Key Takeaways
- The Sundance Film Festival continued its comedy streak with the world premieres of "The Invite" and "The Gallerist"
- "The Invite" marks Oliva Wilde’s third time behind the camera and features a star-studded cast, including Penélope Cruz and Seth Rogen
- "The Gallerist" stars Natalie Portman as a gallerist attempting to make a name for herself at Art Basel in Miami
- Both films are seeking distribution at the Sundance Film Festival, which runs through February 1
- The festival has seen a number of high-profile premieres, including "I Want Your Sex" and "Wicker", featuring stars such as Olivia Colman and Alexander Skarsgård
Introduction to the Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and this year’s edition is no exception. The festival, which runs through February 1, has already seen a number of high-profile premieres, including the comedy films "The Invite" and "The Gallerist". These films, which debuted on Saturday, mark a continuation of the festival’s comedy streak, with both movies receiving enthusiastic receptions from audiences.
The Premiere of "The Invite"
"The Invite" marks Oliva Wilde’s third time behind the camera, and her first film since "Don’t Worry Darling". The movie, which was written by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones, tells the story of a couple on the edge, played by Wilde and Seth Rogen, who have their upstairs neighbors, played by Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, over for dinner. The evening starts with awkward small talk, but quickly becomes a raw and revealing encounter that is both funny and devastating at times. The film received a standing ovation at its premiere, with Wilde praising the cast for their contributions to the script. "Several of the greatest moments of this movie were written by the cast," she said. "We shot in order, which was incredible. … It was such a luxury." Wilde also revealed that there was a significant amount of improv in the film, with Rogen and Wilde often improvising scenes that added to the movie’s humor and charm.
The Making of "The Invite"
The making of "The Invite" was a collaborative process, with the cast and crew working closely together to bring the script to life. Wilde and Rogen have both spoken about the benefits of shooting in order, which allowed them to develop their characters and improvise scenes in a more organic way. The film’s script was also influenced by the cast’s contributions, with Wilde and Rogen both praising the cast for their input. "I think there’s a seven-hour movie that you would have liked," Wilde joked, referring to the amount of footage that was shot during production.
The Premiere of "The Gallerist"
Following the premiere of "The Invite" was the debut of "The Gallerist", starring Natalie Portman as a gallerist attempting to make a name for herself at Art Basel in Miami. The film, which was directed by Cathy Yan, tells the story of Polina Polinski, a gallerist who gets involved in a plot to sell a dead body. The film features a star-studded cast, including Jenna Ortega, Zach Galifianakis, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, and is a satire of the art world. The film’s premiere was well-received, with Portman’s performance being praised by critics.
Other Premieres at the Sundance Film Festival
In addition to "The Invite" and "The Gallerist", the Sundance Film Festival has seen a number of other high-profile premieres. On Friday night, Oliva Wilde helped debut the new Gregg Araki movie "I Want Your Sex", in which she plays an eccentric artist and sexual provocateur. The festival has also seen the premiere of "Wicker", starring Olivia Colman as a sardonic fisherwoman who commissions a basket weaver to make her a husband, played by Alexander Skarsgård. All of the films are seeking distribution at the Sundance Film Festival, which runs through February 1.
Conclusion
The Sundance Film Festival is a showcase for some of the most exciting and innovative films of the year, and this year’s edition is no exception. With the premieres of "The Invite" and "The Gallerist", the festival has continued its comedy streak, with both films receiving enthusiastic receptions from audiences. The festival has also seen a number of other high-profile premieres, including "I Want Your Sex" and "Wicker", and will continue to showcase new and exciting films throughout its run. With its diverse range of films and talented cast of characters, the Sundance Film Festival is a must-see event for film lovers everywhere.
