Prominent “canceled” directors Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson unveiled their latest films at the Venice Film Festival, prompting a critical examination of their attempted comebacks.
In the world of cinema, few figures are as controversial as “canceled” filmmakers. Alberto Barbera, the artistic director of the Venice Film Festival, has firmly positioned himself on the side of distinguishing between an individual’s personal responsibilities and their artistic contributions. In a July interview with Variety, Barbera defended his contentious decision to include works by Woody Allen, Roman Polanski, and Luc Besson in the 2023 edition of the esteemed Italian festival, held from August 30 to September 9. These legendary filmmakers have all faced allegations of sexual misconduct at some point in their careers, and their professional trajectories have suffered, particularly in the aftermath of the #MeToo movement’s 2017 reckoning.
Each director’s case is unique, but together they symbolize the debate that Barbera is willing to engage in—a departure from the prevailing sentiment in Hollywood, where the question of separating the art from the artist remains contentious.
Here’s a breakdown of the premieres of their respective films at the Venice Film Festival:
Woody Allen’s “Coup de Chance”:
Woody Allen, the 87-year-old director behind classics like “Annie Hall” and “Manhattan,” was still producing star-studded films until 2017, such as “A Rainy Day in New York” with Timothée Chalamet, Selena Gomez, and others. However, his career took a hit when Amazon terminated its distribution deal with him in the wake of sexual abuse accusations made by ex-partner Mia Farrow in 1992. Despite being investigated and never charged, Allen’s career faltered. Actors like Kate Winslet, Colin Firth, and Elliot Page expressed regret over collaborating with him. Allen’s latest film, “Coup de Chance,” marks his return after three years and is his first French-language work. While protesters gathered outside the premiere, the film received a mixed response at Venice, with a standing ovation from the audience. Reviews have been generally positive, with an 83% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The future of Allen’s career remains uncertain, as he hinted at retirement.
Roman Polanski’s “The Palace”:
Polanski, now 90, faced charges related to drugging and raping a minor in 1977 but fled the U.S. before sentencing and continued making films in Europe. Despite his troubled history, Polanski won an Oscar for Best Director in 2003 and continued to receive acclaim for films like “The Ghost Writer.” His latest film, “The Palace,” a dark comedy starring Mickey Rourke, premiered at Venice but drew protests and a tepid three-minute standing ovation. Critical reactions have been harsh, with a 0% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Luc Besson’s “Dogman”:
Luc Besson, the 64-year-old French director known for “The Professional” and “The Fifth Element,” faced accusations of rape in 2018 but was cleared of all charges in 2023. Despite the clearance, allegations of “inappropriate sexual behavior” persisted. Besson’s new film, “Dogman,” is his first since 2019’s “Anna” and tells the story of a man who suffered abuse as a child. The film received a nearly six-minute standing ovation at its premiere but garnered mixed reviews, with some critics praising its action while others found it lacking creativity and depth.
Barbera staunchly defended the inclusion of Allen and Besson, emphasizing their legal clearance and the need to have faith in the justice system.
These premieres at the Venice Film Festival have ignited discussions about the intersection of personal misconduct and artistic contributions, underscoring the ongoing debate in the film industry.
