Woody Allen‘s latest film, “Coup de Chance,” made its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival, drawing both enthusiastic applause and passionate protests. The controversial filmmaker, known for his storied career and personal controversies, received a three-minute standing ovation from the audience during the screening.
The applause was a heartfelt response from fans and festival-goers, highlighting the anticipation surrounding Allen’s 50th feature film. However, the applause was cut short at two minutes and 30 seconds as Allen began to exit the theater. The filmmaker appeared visibly moved by the reaction and even took out a tissue at one point.
READ MORE: Diddy’s Labor Day Gift: Reassigning Bad Boy Publishing Rights to Iconic Artists
Even before the film began, Allen was greeted with a standing ovation, both inside the theater and on the red carpet, where fans enthusiastically cheered for him. However, just outside the carpet, a group of protesters made their presence felt. These demonstrators removed their shirts and handed out sheets of paper with a message urging the festival to “turn the spotlight off of rapists.”
The protesters specifically referenced Woody Allen, Luc Besson, and Roman Polanski, all directors who have faced allegations of sexual violence against women, including minors. The message from the protesters questioned the festival’s decision to feature these directors.
In an exclusive interview with Variety before the film’s premiere, Woody Allen hinted that “Coup de Chance” might be his last project. He expressed weariness about the challenges of securing financing for his films, despite having a multitude of ideas.
“I have so many ideas for films that I would be tempted to do it if it was easy to finance,” Allen said. “But beyond that, I don’t know if I have the same verve to go out and spend a lot of time raising money.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Allen, “Coup de Chance,” calling it Allen’s best film since “Blue Jasmine.” The movie has a “jaunty tone of deadpan glee” and is accompanied by a soundtrack featuring ’60s and ’70s jazz standards.
Written and directed by Allen, “Coup de Chance” is a French-language thriller reminiscent of “Match Point.” It revolves around a beautiful couple living in Paris, whose lives unravel when a former flame reenters the picture. The cast includes Lou de Laage, Valerie Lemercier, Melvil Poupaud, and Niels Schneider.
“Coup de Chance” marks Woody Allen’s return to filmmaking after 2020’s “Rifkin’s Festival” and 2019’s “A Rainy Day in New York.” His recent work has faced challenges in securing U.S. theatrical distribution due to renewed attention on allegations of child molestation made by Dylan Farrow during the #MeToo movement.
The film found French distribution through Metropolitan FilmExport and was a much-anticipated addition to the Venice Film Festival. Allen had considered premiering the movie at the Cannes Film Festival, but Venice ultimately secured the honor.
Described by Allen as a “poisonous romantic thriller,” “Coup de Chance” continues to fuel discussions about the filmmaker’s artistry and controversies.