Latest news with #SnowQueen
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
John Rhys-Davies to Star in Horror Creature Feature ‘Bone Keeper,' With REinvent Handling World Sales (EXCLUSIVE)
International sales agency REinvent has boarded horror creature feature 'Bone Keeper,' starring John Rhys-Davies, who is best known for portraying Gimli in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and Sallah in the 'Indiana Jones' franchise. A promo will be shown to buyers in Cannes. The film is directed and produced by Howard J. Ford for Latitude Films. The cast also features Sarah Alexandra Marks, Louis James and Tiffany Hannam-Daniels. It is expected to be delivered in the fall this year. More from Variety Mads Mikkelsen Joins Voice Cast of 'Snow Queen' Inspired Animated Adventure 'North' (EXCLUSIVE) Carlos Rincon to Launch Prestige International Pictures at Cannes, Partnering With Vital Pictures Variety's International Achievement in Film Honoree Tarak Ben Ammar Soars With Italy's Eagle Pictures Pacts and Local Hits Like 'Boy With Pink Trousers' 'Bone Keeper' follows six young friends, who enter a remote cave system to investigate the disappearance of several missing persons, only to find themselves being gradually hunted by a mysterious creature that may have inhabited the cave for thousands of years. The mystery started with a fireball crashing into a remote woodland, awakening a terrifying creature hidden in the depths. Fast forward to 1976, James Wheeler enters a cave determined to uncover the truth – and is never seen again. All that's found is a single frame of Super 8 film, capturing the silhouette of a creature. In the present day, Wheeler's granddaughter, along with five explorers, sets out to investigate the legend of the 'Bone Keeper.' But as they venture deeper, they realize they are being hunted and the line between hunter and prey begins to blur. Will they uncover the truth and escape the creature – or become the next missing souls? Ford said: 'I've always been intrigued with caves and caverns and imagined if something lurked down there in the depths, so I am very excited to be making a creature-feature and reuniting with the REinvent team and not least working with the legendary Mr. John Rhys-Davies, who has been an absolute blast.' The film's VFX supervisor is Giordano Aita. Best of Variety Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shia LaBeouf Doc, Quentin Tarantino Talk, David Lynch Tribute and Mariska Hargitay's Feature Directorial Debut on Cannes Classics Lineup
A documentary on Shia LaBeouf's acting school, conversation with Quentin Tarantino about George Sherman, tribute to the late David Lynch and Mariska Hargitay's feature directorial debut are among the highlights of this year's Cannes Classics lineup, revealed on Wednesday. 'Slauson Rec,' a documentary from Leo Lewis O'Neil about LaBeouf's controversial free acting school he launched in L.A. in 2018, will screen in the presence of both O'Neil and LaBeouf. The film has already caused a stir, with O'Neil's recent interview with Vanity Fair about the project revealing that scenes are included of LaBeouf's alleged physical violence toward members of the experimental theater collective. As O'Neil told Vanity Fair, he sent a trailer for the project to LaBeouf seeking his sign-off on it, and the actor gave his full blessing. More from Variety John Rhys-Davies to Star in Horror Creature Feature 'Bone Keeper,' With REinvent Handling World Sales (EXCLUSIVE) Mads Mikkelsen Joins Voice Cast of 'Snow Queen' Inspired Animated Adventure 'North' (EXCLUSIVE) Carlos Rincon to Launch Prestige International Pictures at Cannes, Partnering With Vital Pictures In a statement to Vanity Fair, LaBeouf said: 'I gave Leo this camera and encouraged him to share his vision and his personal experience without edit. I am aware of the doc and fully support the release of the film. While my teaching methods may be unconventional for some, I am proud of the incredible accomplishments that these kids achieved. Together we turned a drama class into an acting company. I wish only good things for Leo and everyone who was part of The Slauson Rec Company.' Elsewhere on the lineup, legendary director and guest of honor Tarantino will participate in a discussion about filmmaker Sherman alongside screenings of two of his films, 'Red Canyon' (1949) and 'Comanche Territory' (1950). A tribute documentary to David Lynch from Stéphane Ghez, titled 'David Lynch: Welcome to Hollywood,' will also screen in the presence of the late auteur's son Riley. According to its synopsis, 'Welcome to Hollywood' explores the 'hidden meaning behind a relentlessly consistent filmography and delves beneath the dark and writhing surface of the American Dream.' Hargitay will also debut her first film at the helm, the documentary 'My Mom Jayne,' in the