Today, we are going to talk about a film that has been in the news for a long time and was finally shown at the Venice Film Festival. The name is – In the Hand of Dante. Julian Schnabel directs this film.
The special thing about the film is that big names of Hollywood are seen together in it – Oscar Isaac, Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Gal Gadot, Gerard Butler, Martin Scorsese, and Jason Momoa. With such a big star cast, the film automatically comes into discussion.
But the real story is even more interesting. This film is based on Nick Tosches’ novel, written in 2002. And the center of the novel is – The search for the original manuscript of Dante Alighieri’s famous book ‘Divine Comedy’.
What is The Story Of The Film?
The film’s story unfolds in two timelines.
- On one side is 21st-century New York and Italy, where a character named Nick (played by Oscar Isaac) is a writer. He gets caught up in the crime world and gets a chance to find the manuscript, which is considered to be the original Divine Comedy.
- On the other side is 14th-century Florence, where Dante’s life itself is shown. Here, too, Oscar Isaac plays Dante.
The story features a mix of mafia, murderers, scholars, and thugs. Actors like John Malkovich and Gerard Butler are seen in the roles of gangsters. Martin Scorsese plays the role of an elderly scholar who explains spiritual things to Dante.
Oscar Isaac’s Double Role
Oscar Isaac is the biggest strength of this film.
- In the modern era, he plays the character of Nick Tosches, who is a writer but also gets caught up in the world of gangsters.
- On the other hand, he also appears as Dante.
In this way, he has a double role in the film, and this is also its biggest specialty.
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Essential role of Gal Gadot
Gal Gadot appears in two forms in the film.
- On one hand, she plays the role of Dante’s wife Gemma.
- In the other timeline, she becomes Nick’s assistant and later his girlfriend, Giulietta.
The romantic aspect of the film revolves around them.
Dominance of Al Pacino and John Malkovich
Although Al Pacino is in a small role, his scene leaves a profound impact. He plays Nick’s uncle, and in a flashback scene, he advises his nephew about life.
John Malkovich is in the role of a gangster boss. His style is calm but dangerous. Whenever he comes on screen, the atmosphere becomes different.
Color of Gerard Butler and Jason Momoa
Gerard Butler plays the role of an assassin named Louis in the film. His character is extremely violent and dangerous. Jason Momoa later enters as a new mafia boss. His arrival fills the story with more action.
Direction and Visual Style
Julian Schnabel has always been known for his different kinds of films. This time, too, he has tried to combine two worlds.
- He has filmed the 21st-century part in black and white, which creates a realistic and somber tone.
- The 14th-century part is presented in vibrant and grand visuals.
This contrast is one of the most distinctive aspects of the film.
Challenges and Controversies Of The Film
The journey until the film’s release was not easy.
- This project was started about 20 years ago. Earlier, Johnny Depp was also associated with it, but he later separated.
- The shooting was then delayed due to COVID-19 and the Hollywood strike.
- And no, when the film was released, a political controversy arose regarding Gal Gadot and Gerard Butler.
Still, the film was finally shown at the Venice Film Festival, and the audience saw it.
Length and Impact Of The Film
The film is about 2 hours and 30 minutes long. At many places, it seems a bit confusing.
- The gangster drama and the story of manuscript theft in the initial part are gripping.
- But as soon as the film goes to Dante’s time, the pace slows down a bit.
Still, it has many great scenes and strong performances, which keep the audience engaged.
Will This Film Be a Hit?
‘In the Hand of Dante’ was already being called a cult film, but in reality, it is getting more mixed responses.
Some people consider it a film experiment, in which action, literature, romance, and religion are all mixed.
Other viewers may find it a bit cumbersome.
But one thing is clear – due to such a big star cast and such a unique concept, this film will remain in discussion for a long time.
If you want to see a mixture of literature, history, and gangster films, then ‘In the Hand of Dante’ is for you.
- In this, you will get a wonderful double role of Oscar Isaac.
- Stars like Al Pacino, John Malkovich, Gal Gadot, and Gerard Butler shine in their own style.
- And most importantly, the film raises the question of whether art, love, and religion are man’s
My name is Farhad Dawar and I am graduate of the Institute of Media and Communication Studies Bahaddin Zakariya University Multan Pakistan. I’m passionate about journalism and media, and I believe in journalism of courage, uncovering the truth, and shaping the future.
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
- Farhad Dawarhttps://dawartimes.com/author/admin/
