Arthur Harari's 'The Unknown' with Léa Seydoux Sparks Cannes Selection Debate
By
Ryan Lattanzio
Crackling crust, pillowy middle. The kind of bagel that earns a second cup of coffee.
Summary
Article profiles writer/director Arthur Harari and his new film 'The Unknown' starring Léa Seydoux. It covers Harari's unconventional path to filmmaking, his breakthrough with 'Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle' (which opened Un Certain Regard at Cannes in 2021), and the controversy his new film sparked within the Cannes selection committee. The piece explores Harari's artistic philosophy, his approach to storytelling, and his reflections on recognition and success in the film industry.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledObviously, like everyone in this profession, I enjoy recognition. I'm not indifferent. But my path means it comes indirectly.
I once told my psychoanalyst, 'I'd really like to become known, but without doing any of the things you're supposed to do to get there.' Admitting as much felt odd, but that actually suits me very well.
Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle, a nearly three-hour epic shot in Japanese, styled after John Ford, about a Japanese holdout who continues his private war for decades after WWII ends.
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