It’s almost impossible to quantify how much technology has taken over our lives. And we’re not even talking the physical devices that never leave our side, but also just how information is shared, processed, and investigated. The digitization of the world has taken many by surprise. And it’s that topic that is at the heart of French filmmaker Olivier Assayas’ highly-anticipated new film, “Non-Fiction.”
And because the film is poised to have its world premiere this week at the Venice Film Festival, we have our hands on the first couple clips from the film, featuring acclaimed actress Juliette Binoche. It’s obvious that judging by the clips shown, Assayas is tackling the idea of art and the new digital age in a comedic way.
The cast for “Non-Fiction” includes Guillaume Canet, Vincent Macaigne, Nora Hamzawi, Christa Théret, and Pascal Greggory, in addition to the aforementioned Juliette Binoche.
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Here’s the official synopsis:
Alain, a successful Parisian publisher struggling to adapt to the digital revolution, has major doubts about the new manuscript of Léonard, one of his long-time authors – another work of auto-fiction recycling his love affair with a minor celebrity. Selena, Alain’s wife, a famous stage actress, is of the opposite opinion.
Here’s what director Assayas says about his film:
“Our world is in constant change. It has always been. The issue is our ability to keep an eye on that flux, to understand what is truly at stake, and then adapt, or not. After all, that is what politics and opinion are about. The digitization of our world and its reduction to algorithms is the modern vector of a change that unrelentingly confuses and overwhelms us. Digital economy infringes rules, and often laws. Moreover it questions whatever seemed most stable and solid in society and the reality around us, only to dissolve on mere contact. Doubles vies is not about analyzing the workings of the new economy. Its more modest intent is to observe how those questions beleaguer us, personally, emotionally, and sometimes humorously.”
“Non-Fiction” premieres tomorrow at Venice before playing at Telluride, Toronto International Film Festival, and New York Film Festival. Sundance Selects have acquired the film for the U.S., but have not yet set a release date.