Netflix is making a big exception to its traditional business model of not releasing films in cinemas. Last year, the streaming giant acquired the rights to legendary director Orson Welles‘ incomplete final film, The Other Side Of The Wind. The project was left unfinished at the time of his death in 1985, but cinephiles from all over the globe have anticipated eventually seeing it.
But with Netflix picking up the rights, the odds of seeing the film in cinemas seemingly dwindled. However, producer Frank Marshall has revealed that Netflix is indeed planning a theatrical release for the film. According to Indiewire, the film will have numerous theatrical showings, but the details are still being ironed out.
Marshall worked as a production manager on the original shoot, which spanned years and was infamous for being plagued by horrific financial troubles. He spearheaded a campaign to get the movie completed. Netflix were able to rescue more than 1000 reels of film negatives from a Paris vault, and Marshall then led a team of editors to complete and restore the film.
The film that will bookend Orson's amazing body of work, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WIND, photographed by Gary Graver, will be coming soon! https://t.co/LABcMXrKj5
— Frank Marshall (@LeDoctor) May 27, 2018
YES!!!
— Frank Marshall (@LeDoctor) May 27, 2018
The film itself is a semi-autobiographical satire starring John Huston as a legendary filmmaker attempting to forge his last great comeback during his waning final days. The film was one of five movies Netflix pulled from consideration at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival after the festival’s artistic director Thierry Frémaux insisted that any film in consideration must have a theatrical release.
The streaming giant reportedly screened the film for a select few earlier this year, which included Paul Thomas Anderson, Quentin Tarantino and Rian Johnson. When the film eventually hits cinemas – and don’t expect a wide release or anything here – expect film lovers to flock to see a potential masterpiece many thought they would never be able to lay their eyes on.
#Peace.Love.TheOtherSideOfTheWind
