Last fall the Criterion Collection and Janus Films joined forces to acquire a first-run film for theatrical distribution—a rare move for two companies best known for handling the classics of cinema history. Revanche, both an existential thriller and a quiet, character-driven rumination on fate and grief, is the ninth feature from Austrian director Götz Spielmann and the first theatrical release of a new film from Janus in decades. With its Academy Award nomination yesterday for Best Foreign Language Film, Revanche joins a long lineage of Janus first-run releases that have received attention from the Academy (from nominees Dodes’ka-den and The Horse’s Mouth to winners Through a Glass Darkly and The Virgin Spring).
“This all came together very organically,” Peter Becker, Criterion’s president, says. “Key members of the Criterion staff saw the film at Telluride, and they were really bowled over. Götz Spielmann is the real deal. He’s a completely commanding filmmaker with a powerful visual sense and an impeccable sense of timing. He is meticulous, patient, and deeply humane, but he is also full of surprises. He can wring suspense out of the simplest gestures, and the film takes some remarkable turns along the way.”
Though the film has all the ingredients of a classic crime flick, Spielmann’s real interest lies deeper than the caper put in motion by Alex (Johannes Krisch, in a stunning screen debut) and his prostitute girlfriend. “That’s the surface,” Spielmann says. “Deeper down, I hope, the film tells us about a kind of stillness behind things. It’s difficult to express that in words, because it refers to a realization, knowledge, or experience which begins beyond conscious thought and language.”
You’ll be hearing a lot more about Revanche, which Film Comment describes as “a potent, sympathetically observed tragedy” and AFI Fest on website called “the first Buddhist thriller,” when it comes to theaters this spring. Until then, check out the film’s official website, where you can find the trailer as well as more critics’ quotes, comments from the director, and info about prizes it has won at festivals around the world.
2008
122 min
Color
1.85:1
Categories: Announcements
8 Comments
Fri 23 Jan at 09:18 PM
Marvin Chavez
I’ve seen Antares, his previous film. I was very impressed by this up and coming director. He reminds me, somewhat, of Michael Haneke, but in a less nihilistic way. Anyway, when I heard they were adding this amazing contemporary director, I was blown away and very happy to hear the news. I can’t wait to buy this on the Criterion label!
Sat 24 Jan at 01:04 AM
Associate Producer
“Revanche” is a good movie. A good story line. The direction is excellent.
Thanks
Jennifer
Sat 24 Jan at 03:03 PM
NELLO DE ANGELIS
I saw Revanche back in December and I must admit that it is one of the best films of 2008. The Foreign Film category is the only decent category this year at the Oscars. Hopefully Revanche will be the victor.
Sun 25 Jan at 05:23 AM
Marek
I saw “Revanche” at the Berlinale 2008. For me it was the best film of the festival and at the end of the year it was also the best film of the year.
Wed 28 Jan at 02:06 AM
mikey lloyd
Revanche is an amazing film.
Wed 28 Jan at 01:22 PM
Miss Wierdo
Wow…. i’ve never seen it, but it looks interesting - ill look it up!
Yayness,
Miss Wierdo
Wed 28 Jan at 02:37 PM
Pete Porter
Why wait for spring? Come see Revanche at the Spokane International Film Festival on Saturday February 7. Visit www.spokanefilmfestival.org
Thu 29 Jan at 10:17 AM
Mustafa
I loved it! Can’t wait for the Criterion Blu-ray!
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