Director Brandon Cronenberg talked 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. The unrated cut of the movie was 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 to The 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.’’
There Are Plans for Digital Release
NEON
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.
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.
‘‘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.’’
The official synopsis for Infinity Pool reads: ‘‘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 can watch yourself die instead.’’
