DirectorBrandon Cronenbergtalked about the violence and brutality level in his new movie,Infinity Pool,which received significant attention and mostly positive reviews at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Theunrated cut of the moviewas screened at the festival, and undoubtedly it was a unique experience for the audience in Park City, Utah.
However, the director said that a few scenes in the early screenings would not be in the theatrical version. Still, many scenes that he did not expect to be approved made the final cut, so the audience will not watch a fundamentally different movie. Cronenberg spoke toThe Hollywood Reporter.
‘‘I wouldn’t say we shot a lot of stuff that isn’t in it. A surprising amount of stuff got through to be honest. It’s not a fundamentally different film. There are a few changes. There’s a few interesting shots that are in the R version that are not in the unrated version. I wouldn’t say it’s as dramatically different as you might expect. I supervised both cuts.
The ratings issue with NC-17 is generally specifically a US theatrical issue because of the way that ratings work here. In a lot of territories, there is no problem. I can’t see in the UK or in France there being any issues with ratings for this film. You make the film you want to make. You’re pragmatic about it because I want people to see it, I want people to see it in theaters, I want it to get the best release possible. You have to be pragmatic about it when you’re in film because there are so many weird forces shaping what you’re doing.
I’m actually lucky to be able to start with the version of the film that I want to make without considering those things, to have a director’s cut. If I need to make a few tweaks for the release, then it is what it is.’’
Related:Why Horror Fans Should Be Excited For Infinity Pool
There Are Plans for Digital Release
The director stated that watching a movie is a subjective experience, and the film isn’t for everyone. But, as it turns out, he was surprised by the positive reviews.
‘‘It was incredibly exciting. I always assume that everyone will only hate my films and obviously this isn’t for everyone, but it has been largely quite positive online, much to my surprise.’’
Behind the decision to release the film as unrated at Sundance was not only Cronenberg’s idea but also the NEON and the technical team. The director has confirmed plans for a digital and Blu-ray release for the surreal horror, which was released in theaters on Jan. 27. The film earned $2.7 million in its opening weekend.
The official synopsis forInfinity Poolreads: ‘‘While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero tolerance policy for crime: either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you may watch yourself die instead.’’
