In the Hand of Dante: A Time-Traveling Epic Unveiled at the Venice Film Festival
Julian Schnabel has addressed the controversy surrounding the presence of Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler at the Venice Film Festival due to their support for Israel. Despite calls for their disinvitation, both actors were not present at the festival. Schnabel defended his choice of casting them in his new film "In the Hand of Dante," emphasizing their acting abilities and the importance of focusing on the movie itself rather than external issues.
"In the Hand of Dante" is a time-traveling film based on Nick Tosches' book of the same name, which follows the journey of a manuscript of Dante Alighieri's poem "The Divine Comedy" from the Vatican library to New York City. Oscar Isaac, who plays the dual roles of Tosches and Dante, expressed his attraction to the project's impossibility and mysterious nature during the press conference.
The star-studded cast of "In the Hand of Dante" includes Jason Momoa, John Malkovich, Louis Cancelmi, Sabrina Impacciatore, and Franco Nero. Martin Scorsese also makes a cameo appearance as an elderly sage named Isaiah, influencing Dante Alighieri while he writes "The Divine Comedy." Italian actors like Claudio Santamaria, Guido Caprino, Paolo Bonacelli, and Dora Romano are also part of the film.
The premiere of "In the Hand of Dante" at the Venice Film Festival is highly anticipated, showcasing a blend of international talent and captivating storytelling. The film promises to take audiences on a unique and intriguing journey through time and literature, offering a cinematic experience that transcends boundaries and challenges perceptions.