Canadian filmmaker Xavier Dolan has recently revealed his plans to delve into the horror genre with a period film set in 1880s France. This new project will mark Dolan’s return to feature filmmaking since his 2019 release Matthias & Maxime, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. With an intriguing premise and Dolan’s signature style, this upcoming film has sparked curiosity among fans and critics alike.
During a recent podcast interview, Dolan opened up about the personal impact of negative reviews for his previous work, particularly his 2016 film It’s Only the End of the World. The experience of facing criticism seems to have influenced his decision to venture into the horror genre. Dolan shared, “It’s a genre film, a horror film, set in 1880s France. It feels removed from my life and what I know, but on re-reading it, I understood that it is a film about the fear of failure, the fear of being rejected, of being misunderstood, the difficulty of creating.” This introspective approach suggests that Dolan is using this new project as a means to explore his own fears and anxieties through the lens of horror.
Following the release of Matthias & Maxime, Dolan has been involved in various creative endeavors, including the short film Happy Diamonds, music video Adele: Easy On Me, and the TV mini-series The Night Logan Woke Up. Additionally, he has returned to acting with roles in Lost Illusions and The Beast. These diverse projects showcase Dolan’s versatility and his ongoing commitment to storytelling in different mediums.
As Dolan prepares for the production of his upcoming horror film, he acknowledges the challenges that come with creating a period piece. He mentioned, “It’s going to cost a lot. You’ve got the costumes, the lighting.” Despite the potential hurdles, Dolan remains determined to bring his vision to life, planning to shoot on location in Normandy as well as in the studio. This ambitious approach reflects Dolan’s commitment to creating immersive cinematic experiences for his audience.
In addition to his film projects, Dolan is gearing up for the publication of a book titled ‘A Friendship Through Film’, which celebrates the 10th anniversary of his film Mommy. The book will feature unseen images from the Mommy shoot, capturing the behind-the-scenes moments of the film’s production and its success at Cannes in 2014. This retrospective project highlights Dolan’s enduring passion for filmmaking and his desire to share his creative journey with his audience.
Xavier Dolan’s upcoming venture into the horror genre marks an exciting new chapter in his filmmaking career. With a focus on personal themes, creative evolution, production challenges, and a celebratory project on the horizon, Dolan continues to push boundaries and explore new storytelling opportunities. Fans and critics can anticipate a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience from this talented director in the coming years.