For decades, Juliette Binoche has been one of the best actors working in films. And that doesn’t seem to be a descriptor that will be changing anytime soon. In fact, she still continues to adapt and evolve over the years, taking on more and more interesting projects, including a new film from a filmmaker we haven’t heard from in more than a decade, Lance Hammer.
Speaking to Variety, Juliette Binoche talked about the reason why she took on a starring role in her first real TV series, “The Staircase.” And apparently, the reason is that she needs to get a decent paycheck so she can make smaller films.
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“Cinema is complicated right now,” said Binoche. “The distribution, financing; it’s difficult. One of the reasons why I took on this next TV project is to be able to do smaller movies.”
And it appears the actress already has her next small project on deck, which is the much-anticipated return of one of the most interesting filmmakers of the last two decades, Lance Hammer.
“Next up, I’ll be starring in a project by Lance Hammer who directed ‘Ballast.’ He’s someone I like very much, and his next film is a small but very exciting project,” she revealed.
Obviously, we don’t know a lot about the new Hammer film, but it is being rumored the film is actually titled, “A Queen at Sea.” At least that’s the working title. Any other details are unknown. But it’s exciting to see Hammer with a project coming soon.
For those that don’t immediately know the name Lance Hammer, the filmmaker started his career working behind the scenes in the art and visual effects departments on films such as “Practical Magic,” “Batman & Robin,” and “The Man Who Wasn’t There.” But in 2008, he released his feature directorial debut, “Ballast,” which is an acclaimed, Sundance Award-winning drama that introduced Hammer as a director to watch. Unfortunately, over the past 14 years, he hasn’t released any other films and has gone almost completely silent in Hollywood.
So, not only do we have a new Juliette Binoche film to be excited for, but it’s from a filmmaker that we’ve been dying to see more from in over a decade. Let’s get excited, folks.
You can see the trailer for Hammer’s “Ballast” below: