We really need Joel and Ethan Coen to reunite.
That being said, I’m getting good vibes about Joel Coen’s upcoming “Jack of Spades.” The film, which wrapped production in Glasgow last November, has been a major question mark. Focus hasn’t even officially confirmed its existence, never mind mentioned it during its CinemaCon panel, and it failed to show up at Cannes.
The film stars Josh O’Connor, Lesley Manville, Frances McDormand, and Damien Lewis, but there isn’t much story information to go on. All we know is that it’s being described as a “gothic mystery” set in 1880s Scotland.
However, we finally have someone confirming its existence. Manville tells Deadline that “Jack of Spades” will be released later this year, presumably after a fall festival premiere — maybe Venice? New York?
I’ve got a film with Joel Coen coming out which I’m itching to see. I had a wonderful time working with him and Frances McDormand, his wife who was also the producer, so that’s coming out later in the year.
It’ll be interesting to see how Joel’s solo sophomore effort turns out. “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” released in 2021, was visually stunning but very much a straightforward Shakespeare adaptation. “Jack of Spades” seems like a more original effort from Joel, who also wrote the screenplay. The talent is there for something special. On paper, it could be a standout.
And that’s in stark contrast to what Ethan Coen has been doing of late, indulging in a lesbian-themed B-movie trilogy with partner Tricia Cooke (“Drive-Away Dolls,” “Honey Don’t”). It’s becoming clearer by the day which Coen brother is pursuing the more traditionally ambitious work.
Bruno Delbonnel takes the reins as cinematographer on “Jack of Spades.” If you want a dreamlike atmosphere, then hire Delbonnel. The man loves his softly lit frames. Through his manipulation of light and color, he’s known for using velvety contrast to elevate his imagery. The man is brilliant. I loved Delbonnel’s work on “Amélie,” one of the great achievements of the art form, and not far behind is his stunning cinematography in Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Inside Llewyn Davis.” He also created visual magic on Joel’s previous solo effort, “The Tragedy of Macbeth.”
The Coens had always worked together. In fact, prior to “Macbeth” — and Ethan’s recent collaborations with Cooke — they hadn’t missed a collaboration since their 1984 debut, “Blood Simple.” They say a creative break was needed, and the result is that their last film together remains 2018’s “The Ballad of Buster Scruggs.”