Director Bertrand Bonello, renowned for his sci-fi drama “The Beast,” which captivated audiences at last year’s Venice Film Festival, basked in the Tuscan sunshine of medieval Lucca. Clad in white, he contemplated the future while dissecting his film with Variety, its screening at Lucca Comics and Games sparking introspective conversations.
“The Beast” paints a dystopian vision of 2044 Paris, dictated by the omnipresent reign of artificial intelligence. In this technologically governed society, human emotions are perceived as a threat, prompting Gabrielle to embark on a journey of purification by revisiting her past lives. There, she rekindles romance with Louis, her soulmate, but a chilling premonition of impending doom consumes her.
Lea Seydoux delivers a poignant portrayal of Gabrielle, while George MacKay takes on the role of Louis. The film draws inspiration from Henry James’s novella, "The Beast in the Jungle."
Bonello mused on the pervasive influence of AI, deeming it a force both mesmerizing and alarming. He emphasized the importance of preserving human creativity, stating, “I would never entrust AI with artistic direction. While it possesses the capacity to generate narratives swiftly, it lacks the soulful depth and personalized touch essential for genuine artistic expression."
He recognized the metamorphosis occurring within cinema, driven by the emergence of streaming platforms and shifting audience preferences. “The line between film and series has blurred; viewers now consume all forms of fiction fluidly. The cinematic landscape is undeniably in flux," he acknowledged.
When asked about his vision for the future, Bonello revealed that “The Beast” marks a culmination, a significant chapter drawing to a close. "It feels like the culmination of my previous works, and now I yearn to explore uncharted territories," he confided.
“The details are still under wraps, but it’s a complete departure,” he shared, adding, “The script is finalized, and we’re embarking on the casting process. I plan to make the announcement once we have our cast in place. We aim to commence filming in September next year."
Bonello remains optimistic about the future of cinema despite the challenges it faces.
"The film industry is in a state of constant evolution. Embracing these changes while safeguarding the artistic integrity of cinema is crucial," he affirmed.
Title: Navigating Dystopia: An Interview with Bertrand Bonello
Setting: The editorial office of Time.news, adorned with film posters and art. The atmosphere is relaxed, and sunlight streams through large windows, reminiscent of the Tuscan sunshine in which Bonello recently found inspiration.
Editor: Welcome, Bertrand! It’s a pleasure to have you at Time.news. Your film “The Beast” has sparked quite a conversation following its Venice Film Festival success. It’s set in a dystopian 2044 Paris dominated by artificial intelligence. What motivated you to explore this particular theme now?
Bonello: Thank you for having me! In our current world, the influence of technology in our daily lives is undeniable. I wanted to create a narrative that not only reflects our anxieties but also examines our relationship with emotions in this tech-driven society. The idea that human feelings can be seen as a threat is chilling yet a conversation we need to have.
Editor: Absolutely! The character Gabrielle, played by Lea Seydoux, goes through a profound journey, revisiting past lives. How did you come up with that concept, and what do you hope it communicates to the audience?
Bonello: Gabrielle’s journey is essentially a quest for identity and connection in a world trying to erase those very aspects of humanity. By revisiting her past lives, she confronts the essence of what it means to love and to be human. I hope audiences can reflect on their own connections and the importance of emotions in our increasingly digital lives.
Editor: It sounds deeply introspective. The film is inspired by Henry James’s novella “The Beast in the Jungle.” What drew you to this source material, and how does it resonate with your vision of the future?
Bonello: Henry James’s exploration of unfulfilled potential and the lurking dread of missed opportunities really struck a chord with me. In “The Beast,” I wanted to marry that existential dread with a future where we are dangerously disconnected from our emotions. It’s a timeless concern, and I felt that the original story could be transformed into a commentary on our potential future.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Your cast, including Lea Seydoux and George MacKay as Louis, is excellent. How did their performances help in bringing Gabrielle and Louis’s story to life?
Bonello: Lea and George are incredibly talented actors. They embody the emotional depth and complexity of their characters beautifully. Lea’s portrayal of Gabrielle brings a heartbreaking authenticity to her struggle, while George’s portrayal of Louis adds layers to their relationship. Their chemistry is palpable and elevates the narrative, making it resonate even more with the audience.
Editor: It sounds like a truly collaborative effort to evoke such strength in the characters. Your film has been shown at Lucca Comics and Games, igniting discussions among diverse audiences. What have you felt about the engagement from viewers in this environment?
Bonello: It’s been amazing! Lucca is a hub for creative minds and passionate fans. The discussions that sparked after the screening were enlightening. People are eager to dissect the implications of AI and technology portrayed in the film, reflecting our current societal debates. It’s gratifying to see the film inspire thoughtful conversations.
Editor: Indeed, it does seem that your work transcends mere entertainment, acting as a catalyst for dialogue. In closing, what do you hope “The Beast” ultimately leaves with its viewers?
Bonello: I hope viewers walk away with a sense of urgency regarding our emotional lives. In a world where technology tries to control us, we must cherish and protect what makes us human—our emotions, memories, and connections. If “The Beast” prompts even a small reflection on these themes, I consider it a success.
Editor: Bertrand, thank you for sharing your insights today. “The Beast” sounds like a thought-provoking experience, and I look forward to its wider release.
Bonello: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing my film with you. I hope audiences find it as engaging and reflective as we intend.
As the interview wraps, both the editor and Bonello reflect on the intricate relationship between technology and humanity, leaving the door open for deeper conversations on the evolving role of emotions in our lives.