Guy Maddin’s Latest Film “Rumours” Premieres at Festival of New Cinema

“Roy Dupuis is by far my favorite actor in the world,” declared filmmaker Guy Maddin during a recent interview ahead of the Quebec premiere of his latest film at the Festival of New Cinema. Alongside his co-writers and co-directors, brothers Evan and Galen Johnson, Maddin has crafted a unique cinematic experience, featuring a cast that includes Quebec actor Roy Dupuis, Denis Ménochet, and Cate Blanchett.

In “Rumours,” the actors portray leaders of the G7 summit held in Germany. As they work on drafting their official communique amidst a global crisis, the nature of which remains unspecified, they end up getting lost in a forest. The narrative takes an absurd twist with the inclusion of zombies and a giant brain, as the leaders grapple with their passions and conflicts, determined to complete their statement.

Despite its absurd tone, Maddin emphasizes that the film “draws inspiration from very real political issues.” At a time when the influence of the G7 appears to be waning on the global stage, the Manitoba-based filmmakers have envisioned a grand allegory. In their creation, the group of leaders literally becomes mired in the mud, unable to manage the crisis they believe they can resolve.

“We also wanted to surprise by imagining a world where the Canadian Prime Minister is the hero,” Maddin explains. In this crucial role, Roy Dupuis saves characters in distress and naturally becomes an object of desire for others. Maddin adds, “I love Roy because he seems so honest and innocent, while also being a formidable actor. His character, emotional, stubborn, and unpredictable, suits him particularly well.” However, the actors do not necessarily model their performances on real politicians.

Maddin, known for his surreal masterpiece “My Winnipeg” (2007), is no stranger to collaboration with both Dupuis and the Johnson brothers. Dupuis starred in their previous work, whose peculiar fantasy divided critics. “Although ‘Rumours’ is one of my more conventional works,” notes Maddin, “it didn’t stop me from fully embracing the absurd.”

The film’s star-studded cast, which also includes Charles Dance as the American president and Alicia Vikander as the president of the European Commission, owes its existence to producer Ari Aster, known for films such as “Hereditary” and “Midsommar.” Maddin recounts, “I was incredibly touched when Ari wrote to say I was one of his favorite filmmakers during his childhood. Once our script was completed, he expressed interest in producing the film, quickly connecting us with Cate Blanchett and Denis Ménochet.”

The chemistry between the characters is remarkable. Denis Ménochet shines as the clumsy French president, and a particular scene where he is carried through the forest by Roy Dupuis is set to captivate cinephiles. Notably, there is palpable sexual tension between Dupuis’ Canadian Prime Minister and Cate Blanchett’s comical German Chancellor, for which Blanchett perfected a charming accent.

Of particular note is Charles Dance’s portrayal of the aged and weakened American president, reminiscent of past leaders, who inexplicably speaks with a British accent—an aspect that was intentionally included in the script. “When we had our early versions read by acquaintances, we were told it was completely ridiculous,” Maddin states. “And that’s exactly the kind of feedback that tells me I’m on the right track.”

“Rumours” is showcased at the Festival of New Cinema on October 10th and is scheduled to hit theaters on October 18th.

The Festival of New Cinema continues to feature heavyweight films from international festivals while also being a platform for gems that may not reach mainstream theaters. Among these selections is “Tardes de Soledad” by Catalan director Albert Serra, a Gold Concha winner at the San Sebastián Festival; “Eat the Night,” a half-thriller, half-fictional video game world hybrid by French duo Caroline Poggi and Jonathan Vinel; and “Matt and Mara” from promising Canadian director Kazik Radwanski, a fresh take on romantic comedy with elements of improvisation.