section. Produced by HBO and Mighty Entertainment, the doc is about Hargitay's mother, Jayne Mansfield, who died in a car accident at the age of 34 when Hargitay was only 3 years old. According to its synopsis, 'The film follows Mariska as she seeks to know, understand, and embrace her mother for the first time. Through intimate interviews and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies, she grapples with her mother's public and private legacy and discovers the layers and depth of who Jayne was, not only to her audience but to those who were closest to her.' Other highlights include a celebration of Charlie Chaplin's 'Gold Rush' for its 100th anniversary, screening as Cannes' pre-opening film on May 13; a 25th anniversary showing of Alejandro G. Iñárritu's debut film 'Amores Perros' ('Love's a Bitch') with the director in attendance; Kevin Smith's 'Dogma: Resurrected' to celebrate its 25th year with Smith present; a restored version of John Woo's 1992 film 'Hard Boiled'; a celebration of Marcel Pagnol to mark 50 years since his death; a screening of Miloš Forman's 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' to mark its 50th anniversary; and section closer 'Barry Lyndon' from Stanley Kubrick in a new 4K restoration. See the full Cannes Classics lineup below. 'The Gold Rush,' Charlie Chaplin (1925) After 'La Maman et la putain,' 'L'Amour fou' and 'Napoléon par Abel Gance,' the Festival de Cannes will premiere as a worldwide pre-opening film on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. in Debussy Theater, Chaplin's 'The Gold Rush.' Screening in the presence of Arnold Lozano, Director of Roy Export SAS. 'Amores Perros' ('Love's a Bitch'), Alejandro G. Iñárritu (2000) As a groundbreaking moment for early 2000s Mexican cinema and winner of the Grand Prize at the Semaine de la Critique at the 2000 Festival de Cannes, 'Amores perros' retains its full and undiminished power. Let us meet with Iñárritu to celebrate the anniversary of his first film. Screening in the presence of Iñárritu. 'Moi Qui T'aimais' ('The One I Loved'), Diane Kurys (2025) As the festivities will kick off on May 13 with Amélie Bonnin's 'Partir un jour,' it is worth remembering that Diane Kurys was the first female director to open the Festival de Cannes. It was in 1987, with 'Un Homme amoureux.' This year, Diane Kurys returns to the Croisette to present, in Agnès Varda Theater, her vision of the passionate and fascinating story of the mythical couple: Simone Signoret and Yves Montand. Screening in the presence of Kurys, Marina Foïs, Roschdy Zem and Thierry de Peretti. 'The Arch,' T'Ang Shushuen (1968) One of the few independent female filmmakers in Hong Kong during the 1960s and '70s, she directed one of the first arthouse films from the Pearl of the Orient. A bold and successful fusion of traditional Chinese aesthetics and modern European cinematic style, 'The Arch' premiered worldwide at Cannes in 1969. Screening in the presence of Shushuen. 'Dogma: Resurrected,' Kevin Smith (1999) Screened out of competition at the 1999 Festival de Cannes, the screenwriter and director is back to prove that it is time to celebrate with dignity and humor the re-release of his film and his 'Dogma: The Resurrection Tour, A 25th Anniversary Celebration with Kevin Smith,' which will pass through Cannes in May. Screening in the presence of Smith and director of photography Robert Yeoman. 'Sunshine,' István Szabó (1999) Five times in competition, prize of the jury in 1985, member of the jury in 1986, the Hungarian filmmaker, a friend of the Festival de Cannes, will be honored at an evening screening of a newly restored film produced by Robert Lantos. Screening in the presence of Szabó, Lantos and György Ráduly, Director of the National Film Institute – Film Preservation and Technology Division Hungary. 'Slauson Rec,' Leo Lewis O'Neil (2025) In 2018, Shia LaBeouf launched a free acting school at the Slauson Rec Center in South Central, Los Angeles. What began as an open, egalitarian workshop quickly turned into intense daily rehearsals led by Shia, pushing participants to their limits. Filmmaker Leo Lewis O'Neil, who was present from the very first workshop, documents the participants' complex journey of professorship and the lasting influence and impact on this diverse group over three years. Screening in the presence of O'Neil and LaBeouf. 'I Love Peru,' Raphaël Quenard and Hugo David (2025) In his headlong rush to success, an oddball comedian abandons his most loyal allies. Alone with himself, he is struck by a disturbing vision. He heads to Peru for a spiritual adventure. Screening in the presence of Quenard and David. 