Nick Vivarelli International Correspondent Roman Polanski’s “The Palace” has been set for release in Italian theatres in September, prompting speculation that the controversial director’s black comedy set in a posh hotel in the Swiss Alps resort of Gstaad on the eve of the new millennium could be launching from the Venice Film Festival.
Italy’s RAI Cinema, which is a main backer of Polanski’s new film, has slated a September 28 local release date via its 01 Distribuzione unit for “The Palace” which has an ensemble cast including Mickey Rourke, John Cleese and Fanny Ardant.
Other key cast members include German actor Oliver Masucci (“Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore”); Portugal’s Joaquin De Almeida; the U.K.’s Bronwyn James (“The Dig”) and Italy’s Fortunato Cerlino (”Gomorrah”).
Besides announcing the release date, production company Eliseo Entertainment and RAI Cinema have also issued a dippy decadent poster featuring actress Lilia Zahner – who in “The Palace” plays the wife of a Russian ambassador – with her crowned head in a plate of lentils. “It’s December 31, 1999 and the luxurious The Palace Hotel is preparing for the most anticipated New Year ever.
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