Jane Campion: A Woman Makes ‘Another’ Cowboy Movie

Another family drama: New Zealand director Jane Campion, who was the first woman to receive the Palme d’Or at Cannes for “The Piano” in 1993, presented “The Power of the Dog” at the Venice Film Festival (based on the novel: Thomas Savage) – A-class cast with Benedict Cumberbatch, Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons.

Campion is firmly established in the international festival circuit and was last nominated for the main prize in 1999 for “Holy Smoke” in Venice.

Jane Campion, director – about the women in the film:

“One woman just won an Oscar and last year in Venice, Chloe Chao, then another this year in Cannes (Julia Ducornu). I say it bravely, but I know the stats are still in favor of women. They are still in the minority and I think the big loss for everyone is That there aren’t enough female voices in the narrative that describes our world and who we are. Women think differently and that’s so beautiful.”

After 12 years away from the big screen, her much-anticipated comeback was a western thriller about a cowboy played by Benedict Cumberbatch. The production was a massive feat that took Campion and went to New Zealand in search of ruin and beauty.

Cumberbatch plays a brilliant, ruthless, defiled farmer and a self-confident mother who loves Phil’s brother George (Jesse Plemons).

Benedict Cumberbatch, actor – for his role:

“Man is toxic—a product of his upbringing, nurturing, and conditions of living. He is incomplete, he arises from one moment and again one moment and another moment. So, I can understand him. I can look at that and admit it. Don’t agree, but understand. So, I don’t mean it’s over, it’s part of his being. It’s part of his flaw, and part of his personal tragedy.”

The 78th Venice International Film Festival runs until September 11th.

su mit dpa, AP