The 80th edition of the Venice Film Festival began on a somber note, overshadowed by the strikes in Hollywood. The festival, known for its glitz and glamour, had to adjust its opening night plans due to the absence of Luca Guadagnino’s film “Challengers,” starring Zendaya, which was pulled from the lineup after the strike. Instead, the festival opened with Edoardo De Angelis’ Italian World War II submarine drama, “Comandante.”
The grand opening ceremony was hosted by Italian actress Caterina Murino, who took the audience on a retrospective journey through eight decades of Venice cinema. Clips of past Golden Lion winners were shown, and the late William Friedkin, whose final film “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” will premiere at the festival this year, received a warm round of applause.
“Comandante” tells the true story of Salvatore Todaro, an Italian submarine captain who, despite serving under Italy’s fascist government, made the brave choice to rescue 26 Belgian merchant seamen after sinking their ship, the Cappellini, in the Atlantic in 1940. Pierfrancesco Favino portrays Todaro, and the Italian star was present at the screening.
Among the notable guests in the audience was Charlotte Rampling, who took the stage to honor the legendary Italian filmmaker Liliana Cavani with a lifetime Golden Lion award. Rampling shared her experience of working with Dirk Bogarde in Cavani’s haunting film “The Night Potter.” Cavani, the first woman to receive a lifetime Golden Lion, acknowledged the need for recognition of talented women in the industry, hoping that she is the first of many to be honored.
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The ceremony also included a montage tribute to the festival’s jury president, Damien Chazelle, featuring clips from his Venice debuts “La La Land” and “First Man.” Other prominent figures in attendance included Biennale president Carlo Cracco and Italian politicians Matteo Salvini, Gennaro Sangiuliano, and Vittorio Sgarbi, as well as the governor of the Veneto region, Luca Zaia.
“Comandante” received a warm reception from the audience, although the standing ovation was reserved and relatively brief. It was a respectable start to the 2023 Venice Film Festival, albeit in a more subdued atmosphere due to the ongoing strikes in Hollywood.
Overall, the festival’s opening night was a blend of nostalgia, tribute, and recognition. It highlighted the rich history of Venice cinema while honoring talented filmmakers and their contributions. As the festival continues, film enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly anticipate the lineup of screenings, red carpet events, and the prestigious awards that will take place in the coming days.
