Cinema Guild Down ’35 Shots of Rum’

Most of you are already aware that Claire Denis’ films are not a common currency in movie theatres. I think back to her body of work with films that I’ve admired but not always had affection in Chocolat, I Can’t Think, Beau Travail, Trouble Every Day (featuring Vincent Gallo) and L’intrus – and I think half of these never found a distributor. The Cinema Guild are thinking along the lines of those who gave 35 Shots of Rum tons of critical praise and have snapped up the rights to the drama. Expect a Fall release.

The film, about a father and daughter whose relationship is strained by the arrival of a handsome young man. Lionel, widowed, has raised his daughter Josephine on his own. Now their life together begins to resemble that of a couple. They look after each other as if time were endless.

Currently in post with White Material, I imagine Denis will avoid coming to Cannes because the lead Isabelle Huppert will be heading the Cannes jury for the main comp. A second straight year in Venice seems more plausible. Her is Denis discussing 35 Shot of Rum at Venice last year.