Actor John Malkovich, 72, was moved to tears by the reception his new film, "Wild Horse Nine," received at this year's Venice Film Festival. The audience at the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice gave the production a 13-minute standing ovation.
"Wild Horse Nine" had its world premiere on Thursday, September 3, as part of the festival's official program, and has entered the race for the Oscars. The film is directed by Martin McDonagh and stars Malkovich alongside Sam Rockwell.
According to the entertainment magazine Variety, the ovation was led by Leslie Bibb, Rockwell's wife and a star of the third season of "The White Lotus," the HBO anthology series known for following wealthy guests at a luxury resort each season.
What the film is about
In the film, Malkovich and Rockwell play two CIA agents sent from Santiago to Easter Island shortly before the 1973 Chilean military coup that overthrew President Salvador Allende. Allende, a socialist elected in 1970, was deposed in a coup led by General Augusto Pinochet, who then ruled Chile as a dictator for nearly two decades.
Blending action and suspense with comedic moments, the film drew applause from the Palazzo audience during two standout scenes, though the source did not specify which moments these were.
McDonagh's Venice track record
"Wild Horse Nine" is competing for the festival's Golden Lion, its top prize. The film marks the third consecutive feature from McDonagh to premiere in Venice, following "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri" and "The Banshees of Inisherin." Both of those films went on to earn Oscar nominations in major categories.
Rockwell previously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri." Malkovich has been nominated for two Academy Awards during his career, for "Places in the Heart" and "In the Line of Fire."
No release date yet for Brazil
There is currently no scheduled date for "Wild Horse Nine" to reach theaters in Brazil.
