Latest news with #BilleAugust
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
What to Watch: The 15 Best Movies and TV Shows of May
Bille August directs a suspenseful World War I tale, Stanley Tucci offers a mouth-watering tour of Italy, documentaries examine subjects ranging from Pee-wee Herman to the inventor of the Polaroid, and much, much more.
Wall Street Journal
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘The Kiss' Review: A Historical Drama of Human Folly
With his dozens of novels and stories, the wide-ranging Austrian writer Stefan Zweig (1881-1942) has been inspiring filmmakers for more than 90 years. The latest of many examples is 'The Kiss,' from the eminent Danish director Bille August. As is typical of Zweig's work, psychological depth combines with suspenseful plotting, in this case to serve a parable about the follies that led to World War I. An emotionally unstable continent and an equally volatile young woman move in parallel in a tale set in 1914 Denmark, where an impecunious young cavalry lieutenant, Anton (Esben Smed), who struggles for acceptance among his much wealthier peers, is determined above all else to restore family honor after a scandal involving his father. While undergoing vaguely absurd training exercises with his neutral country's army—he and his fellow officers attack straw figures with swords, seemingly unfamiliar with the concept of machine guns—he assists an elderly driver in getting his car out of the mud. This spontaneous act of kindness turns out to have unexpected consequences.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Mediawan Scores Key Licensing Deals on Bille August's ‘The Count of Monte Cristo' in U.S., U.K. and More Key Territories (EXCLUSIVE)
Mediawan has scored a raft of major licensing deals on 'The Count of Monte Cristo,' the highly anticipated epic series directed by two-time Palme d'Or winner Bille August. A lushly lensed adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' iconic masterpiece, the series will have a gala premiere on closing night of Canneseries where it will play out of competition in the Lumière Theatre, in the presence of August, and his key cast, Sam Claflin ('Peaky Blinders') and Ana Girardot ('The Returned'). More from Variety French Production Reached Near Record in 2024, While Streamers' Financing Skyrocketed by 60% Canneseries Industry: Soo Hugh, Beau Willimon, Jane Tranter, Eric Rochant, Malin Sarah Gozin to Talk at First Edition Canneseries Unveils Lineup, Including J.J. Abrams' 'Duster,' 'The Walking Dead: Dead City,' 'The Agency' Produced by Palomar and DEMD Productions, two Mediawan companies, 'The Count of Monte Cristo' has lured PBS Masterpiece in the U.S. and UKTV in the U.K., along with TVE in Spain, RTS in Switzerland, and the Nordic PSB alliance which includes SVT, NRK, DR, YLE and RUV. The eight-episode series will also be broadcast in Eastern European countries, including Poland with TVP, Hungary with TV2, and the Czech Republic with Ceska TV. Mediawan is also in negotiation to close more major territories. Claflin stars in 'The Count of Monte Cristo' as Edmond Dantes, a nineteen-year-old sailor who was falsely accused of treason and is imprisoned without trial in the Château d'If, a grim island fortress off Marseille. After many years of captivity he finally escapes and, under the identity of the Count of Monte Cristo, he plans to take revenge on those who have wrongly accused him. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' already premiered in Italy where it broke rating records. On Rai1, the miniseries was a massive success, attracting nearly 6 million viewers, a 30.5% market share. Mediawan said the ratings on Rai marked the broadcaster's highest score on that slot within the last three years. The show was commissioned by France Télévisions in France and RAI in Italy, and distributed worldwide by Mediawan Rights in cooperation with CAA for North America and with the participation of Entourage Vleeschhouwer, Mediawan Rights' managing director, said the show's 'global resonance underscores Mediawan Rights' enduring commitment to supporting the best talents and the best IPs.' Vleeschhouwer said 'The Count of Monte Cristo' taps into the 'needs of a dynamic global market' for 'appealing premium content.' Nicola Serra, Palomar CEO, praised the series' 'wonderful talents.' 'Their amazing work made this show a worldwide event for a global audience. We hope they will love the show as much as we loved to make it,' said Serra. August, the revered Danish filmmaker whose credits include 'Pelle the Conqueror,' 'The Best Intentions' and 'Les Misérables,' shot the series on location in Europe over five-months. 'The Count of Monte Cristo' is the first international series of that caliber fully produced as well as distributed by Mediawan, and financed with Entourage. Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
