'Too good to be true': Guy Maddin on whirlwind release of apocalyptic comedy starring Cate Blanchett
From the beaches of Cannes to the bustling streets of New York City, a new film by a trio of Manitoba directors has toured the international film festival circuit to much pomp and circumstance.
Now, the black comedy "Rumours" directed by Guy Maddin, Galen Johnson, and Evan Johnson, is set to premiere on the collaborators' home soil.
"It just feels too good to be true," Maddin said of the film's whirlwind success in an interview Tuesday with CTV Morning Live Winnipeg.
Starring Oscar winners Cate Blanchett and Alicia Vikander and Ontario's own Roy Dupuis, "Rumours" follows seven world leaders of the world's wealthiest democracies at the annual G7 summit. Disaster ensues when they get lost in the woods while trying to draft a statement on a global crisis, facing increasing peril in the process.
The film held its first screening in Winnipeg Wednesday ahead of a wider release later this month.
While this marks Maddin's first collaboration with Blanchett, she shared her adoration for the director in a viral moment back in 2022. The actress visited the Criterion Collection, a video distribution company that restores classic and contemporary films. In a popular online series, directors and actors are filmed shopping the company's releases stacked from floor to ceiling in the Criterion Closet, pulling out their favourites to take home.
While perusing stacks of DVDs alongside director Todd Field, Blanchett pulled a copy of Maddin's "My Winnipeg", singing its praises.
Maddin was stunned by the mention.
"I went, 'You love guy Maddin?' I didn't know she'd heard of Guy Madidn," the director recalled.
Denis Menochet, from left, Rolando Ravello, Cate Blanchett, director Evan Johnson, director Guy Maddin, and director Galen Johnson pose for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)
Blanchett and Maddin eventually linked up through Ari Aster, the filmmaking phenom behind "Midsommar" and "Hereditary," who serves as a producer on "Rumours.”
Once Blanchett came on board, doors began to open.
"There was so much casting momentum. We just got everyone, number one on all of our wish lists, and we got our dream cast," Maddin said.
The film marks the latest in a series of collaborations between Maddin and the Pinawa-born Johnson brothers.
The partnership began in the lecture halls of the University of Manitoba. Evan was the best student in a night class Maddin taught, often staying after class to bend his prof's ear.
Directors Guy Maddin, from left, Galen Johnson, and Evan Johnson pose for photographers at the photo call for the film 'Rumours' at the 77th international film festival, Cannes, southern France, Sunday, May 19, 2024. (Photo by Daniel Cole/Invision/AP)
From there, he graduated to Maddin's assistant, picking up dry cleaning and assembling appliances.
Now, he and his brother Galen share co-directing credits with Maddin on half a dozen projects and counting.
"They're really smart guys with great taste. Our Venn diagrams are really interesting – lots of overlap but lots of complimentary stuff going on," he said.
"We surprise each other and make each other laugh often, which is pretty important."
"Rumours" is slated for release in Canada on Oct. 18.
- With files from CTV's Rachel Lagacé
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Sparks fly as MPs question minister on pension implications of proposed election date change
Sparks flew at a parliamentary committee Thursday as MPs questioned Canada's democratic institutions minister about a widely opposed provision in electoral reform legislation that seeks to delay the next fixed election date by one week.
'There is no electricity': Canadian travellers in Cuba urge caution in hurricane's wake
Cuba's power grid was knocked out by Hurricane Rafael, which ripped across the country as a Category 3 storm. In western Cuba, it toppled buildings and pushed 50,000 people to find shelter elsewhere. Cubans were already enduring rolling blackouts due to energy shortages.
Three charged in One Direction singer Liam Payne's death
Three people have been charged in relation to One Direction singer Liam Payne's death in a fall from his Buenos Aires hotel balcony last month, Argentine authorities said on Thursday.
RCMP already 'on high alert' for potential wave of migrants after Trump election
Canada's federal police force has been preparing for months on a contingency plan for a potential massive influx of migrants across the border following Trump's promise of 'mass deportations' of millions of undocumented immigrants in the U.S.
'There was no stopping this baby from coming': Woman gives birth while aboard Newfoundland ferry
A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.
Volkswagen models recalled for airbag safety precaution
Recall notices have been issued for some Volkswagen models from 2006 to 2019 for airbag safety issues.
Canmore wildlife and landscape defender Karsten Heuer dies peacefully at 56
Canmore conservationist Karsten Heuer, who was a biologist, park ranger, author and activist, has died.
America votes: How celebrities are reacting to Trump's decisive victory
Celebrities from Hulk Hogan to Ariana Grande are sharing their reactions to the U.S. election, which will see Donald Trump return to the White House.
3 Winnipeg police officers charged with breach of trust, theft
Three members of the Winnipeg Police Service have been charged with breach of trust, obstruction of justice and theft following a lengthy investigation