'Yi Yi' ('Yi Yi: A One and a Two'), Edward Yang (2000) Winner of the best director prize at the 2000 Festival de Cannes, 'Yi Yi' returns to the Palais des festivals screens to honor the memory of director Yang, 2001 jury member and 2005 president of the Cinéfondation and short films. The film will open Cannes Classics. Screening in the presence of Kaili Peng, partner of Edward Yang, credited as composer, set designer, costume designer and actress of the film. 'Hard Boiled,' John Woo (1992) As a true holy grail for cinephiles around the world, John Woo's work will soon finally be available in a restored version. Launched as a worldwide premiere, the legendary master of 1990s Hong Kong action cinema returns to the big screen at Cannes. Screening in the presence of Jordan Fields, SVP of acquisitions and originals, Shout! Studios. 'Merlusse,' Marcel Pagnol (1935) On the 50th anniversary of Marcel Pagnol's passing and the 130th anniversary of his birth, in the continuation of an operation carried out in collaboration with the Mairie de Cannes, Cannes Classics will celebrate the 70th anniversary of his presidency of the jury by screening a newly restored version of the film that inspired Alexander Payne's 'Winter Break.' Screening in the presence of Nicolas Pangol. 'David Lynch, une énigme à Hollywood' ('Welcome to Hollywood'), Stéphane Ghez (2025) As a creator of absolute freedom, David Lynch has built his work as a riddle to be deciphered between dream and reality. As a cult director from his very first films – 'Eraserhead,' 'The Elephant Man,' 'Blue Velvet' – Lynch forever disrupted the world of television with his series 'Twin Peaks,' before tackling the lies of Hollywood in 'Mulholland Drive.' Recounting the life of the most influential filmmaker of his generation, this documentary explores the hidden meaning behind a relentlessly consistent filmography and delves beneath the dark and writhing surface of the American Dream. Screening in the presence of Riley Lynch, David Lynch's son, and Ghez. 'Para Vigo Me Voy' ('To Vigo I Go'), Lírio Ferreira and Karen Harley (2025) A documentary feature on Carlos Diegues, one of the greatest Brazilian filmmakers, who recently passed away. In his final interviews, he discusses cinema, politics, Brazil and his own life. These interviews are interspersed with excerpts from his films and their soundtracks, composed by artists such as Chico Buarque, Gilberto Gil and Caetano in the presence of Harley and Ferreira, producers Diogo Dahl and Maria Fernanda Miguel, editor Lucílio Jota, sound editor Waldir Xavier, the actress from one of Diegues' films Ana Maria Magalhães, singer Ney Matogrosso, as well as Renata Magalhaes, Diegues' spouse, and Isabel, his daughter. 'Dis pas de bêtises!' ('Watch What You Say'), Vincent Glenn (2025) In the beginning, there was a heart operation gone wrong. From this was born this film, written as a tragi-comedy taking a father and son on a journey to an unknown destination. It's an escapade through memory, film noir and the life of a man who has played with shadows all his life. A tribute to great cinematographer Pierre-William Glenn. Screening in the presence of Vincent Glenn. 'I Huvudet På' (Bo Being Bo Widerberg'), Jon Asp and Mattias Nohrborg (2025) A feature-length documentary about the Swedish acclaimed and eccentric director Bo Widerberg, who in the shadow of Ingmar Bergman became Sweden's most influential filmmaker. It describes Widerberg's celebration during the progressive early 1960s, from being an aspiring author and a harsh critic to his heydays as hallmarked film auteur and on to adventures in Cannes and New York, directing films like 'The Baby Carriage,' 'Raven's End,' 'Elvira Madigan,' 'Joe Hill' and 'Man on the Roof,' among others. The film also shows to what cost Widerberg's career, or rather his ardent search for life, came at – on his colleagues, on his family and on himself. Screening in the presence of Asp and Nohrborg and the actors from Widerberg's films, Thommy Berggren and Pia Degermark, the 'Elvira Madigan' couple, in competition at Cannes in 1967, for which Degermark received the best actress award. 'My Mom Jayne,' Mariska Hargitay (2025) Mariska Hargitay was 3 years old when her mother, Jayne Mansfield, tragically died in a car accident at the age of 34. The film follows Mariska as she seeks to know, understand and embrace her mother for the first time. Through intimate interviews and a collection of never-before-seen photos and home movies, she grapples with her mother's public and private legacy and discovers the layers and depth of who Jayne was, not only to her audience but to those who were closest to her. Screening in the presence of Hargitay. RESTORED PRINTS 'Aranyer Din Ratri' ('Days and Nights in the Forest'), Satyajit Ray (1970) 'La Course en Tête,' Joël Santoni (1974) 'Floating Clouds,' Mikio Naruse (1955) 'Gehenu Lamai' ('The Girls'), Sumitra Peries (1978) 'La Paga,' Ciro Durán (1962) 'Magirama,' Abel Gance and Nelly Kaplan (1956) 'Más allá del olvido' ('Beyond Oblivion'), (1955) 'Said Effendi' (Saeed Effendi'), Kameran Hosni (1955) 'Sterne' ('Stars'), Konrad Wolf (1959) 'Waqai Sinin Al-Djamr' ('Chronicle of the Years of Embers'), Mohamed Lakhdar-Hamin (1975) 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest,' Miloš Forman (1925) A filmmaker dear to the heart of the Cannes Film Festival, Miloš Forman sees one of his greatest works restored. Produced by Saul Zaentz and Michael Douglas, it won five Oscars and gave Jack Nicholson one of his greatest roles. Screening in the presence of Paul Zaentz (Teatro Della Pace Films). 