Despite the ongoing debates in the U.S. regarding Roman Polanski’s place in the film industry, his films continue to attract an audience in Europe. Goodfellas, a French sales outfit, has recently secured a number of distribution deals for Polanski’s upcoming dark comedy, “The Palace,” which is set to premiere at the Venice Film Festival. The film has already been picked up for distribution in Spain by Vértigo Films, Germany by Weltkino, Greece by Spentzos, Portugal by Nos Lusomondo, Benelux by Paradiso Films, Bulgaria by Beta Film, Yugoslavia by MCF, Hungary by Cirko, the Czech Republic and Slovakia by Pilot Films, the Baltics by Best Film, CIS by Pro:vzglyad, and Israel by United King.
Set in Switzerland’s Gstaad Palace luxury hotel, “The Palace” revolves around the interactions between the hotel staff and the incredibly wealthy guests staying at the hotel leading up to a New Year party to celebrate the new millennium in 2000. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese, and Fanny Ardant. Polanski worked with his long-time friend and collaborator, Polish director Jerzy Skolimowski, and producer Ewa Piaskowska, to co-write the film. The score for the film was composed by Alexandre Desplat.
Despite its international distribution deals, “The Palace” has yet to secure distribution in the U.S. or the U.K. This is likely due to the continued criticism towards Polanski in these countries, stemming from the unresolved 1973 charges against him for unlawful sex with a minor.
Roman Polanski, now 90 years old, has had a long and controversial career in the film industry. Born in Paris in 1933 to Polish-Jewish parents, Polanski grew up in Poland and survived the Holocaust, which greatly influenced his work and personal life. He began his career as a director in Poland before gaining international acclaim with films like “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown.” However, in 1977, he was arrested and charged with drugging and raping a 13-year-old girl. In a plea bargain, Polanski pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor but fled the country before his sentencing. Since then, he has lived in Europe and has faced extradition attempts by the U.S. government but has managed to avoid imprisonment.
Polanski’s legal troubles have undoubtedly clouded his legacy in the film industry. While his talent as a filmmaker is widely recognized, the controversy and the unresolved nature of the charges against him have divided opinions on whether he should be celebrated or condemned. In the U.S., many prominent figures in the industry have distanced themselves from him, while in Europe, he continues to receive support and admiration.
The ongoing debates over Polanski’s place in the film culture of past and present highlight the complexities of separating an artist from their personal life and actions. Can we still appreciate and admire someone’s talent while condemning their behavior? Should the work of an artist be judged separately from their personal life? These are questions that continue to be debated within the film industry and beyond.
Regardless of the controversies surrounding his personal life, Polanski’s films have undeniably left a lasting impact on the history of cinema. His ability to create suspense, explore complex characters, and tackle challenging subject matters has earned him numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Director for his film “The Pianist.” Despite the criticism and ongoing debates, it is clear that Polanski still has a dedicated audience in Europe, as evidenced by the international distribution deals secured for “The Palace.”
In conclusion, Roman Polanski’s upcoming dark comedy, “The Palace,” has secured distribution deals in various European countries, highlighting his continued popularity in the region. However, the film has yet to find distribution in the U.S. or U.K., where criticism towards Polanski remains strong due to the unresolved charges against him. Despite the controversies surrounding his personal life, Polanski’s talent as a filmmaker cannot be denied, and his films have made a significant impact on the industry. The ongoing debates regarding his place in the film culture of past and present highlight the complexities of separating an artist’s work from their personal life. Ultimately, it is up to individual viewers to decide whether they can separate the art from the artist.