in February, a Variety report had confirmed that the film had been submitted to both the Venice and Cannes selection committees. Polanski’s latest now has a September release date in Italy.

Polanski, who is turning 90 in August, has had his last five films premiering at festivals. Cannes (“Based on a True Story,” “Venus in Fur”); Venice (“J’accuse,” “Carnage”); and Berlin (“The Ghost Writer”). The problem for him, and this latest film, is that his narrative has radically changed since then.

These days, Polanski’s reputation in France isn’t great. The Polish filmmaker has been embroiled in sexual abuse allegations that have made him a marked man in that country.

If you remember, Polanski caused quite the stir at the 2020 Cesars (French Oscars) after he won the Best Director award. This past year, the Cesars committee decided to ban any invitees from future ceremonies with a criminal sexual history.

Venice, on the other hand, would make more sense. It was always a much better fit than going to Cannes, where some press and audiences would surely be awaiting Polanski with sharpened knives.

“The Palace” cost $17 million to make and stars John Cleese, Mickey Rourke and Fanny Ardant. The movie is said to take place at a palace in Gstaad on New Year’s Eve in 1999, with “Hotel guests coming from all over the world flock to the lavish dinner party, but the celebrations take an unexpected turn.”

“EO” filmmaker Jerzy Skolimowski co-wrote the screenplay for “The Palace” and, as previously mentioned, Pawel Edelman is back as cinematographer for this latest Polanski.