While Terrence Malick is a source of inspiration for many cinephiles and film critics, he is a source of frustration for those of us whose job it is to cover news about his forthcoming features. Working in secret with scads of stars on films that's plots are often difficult to summarize even after you've seen them, the lyrical filmmaker presents a unique set of obstacles to bloggers. But thankfully, we're getting a first glimpse of his upcoming Knight of Cups, courtesy of THR.
The image above is hitting the Cannes Film Festival in advance of FilmNation's screening of some of Knight of Cups' footage to entice foreign distributors. In it, you can see Natalie Portman and Christian Bale barefoot on a beach, both wearing smiles. And while we unfortunately have no details on what roles they play in this picture, we're at least glad for the reminder that Bale can smile.
Said to be about celebrity and excess, Knight of Cups features a cast that is both incredibly promising and totally confounding. Besides Bale and Portman, there are illustrious actors like Cate Blanchett, and Antonio Banderas. Also there's rising stars like Warm Bodies' Teresa Palmer, Fright Night's Imogen Poots, Immortals' Isabel Lucas, and Safe House's Joel Kinnaman, as well as Frieda Pinto and '70s icon Ryan O'Neal. But then for the most confusing bit: dedicated comedians Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation) and Thomas Lennon (Reno 911!) are in the mix.
Between the cast and Malick's skill for heady subject matter, it's impossible to guess what Knight of Cups has in store. But hopefully we'll hear more after its footage is played before potential buyers. Currently in post-production, Knight of Cups is expected to hit theaters later this year.