'Barry Lyndon,' Stanley Kubrick (1974) Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece in a brand-new 4K restoration to close the section on Friday, May 23 in the Debussy Theater. Guest of Honor: Quentin Tarantino on George Sherman Filmmaker-cinephile, one of the most active, a writer on cinema (his 'Cinema Speculation' is a marvel), Palme d'Or winner with 'Pulp Fiction,' president of the jury in 2004, Quentin Tarantino is this year's guest of honor at Cannes Classics. He will share his passion for George Sherman by showing two of his westerns made for Universal Pictures, one of his most creative periods. The discussion with QT will be moderated by critic and documentary filmmaker Elvis Mitchell. 'Red Canyon,' George Sherman (1949) 'Comanche Territory,' George Sherman (1950) Best of Variety Emmy Predictions: Talk/Scripted Variety Series - The Variety Categories Are Still a Mess; Netflix, Dropout, and 'Hot Ones' Stir Up Buzz Oscars Predictions 2026: 'Sinners' Becomes Early Contender Ahead of Cannes Film Festival New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Daily Mail
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Bridget Fonda seen with husband Danny Elfman for first time in years as she shows off dramatic weight loss
Reclusive star Bridget Fonda Fonda and Danny Elfman were spotted together for the first time in years—just months after she was seen without her wedding ring. The 61-year-old screen icon, who vanished from the spotlight after starring in cult classics like Point of No Return and Jackie Brown, revealed a noticeably slimmer figure as she stepped out with the famed composer, 71, outside their Los Angeles home on Monday. Wearing a dark pea coat and matching pants, the daughter of Hollywood legend Peter Fonda looked worlds away from her former physique, unable to hide her dramatic weight loss or the return of her gold wedding band. Amid Hollywood's Ozempic craze, some fans suspect Bridget's transformation is due to weight-loss injections, though others credit diet and lifestyle—while she's stayed silent either way. Danny, known for scoring Tim Burton 's biggest films, kept things casual in a baseball tee and cap as the pair were seen reviewing home renovations. The couple, last seen on the red carpet in 2009, appeared in high spirits after years out of the spotlight—despite swirling split rumors and no divorce filing in Los Angeles courts. Reclusive star Bridget Fonda Fonda and Danny Elfman were spotted together for the first time in years—just months after she was seen without her wedding ring Danny, known for scoring Tim Burton 's biggest films, kept things casual in a baseball tee and cap as the pair were seen reviewing home renovations Wearing a dark pea coat and matching pants, the daughter of Hollywood legend Peter Fonda looked worlds away from her former physique , unable to conceal her dramatic weight loss , nor her gold wedding band Married since 2003 and parents to one son, Oliver, 20, the pair have long kept their private life tightly under wraps. Fonda was last seen on screen in the 2002 TV movie Snow Queen. A month before she and Elfman became engaged, she fractured her vertebrae in a serious car accident along the Pacific Coast Highway. The injury prompted her to step away from acting for good. After making her on-screen debut at age five in Easy Rider alongside her father, Fonda went on to work with legendary directors including Francis Ford Coppola (The Godfather Part III) and Quentin Tarantino (Jackie Brown). In 1990, she received her first Golden Globe nomination for 'Scandal'. Her second came in 2002 for After Amy. Fonda also earned an Emmy nomination in 1997 for In the Gloaming. Married since 2003 and parents to one son, the pair have long kept their private life tightly under wraps Asked a few years ago if she'd ever return to Hollywood, Fonda told DailyMail: 'No, I don't think so. It's too nice being a civilian.' Meanwhile, Elfman—best known for his collaborations with Tim Burton on films like Batman, Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, and Alice in Wonderland—has been battling a series of sexual harassment allegations. In 2023, his former protégée Nomi Abadi accused him of inappropriate behavior, including once serving her a