We’ve seen a few omnibus films over the past few years where multiple directors sign on to helm a series of what are essentially short films to compile into one ambitious feature. We’ve had some good ones (Paris Je’taime) and some not so good ones (Movie 43), but from the looks of this first trailer for The Turning, it seems we may have something that falls into the former.
Seventeen different directors will each take a chapter from Tim Winton’s generational spanning novel of interconnected short stories to create what looks like a truly ambitious piece of filmmaking. The film also marks the directorial debuts of actors Mia Wasikowska and David Wenham and also boasts the directing talents of Snowtown’s Justin Kurzel and Warwick Thornton (Samson and Delilah).
Featuring an ensemble cast of stellar acting talent including Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Hugo Weaving, Richard Roxburgh and Miranda Otto, the film spans three decades in the life of a small Australian coastal community. One defined by small triumphs, fading dreams, by turns both beautiful and dangerous. Beautiful being the optimum word here judging by the exquisiteness of this trailer. I know it’s only a minute of footage but the cinematography looks stunning and coupled with Weaving’s melodious voice over, this seems like that it could be one for the ages.
As well as the directors named above, the film’s other directors include the likes of Jonathan auf der Heide, Tony Ayres, Claire McCarthy, Jub Clerc, Robert Connolly, Shaun Gladwell, Rhys Graham, Ashlee Page, Stephen Page, Ian Meadows, Marieka Walsh, Anthony Lucas and Yaron Lifschitz.
The Turning is set to premiere at the Melbourne International Film Festival next month. No word on any official release date yet. Hopefully there will be one soon as I, for one, cannot wait to see this. Check out the trailer below and see for yourself.