Cannes 2024 - Rumours by Guy Maddin

Guy Maddin’s Rumours is a film that defies easy categorisation, a surreal, deadpan political horror comedy that feels like The Thick of It directed by Jean Rollin, with a dash of Eurotrash absurdity thrown in for good measure. Set in the misty woods surrounding a castle at night, the film follows a group of G7 leaders who become stranded during a summit and must navigate a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling events. 

The first act is absolutely hilarious, with Cate Blanchett, who plays the German chancellor, delivering an unhinged performance complete with a comedy German accent and she is complemented by the ensemble supporting cast around her, a game ensemble of international actors who match her energy and keep the film engaging, at least for a while. Maddin’s sharp wit and knack for absurdity shine through in moments of biting political satire and surreal visual gags. One particularly memorable scene involves the leaders attempting and failing to draft a joint statement, a sad indictment on the standstill world politics seem to be at the moment. 

However the shift into a more dream-like narrative which could have worked, does not really go anywhere, a couple of striking scenes aside and the pace slows down to a crawl with very little to sustain the interest. At least Rumours is a visual feast with Maddin’s trademark style, marked by dreamlike visuals, exaggerated performances, and a penchant for the absurd. The mist-shrouded woods and gothic castle setting create an eerie, otherworldly atmosphere. The cinematography, with its muted colors and shadowy textures, evokes the aesthetic of 1970s European art-house cinema.

Rumours ultimately suffers from its bloated runtime. At nearly two hours, the film feels stretched thin, with its central premise and jokes losing their impact as the narrative meanders. What could have been a tight, incisive 90-minute film with a turn into the bizarre or even a brilliant short becomes bogged down by repetitive scenes and unnecessary detours. By the final act, the film’s once-charming absurdity starts to feel exhausting. 

While Rumours offers moments of brilliance and plenty of laughs, it’s also a frustrating experience that could have benefited from a more disciplined edit. Fans of Maddin’s work might miss the energy of some of his early work and general audiences are likely to be dumfounded by it. 

Review by Laurent de Alberti

Star rating: ★★★☆☆

Official Selection, Out of Competition

Rumours. Directed by Guy Maddin, starring Cate Blanchett, Denis Ménochet, Nikki Amuka-Bird...