martini glass filled with semen. Nomi Abadi, a 36-year-old composer, had previously sued Elfman for breach of contract after alleging that he had failed to pay her a portion of a settlement they had previously agreed to. In a 2023 Rolling Stone piece, Abadi made the accusation involving the martini glass, which elicited a vigorous denial from Elfman. But now Abadi is taking Elfman to court over his response to her claims with a new defamation lawsuit. She is suing the Oingo Boingo singer and songwriter — who was also been sued by a second woman for alleged sexual abuse — for denying her account, which she claims is tantamount to calling her a liar, according to the lawsuit obtained by TMZ. In Abadi's defamation suit, she reiterated her claims that Elfman gave her a martini glass filled with semen. In 2023, his former protégée Nomi Abadi accused him of inappropriate behavior, including once serving her a martini glass filled with semen Nomi Abadi, a 36-year-old composer, had previously sued Elfman for breach of contract after alleging that he had failed to pay her a portion of a settlement they had previously agreed to She says she was invited to Elfman's studio in August of 2016, when she was allegedly presented with the martini glass bearing a whitish substance. Abadi describes how she 'sat in silence, terrified, gagging from the putrid smell coming from ... semen ejaculate.' The Rolling Stone report cited a police report filed by Abadi in November 2017, in which she claimed that Elfman had exposed his genitals and masturbated in her presence — without her consent — multiple times. In the wake of the accusations, Elfman agreed to a 2018 settlement and nondisclosure agreement with Abadi. But she sued the musician in 2023 for breach of contract for allegedly failing to pay all of the agreed-upon $830,000. Abadi claimed he had failed to make two payments, one due in 2019 and one in 2021, which totaled $85,000. 'How do I respond to accusations so serious that being innocent is not a valid defense? It is excruciating to consider that a 50-year career may be destroyed in one news cycle as a result of vicious and wholly false allegations about sexual misconduct,' began Elfman's denial. 'Ms. Abadi's allegations are simply not true,' he said.
Hi Dubai
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Coca-Cola Arena: An Unstoppable Year Ahead, Poised for 'The Venue Award' at the 2025 ILMC Arthur Awards
Coca-Cola Arena is having an extraordinary start to 2025, setting the stage for an award-winning year. The iconic venue is on track to be recognized for The Venue Award at the prestigious 2025 International Live Music Conference Arthur Awards, thanks to its unparalleled success and diverse event offerings that have captivated audiences from around the world. January kicked off the year with an incredible series of five sold-out shows, further cementing Coca-Cola Arena's position as the Middle East's premier entertainment destination. Among these were two consecutive nights of music legend Jay Chou, the ethereal sound of CAS, an electrifying performance of Atif Aslam, and the first-ever Professional Fighters League (PFL) Champion series in Dubai. Each event showcased the venue's capacity to host large-scale, globally renowned performances and create unforgettable experiences. In addition to its sensational entertainment lineup, Coca-Cola Arena has solidified its reputation as a leading venue for corporate events, hosting thousands of guests across three monumental gatherings. Dell Technologies returned to the Arena and brought innovation to the forefront with their AI forum, featuring exhibitions, expert panels, fireside discussions and a very popular robotic ice cream machine. Damac Properties made an unforgettable return for their 12th event at Coca-Cola Arena, pushing the boundaries of creativity by bringing an actual boat into the main bowl area, complete with an LED river and a spectacular surprise appearance from Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan. Azizi Properties dazzled audiences with the unveiling of their iconic Burj Azizi – the world's 2nd largest residential tower, highlighted by a once-in-a-lifetime performance from global sensation Jennifer Lopez. The arena also hosted a momentous occasion last week when His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum graced the Coca-Cola Arena for a special event celebrating philanthropists in the Arab world. The gathering recognized individuals for their impactful humanitarian, charitable, and community initiatives, underscoring the arena's role as a hub for both entertainment and community engagement. This is just the beginning! said Mark Jan Kar, General Manager of Coca-Cola Arena. We remain committed to positioning Dubai's world-class experiences, and it's humbling to see our venue recognized on the