Julia Roberts has defended her new movie After the Hunt from criticism that it revives anti-feminist arguments, saying the story is meant to spark dialogue at a time when “humanity is dropping the artwork of dialog.”
The Oscar-winning actor is making her Venice movie competition debut with Luca Guadagnino’s psychological thriller, which premiered out of competitors on Friday. Set in a college, the drama follows Roberts as a revered professor caught in an ethical {and professional} dilemma when a star pupil, performed by Ayo Edebiri, accuses her colleague (Andrew Garfield) of sexual assault. The solid additionally options Michael Stuhlbarg and Chloe Sevigny.
At a press convention, Roberts confronted questions over whether or not the movie undermines feminist rules. “I do not assume it is about reviving previous arguments of ladies being pitted towards one another,” she stated. “One of the best half is that individuals depart the theatre speaking. That is the way you realise what you imagine in strongly – as a result of we stir all of it up for you.”
Director Guadagnino insisted the movie was not meant as a manifesto. “Everybody has their very own truths,” he stated. “The conflict of these truths is what pursuits us as film-makers.”
Roberts additionally defended taking part in a conflicted character. “Hassle is the place the juicy stuff is,” she joked. Edebiri agreed: “That is the way you develop. That is the kind of film I take pleasure in watching.”
Reflecting on the mission, Roberts in contrast it to the naturalistic storytelling of Tender Mercies. “It is not a lot making a press release. We’re simply sharing these lives and hoping folks speak to one another afterwards. That, to me, is essentially the most thrilling bit.”
