Venice Film Festival Diary Day 5: Unforgettable Moments, Quirky Characters, and Late-Night Adventures on the Lido
The Venice Film Festival, known for its glamour and glitz, also has a reputation for its quirky and unexpected moments. Day five was no exception, offering a mix of the bizarre, the beautiful, and the downright exhausting.
A Bicycle Built for (Almost) Nothing
The day began with a rather unusual attempt at entry. A festival guest, seemingly oblivious to the rules, tried to ride a bicycle into the prestigious Sala Grande. Security promptly intervened, but the guest’s response was rather unexpected: “But there’s so much unused space in the foyer.” It was a humorous moment that highlighted the sometimes unconventional nature of the festival’s attendees.
Harmony Korine’s Smoke-Filled Press Conference
Harmony Korine, the enigmatic filmmaker known for his boundary-pushing works, continued to live up to his reputation. At his press conference for “Baby Invasion,” a film shot in augmented reality, Korine casually smoked a large cigar. The smoke alarms, surprisingly, failed to go off. When asked about the film’s distribution, Korine simply replied, “Who said I want to distribute it?” The press conference was further enlivened by the presence of a masked “Baby Invader” who communicated only through headshakes.
A Bird’s Nest on a Head
One of the more visually striking sights of the day was a woman spotted with what appeared to be a bird’s nest on her head. It turned out to be a traditional indigenous headdress called Tererè, worn by a member of the crew for the Brazilian film “Manas.” The unique accessory added a touch of cultural richness to the festival’s ambiance.
A Much-Needed Break for Journalists
As the festival entered its second week, the relentless pace of interviews and events began to take a toll on the journalists. Netflix’s poolside party at the Hotel Excelsior provided a much-needed respite. The announcement of upcoming interviews from the international press office was met with a collective sigh of relief.
However, the respite was short-lived. The screening of “The Brutalist” starring Adrien Brody proved to be a marathon, lasting nearly four hours. To the surprise of many, the organizers decided to reinstate a mid-movie intermission. While the journalists initially welcomed the break, the chaotic scramble to return to their seats after the brief pause added a touch of unexpected drama to the evening.
A Nightcap on the Lido
To cap off a day filled with surprises and exhaustion, there was nothing quite like a sgroppino at Maleti’s Bar. This refreshing cocktail, made with lemon sorbet, prosecco, and vodka, provided a perfect way to unwind after a long day on the Lido. As the night drew to a close, the festival-goers headed home, eager to rest up for the next day’s adventures.