global stage. Our diverse mix of entertainment, sporting and corporate events, coupled with our commitment to innovation and premium hospitality, continues to set us apart. Looking ahead, Coca-Cola Arena's calendar is packed with more spectacular events. Fans of live music can look forward to upcoming performances by global stars including Moein, Adnan Sami, Kygo and David Gray. Comedy lovers can get ready to be tickled with Nate Bargatze and Jim Jefferies, and the kids can get excited for family adventures during the two ice shows – Frozen Love and Snow Queen. Sports enthusiasts are in for a treat with a host of home games this March with Dubai Basketball, including Euroleague giants, Partizan game on 17 March 2025. This exciting matchup will bring top-tier basketball action to the arena, promising fierce competition, team spirit and family fun. As Coca-Cola Arena continues its unstoppable momentum into 2025, it remains a cornerstone of the region's entertainment landscape, seamlessly blending awe-inspiring performances, unforgettable corporate events, and world-class hospitality. For more information about upcoming events or to book tickets, please visit coca-cola
The Guardian
16-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
The Ice Tower review – Marion Cotillard focus of obsession and idolisation in death-wish fairytale
An eerie and unwholesome spell is cast in this film; it is a fairytale of death-wish yearning and erotic submission. It wittily fuses the real and the fictional into a trance-state – and that's the state that I've sometimes found a little static in previous films by Lucile Hadzihalilovic, but not here. Dreamily strange it might be (and in fact, on the face of it, entirely preposterous) this movie had me gripped with its two outstanding lead performances – from Marion Cotillard and newcomer Clara Pacini – and a clamorous musical score. Cotillard plays a diva-ish movie actress called Cristina, who is the lead in a new adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queen being filmed on a soundstage which is in a remote and snowy spot in late 60s France; she is gorgeously costumed in a sparkling white form-fitting gown and crown, a look she carries off with great unsmiling hauteur. Pacini plays Jeanne, a teenage girl in a foster home nearby, stricken with memories of the death of her mother, whose bead necklace she keeps. In her loneliness and grief, Jeanne has projected her feelings into an obsession with the story of the Snow Queen, an obsession further displaced at another remove into idolising the teen girls who ice-skate at the local rink. One day she runs away, stealing the ID of an older girl called Bianca and breaks into the film studio to sleep overnight; she somehow gets a job as an extra, astonished to realise what story is being filmed, and it is here that her gamine prettiness and air of demurely sensitive adoration for the queen catches Cristina's eye. Cristina's somewhat louche director Dino, played by cameo by Hadzihalilovic's partner Gaspar Noé, is in the habit of telling likely young actresses that he might cast them in his next project, a Hitchcockian thriller. In fact, there is something Hitchcockian in this shoot, with an attack carried out by a bird, and in Cristina's own cold, cruel detachment from the victim's suffering. Hadzihalilovic might intend us to notice in one shot a movie poster for The Red Shoes, but the Powell/Pressburger film that this more resembles is surely Black Narcissus with its female desire and delirium in the bitter mountain cold. Cristina and Jeanne become very close in a dangerous way, although the younger woman is always subject to Cristina's whim and caprices, the starry mannerisms which Cristina has learned to enforce her own status and mask her vulnerability. There is a great shot of Jeanne's awestruck gaze as she turns the pages of a glossy-magazine profile of Cristina. She learns, along with the audience, that they have much in common: Cristina herself was once in a foster home, and appears to have been guided and protected in her early years by a male confidant, Max (August Diehl), who calls himself her friend and doctor. Has Max been prescribing certain medications for Cristina? Sequences in the film let us drift onto the set of The Snow Queen, as if in a dream; it is a production design which fabricates the ice-realm in all its seductive artificiality, with the ice tower in one shot is juxtaposed with Cristina's own statuesque poise. We can feel what Jeanne woozily feels: that she has miraculously found herself in the ice realm with the ice queen herself. But what does Cristina want of Jeanne – and what can she want of Cristina? It is a mesmeric melodrama, mixing sensuality with a teetering anxiety, balancing on a cliff-edge of disaster. The Ice Tower screened at the Berlin film festival.
