New Film from legendary director Werner Herzog in the works
Rooney and Kate Mara take on the leading roles
One of Germany's greatest directors is returning with a new feature film! We're talking about Werner Herzog, who, according to the industry magazine Deadline, has teamed up with the two American actresses Kate and Rooney Mara for his latest project.
The film is called "Bucking Fastard" and is about two inseparable twins, Jean and Joan, who live on the fringes of society. The story is based on true events and the two main characters were inspired by Freda and Greta Chaplin.
Werner Herzog
Werner Herzog will direct the film and also write the screenplay. The auteur filmmaker became known for his films with Klaus Kinski. With him in the leading role, Herzog made the films "Nosferatu the Vampyre" and "Fitzcarraldo", among others. However, the director did not limit himself to German films: his CV also includes Hollywood films such as "Rescue Dawn" with Christian Bale and documentaries such as "Grizzly Man". Most recently, he was also active as an actor in "The Mandalorian".
The cast
So far, only the two leading actresses Kate and Rooney Mara are known. In "Bucking Fastard", the siblings will appear together for the first time in a film. Kate Mara is known for her roles in the Netflix series "House of Cards" and the science fiction film "The Martian", among others.
Rooney Mara drew attention to herself primarily through her involvement in films by David Fincher. In addition to her role in "The Social Network", she played the main character Lisbeth Salander in the Stieg Larsson adaptation "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". Rooney Mara received an Oscar nomination both for this and for her acting in the drama "Carol".
The conditions for "Bucking Fastard" therefore sound very promising. Production is due to start in Ireland and Slovenia in the spring. No start date has yet been announced.
Film recommendations for fans of Werner Herzog and Rooney and Kate Mara
All three people involved in the project have already made a name for themselves in the film world. That's why we're giving you a special recommendation for each of them.
Nosferatu the Vampyre
Werner Herzog is a name that is inextricably linked in the world of cinema with extraordinary narratives, philosophical depths and a unique aesthetic. Over the course of his career, the German director, screenwriter, producer and actor has created a large number of films that are particularly characterized by their intense exploration of the human condition.
"Nosferatu the Vampyre" (1979) is a reinterpretation of F.W. Murnau's classic silent film from 1922. In Herzog's version, the story of Count Dracula, the vampire who comes to the town of Wisborg to threaten the lives of its inhabitants, is told in a dark, almost dreamlike atmosphere. Klaus Kinski embodies a central role as the sinister Count Dracula. The dark images staged by Herzog and the idiosyncratic interpretation of the vampire myth make the film a remarkable piece of the horror genre. It is not only a remake, but also a tribute to the original work and an example of Herzog's ability to redefine classics.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Rooney Mara's most popular role is probably that of Lisbeth Salander in "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". David Fincher adapted the novel of the same name into a film in 2011 with her and Daniel Craig as the lead actors. The Bond actor plays the investigative journalist Mikael Blomkvist. He is commissioned by the wealthy entrepreneur Henrik Vanger to investigate a decades-old mystery: The disappearance of his niece. In the course of the movie, Mikael and Lisbeth, who supports him in his research, cross paths.
"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" can be described as a stylish crime thriller. The typical content and stylistic characteristics of David Fincher are clearly recognizable, from the slow and stylish tracking shots to the perversion of human beings. Although the crime plot is also captivating, it is the special dynamic of the two protagonists that stands out. Rooney Mara is more than convincing in her role and it is clearly deserved that she was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. In "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" Fincher combines suspense with emotion and delivers a visual masterpiece. Undeservedly, the film is often overlooked in Fincher's filmography, but is definitely worth it.
House of Cards
Kate Mara took on a striking role in the Netlfix series "House of Cards". She played the young and ambitious journalist Zoe Barnes, who plays a central role in the political intrigues of the series in the first seasons. Barnes begins to develop a close professional relationship with Frank Underwood (played by Kevin Spacey), and as an aspiring reporter she becomes increasingly embroiled in Underwood's dark machinations and power games. Her role is played by Mara with a mixture of naïve determination and growing confidence in her own abilities. The character of Zoe Barnes became known for her complex development and dramatic turning point in the second season, when she becomes a key figure in the series.