Murdoch and Musk in the crosshairs at Venice film festival
The 83rd Venice Film Festival is set to highlight the massive influence of media titans this September. The festival lineup features high-profile projects that examine the mechanics of power and the figures behind global media institutions.
Danny Boyle opens the event with his new film, Ink. The project focuses on Rupert Murdoch’s 1969 acquisition of The Sun, an event that shifted the trajectory of British media and public life. Guy Pearce portrays Murdoch in a script written by James Graham.
Documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney also joins the bill with a four-hour deep dive into the life of Elon Musk. The film explores the rise and influence of the tech owner and social network figurehead, screening out of competition during the event.
Beyond these biographical portraits, the festival hosts a range of new work from established directors. Martin McDonagh presents Wild Horse Nine, a story set in Chile featuring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell. Lance Oppenheim brings Primetime, a thriller starring Robert Pattinson. Werner Herzog also returns with his latest feature, Bucking Fastard, which stars sisters Kate and Rooney Mara.
Artistic director Alberto Barbera continues to balance the glitz of major stars with a selection of serious political and historical fare. Films from Sergei Loznitsa and Laura Poitras address complex subjects ranging from Soviet-era contradictions to contemporary police interventions. The festival runs throughout early September on the Lido.