10/06/2009

Distributor Artificial Eye, who picked up Lars von Trier’s controversial Antichrist [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Lars von Trier
film profile] during Cannes, is hoping to release the film uncut across the UK and Ireland. Charlotte Gainsbourg won Best Actress at the festival for her role in the film.

An Artificial Eye spokesman said, “We can’t comment on how the British Board of Film Classification will respond, but we are keen for Antichrist to be seen as the director intends. We absolutely think the film has good commercial prospects here in the UK. It has polarised the opinions of the critics in Cannes and this has ensured a ‘must see’ buzz that we can capitalise on for our release.”

Artificial Eye Chief Operations Officer Richard Napper said, “We bought Antichrist because it is a compelling film by a brilliant film director. Lars von Trier has delved into the darkest depths of the human psyche and created a film of compelling power.”

The company has also acquired French director Mia Hansen-Løve’s second feature, Father of My Children [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Mia Hansen-Løve
film profile], which won a special prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival. In addition, Artificial Eye pre-bought films in the Main Competition, acquiring Michael Haneke’s Palme d’or winner The White Ribbon [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Michael Haneke
film profile] and Andrea Arnold’s Jury Prize winner, Fish Tank [+see also:
film review
trailer
interview: Andrea Arnold
film profile].

Antichrist is set for a July 24 release while Fish Tank will open in September. The White Ribbon will launch in November with Father Of My Children set for release in early 2010.