2012 Cannes Film Festival Predictions: Peter Strickland’s Berberian Sound Studio

Gist: What The Artist proved is that the Croisette is an apt venue for valentine cards to the world of filmmaking and Peter Strickland’s second feature will likely draw in a slew of interest from international journalists that also second as cinema aficionados. Toplined by Toby Jones, Berberian Sound Studio is one of the cheapest, sleaziest post-production studios in Italy. Only the most sordid horror films have their sound processed and sharpened in this studio, and his character is a shy and nondescript sound engineer from the UK who is hired to mix the latest giallo film. Should be a pleasure for the ears.

Prediction: Katalin Varga, Strickland’s 2009 breakout film debut claimed a Silver Bear in Berlin and was European Film Academy’s Discovery of the Year award winner. Everyone’s antenna were probably up when a production start date was announced in early 2011. When producers decided to bypass Berlin, it wasn’t because the film wasn’t readied in time, but because Strickland’s sophomore film might be looking for a grandeur exposure, and sales co. The Match Factory have the option to wait until the fall with Venice, TIFF, London and Rome, or grab a highly coveted spot in the Un Certain Regard section. Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives‘ Keith Griffiths produces.