After a string of international previews, clips and images, the first U.S. trailer for Liv Ullman’s Miss Julie has finally surfaced online. The period drama is Ullman’s third jaunt behind the camera after a lengthy acting stint that included a long-time working relationship with Ingmar Bergman. This of course begs the question, will the influence of her mentor be detected in her latest piece?
Based on August Strindberg’s play of the same name, the film revolves around the relationship between lofty high-society lass Julie (Jessica Chastain) and a lackey in her father’s employ named John (Colin Farrell). The idea of the pair romantically connected via a series of dialogue-heavy scenes is one that intrigues.
Farrell’s got a hefty command of his emotions in this new preview, and Chastain is as impressive as ever with her aristocratic schtick. Backing up the pair as devil’s advocate is Samantha Morton as a fellow servant, on hand to deliver quippy commentary. I’ve not read the play, so I’m unaware of how events unfold. If this clip is an honest indicator though, it looks like it’ll get pretty steamy.
Have a gander at the trailer above, and be sure to let us know your thoughts on Miss Julie before it opens in select theatres on December 5th.
Taking place at a large country estate in Britain over the course of one 1880s midsummer night, Miss Julie explores the brutal, flirtatious power struggle between Julie and John – a young aristocratic woman and her father’s valet.
She is all hauteur longing for abasement; he, polished but coarse. The two of them held together by mutual loathing and attraction. At turns seductive and tender, savage and bullying, their story builds inevitably to a mad, impulsive tryst. Plans are made in desperation, a vision of a life together – unsure if the morning light then brings hope or hopelessness, Julie and John find their escape in an act that is as sublime and horrific as anything in Greek tragedy.
Liv Ullman’s Miss Julie will skillfully weave this great original story of the battle between the sexes and the classes.