Roman Polanski

[cdnchris]

I bought the Canadian one and it's uncensored.

[hearthesilence]

I bought the Canadian one and it's uncensored.

FWIW, an uncensored and reportedly region-free Dutch import appears to be commonly available and very cheap for anyone looking to buy.

[domino harvey]

I hate to always be this guy, but discussion on this can be found in the three page dedicated thread for the film and linked in the first post of this thread

[domino harvey]

Polanski’s next film, the Palace, will film in March. It is set in a Swiss Alps hotel on NYE 1999.

[Aunt Peg]

Polanski’s next film, the Palace, will film in March. It is set in a Swiss Alps hotel on NYE 1999.

Mia Farrow is rumoured to be starring in it with Polanski's wife Emmanuelle Seigner.

[aox]

Polanski’s next film, the Palace, will film in March. It is set in a Swiss Alps hotel on NYE 1999.

While it is moving forward, it seems to be having some financial issues as backers walk.

Roman Polanski Always Thrived in France, But Now Even His Adopted Country is Turning On Him

EDIT: word

[Yakushima]

I got my hands on the Italian Blu-ray of Roman Polanski's The Palace and happy to report that this is an excellent representation of the film. The disc is English-friendly as far as the main feature is concerned. Supplement-wise, it has a lively on-the-set featurette, which shows 90-year-old Polanski energetically directing scenes and includes interviews with the principal actors.

The film is a joy to watch (this is my second viewing) and represents the director's foray into decidedly Monty Python-esque territory. John Cleese's presence definitely enhances this impression. The performances of all principals are very enjoyable, with Oliver Masucci, Joaquim de Almeida, and Mickey Rourke being particular standouts.

I do not understand why this received such low ratings. This is definitely a peak Polanski for me. The ending could be stronger, true, but that's the only flaw I can see. Highly recommended.

[jazzo]

Can I ask if the disc is region free? My multi-region player crapped out on me about three months ago and I haven’t replaced it.

I’m in region 1

Thanks in advance.

[jazzo]

The link to the disc lists region 2, but that’s not always the case

[beamish14]

Can I ask if the disc is region free? My multi-region player crapped out on me about three months ago and I haven’t replaced it.

I’m in region 1

Thanks in advance.

Is it in a similar vein as Skolimowski’s 11 Minutes? Some critics eviscerated that as well, but I think it’s hysterical

[Yakushima]

Can I ask if the disc is region free? My multi-region player crapped out on me about three months ago and I haven’t replaced it.

I’m in region 1

Thanks in advance.

This Blu-ray is Region B locked.

[Yakushima]

Is it in a similar vein as Skolimowski’s 11 Minutes? Some critics eviscerated that as well, but I think it’s hysterical

Beamish, I am not familiar with 11 Minutes. I'll add it to my list!

[JSC]

Having just seen The Palace, I also can't understand the vitriol directed at it (other than the general
controversy surrounding anything Polanski does). A genuinely grotesque farce (with Fellini-esque characters,
which wouldn't be amiss alongside The Fearless Vampire Killers and What?. Polanski's dark humor
is certainly at play and if it might be more broad than is usual, I don't think it works against the film. Maybe
a touch of And the Ship Sails On at times.

Though a less than subtle finish.

Spoiler

A dog copulating with a penguin

[black&huge]

I think What? Is in its own category which, if any defense is to be made for it probably isn't best to start with as being a farce. I say this and I own it and I'm not sure why I do

[Stefan]

I think What? Is in its own category which, if any defense is to be made for it probably isn't best to start with as being a farce. I say this and I own it and I'm not sure why I do.

Good one.

[JSC]

Perhaps I misspoke when I said farce. Let's say an attempt at comedy. Sydne Rome also appears in
The Palace, so I suppose that brought the film to mind as well.

[domino harvey]

Apparently Pirates has a 4K release in Italy? Up on Orbit now if you’re curious

EDIT Looks like there’s a blu-ray version too, just not on Orbit. $19 from RareWaves though

[therewillbeblus]

It's Eagle pictures who usually produces top 4Ks, I believe

[Beloved Aunt]

but...I assume this doesn't mean its actually been restored...no? Or yes?

[Forrest Taft]

And I believe Eagle Pictures is owned by Pirates-producer Tarak Ben Ammar.

[domino harvey]

Any recommended books on Polanski’s films? Lots of options in the first post but I can’t read em all!

[MichaelB]

Polanski's own memoirs are well worth reading*, although they stop in the early 1980s.

(*and indeed re-reading, because when I read the book the first time shortly after its initial publication, I knew nothing about Polish filmmaking in the 1950s, so that section of the book came across much more vividly when I dug out my copy three decades later when researching how much input Jerzy Skolimowski had into Knife in the Water—the answer, loads, cheerfully acknowledged by Polanski.)

[ianthemovie]

I found much of James Morrison's book on Polanski perceptive and interesting, though it's not organized in any sort of chronological order and some of the key films (like Knife in the Water) are almost completely ignored.

I've also found the sections from Davide Caputo's book that I've read to be informative and useful.