After seven films that have won awards at many festivals around the world, Quebecer Xavier Dolan is realizing his dream: to make a feature film in English with an international cast based on an original script he co-wrote. Kit Harington – new from “Game of Thrones” – Natalie Portman, Susan Sarandon, Kathy Bates, Michael Gambon… These are, to name a few, the actors that the film director John F. with Donovan for “My Life”.
The story follows an epistolary relationship between the star of a very popular TV series in the United States and a young English schoolboy. When this secret correspondence comes to light, the fate of the actor collapses and with it his public image. Then begins the time of introspection, the search for identity and the search for truth for the main character.
With its elaborate plot, My Life by John F. With Donovan, it is undoubtedly his most ambitious project as a director. The film has many characters, two timelines and three different locations. Everything resembles a fresco in the style of Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia – which was a particular inspiration.
Jacob Tremblay “My Life with John Donovan”.
When presented at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), My Life with John Donovan was completely rejected by American critics. THE The Hollywood Reporter Talks about “heavy and very long” drama; THE New York Times about “artificial structure” and “forced speech”; but variety Appreciates the filmmaker’s “self-centered” approach.
In France, critics are more positive, but admissions are disappointing, with just 340,000 moviegoers heading to theaters to see the film. If it’s the darling of an oft-celebrated filmography, My Life with John Donovan remains a work that addresses a delicate subject: the references made to a public figure who has no choice but to hide in order to fulfill expectations – and fantasies. – of society.
Kit Harington in My Life with John F. Donovan.
A closeted actor, John Donovan’s character is part of a debate that continues today: the place of homosexuals in cinema – A topic recently addressed by actress Muriel Robin on the show Quelle époque! on France 2. The fate of the hero, played by Kit Harington, is about great movie icons who had to hide all their lives to work.
My Life by John F. With Donovan is still available on Prime Video.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
