Last summer, the cinema world lost the great, prolific and distinctive filmmaker Raul Ruiz. Probably best known to contemporary audiences for "The Mysteries Of Lisbon," the Cannes winner has in the middle of preparations for his next film, "The Lines Of Wellington," which was set to center around the Battle Of Bussaco in 1810 and the French invasion of Portugal. Well, fans will be relieved to know the movie is still happening.
Screen Daily reveals that during a tribute to the filmmaker at the Rotterdam Film Festival, his widow and editor Valeria Sarmiento was unable to attend as she was taking over the director's chair on the film. The production is already underway in front of cameras, with some first images provided by Split Screen, with the film featuring an extensive, star-studded cast including John Malkovich, Catherine Deneuve, Isabelle Huppert, Mathieu Amalric, Chiara Mastrioanni and more.
The plan is for the film to make a theatrical debut, as well be spread out further in a television version that will air in three parts. The film is expected to be released in Portugal later this year, though no exact dates have been revealed. But this does promise to be epic, with production company Alfama Films proclaiming that it will be " 'War & Peace' in Portugal.' Either way, we'll keeping our eyes on radar on guard for this one.
An sales poster for the film below courtesy of Mubi along with some early shots from the movie.
