It seems that A-list stars aren’t content anymore with just being in front of the camera, as some of the most anticipated films of this year’s BFI London Film Festival are being helmed by a new wave of multi-tasking celebs. Read on for our top pick of the films at this year’s festival with an A-list star behind the lens…
George Clooney – IDES OF MARCH
Actor, humanitarian, silver fox and now also director, George Clooney leads the way with his theatrical adaptation of Beau Willimon’s play Farragut North, Ides of March. Starring Ryan Gosling and Philip Seymour Hoffman, Clooney’s political film is an exploration into the dirty world of politics and features as a Gala screening at the LFF.
Madonna – W.E
Is there anything this woman cannot do? The multi award-winning Queen of Pop is taking a second turn as director with the romantic period drama, W.E. follows parallel stories of two women decades apart, and stars Abi Cornish, Andrea Riseborough and Oscar Isaac. Co-written and directed by the superstar herself, W.E. is one of the most highly anticipated films of the festival.
Ralph Fiennes – CORIOLANUS
From Shakespearean actor to Shakespearean director, veteran of the stage and screen, Ralph Fiennes has now also revealed himself as a devoted filmmaker. In his directorial debut, Coriolanus is a modern adaptation of the bard’s classic play, starring the award-winning Gerard Butler and Ralph Fiennes himself. With rave reviews emerging already, it seems that Fiennes’ directing hat suits him just as well as his acting one.
Dexter Fletcher – WILD BILL
Best known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Layer Cake, established actor Dexter Fletcher, has also bitten the bullet with his directorial debut, Will Bill. Featuring in the New British Cinema strand, the film follows the story of a father recently paroled from prison who faces paternal obligations upon his release. Starring young star Will Poulter, Fletcher’s first feature is set to be a key Brit film in the festival.
Nanni Moretti – WE HAVE A POPE
Known as the European Woody Allen, and despite a number of starring roles, Nanni Moretti is no stranger to life behind the lens. Featured at Cannes earlier in the year, We Have a Pope has already won a host of awards for the Italian director and is a Gala film in this year’s festival.
Matthieu Kassovitz – REBELLION
Ten years on from his starring role in French cult film, Amelie, Matthieu Kassovitz is now more renowned for his work behind the camera, with Rebellion continuing his successful trend. Also starring in the film himself, Kassovitz’s political drama is in this year’s French Revolutions strand.
The 55th BFI London Film Festival (in partnership with American Express) runs from 12th to 27th October
Ticket booking info: www.bfi.org.uk/lff (the box office is now open).
