Brady Corbet’s Origin production begins
Director Brady Corbet, known for cinematic explorations like The Brutalist and Vox Lux, is embarking on his most ambitious project yet, translating his visionary style into a massive historical and mystical epic. The new film, currently in production in South Africa under the working title Salt Flats, promises to redefine genre boundaries while diving deep into the history of American mysticism.
Corbet, who previously directed Childhood of a Leader, is taking a significant leap, embracing a “looser style” that he describes as “really, really genre-defying.” This new endeavor is not just a movie; it is an expansive journey, spanning as much as 150 years and set primarily in the 1970s, focusing on the hidden history of the occult within Northern California.
The sheer scope of the project is staggering. The film is planned to run approximately four hours, underpinned by a detailed 200-page script, and is slated for a demanding 50-day shoot. It is anticipated to tackle the deep and often shrouded history of American mysticism, offering viewers a rich tapestry of esoteric lore.
Adding to the cinematic pedigree, the production team is utilizing unique methods to capture this sweeping vision. Cinematographer Lol Crawley will be working with rare film stock, shooting on 8-perf 65mm cameras, alongside 35mm and 16mm film, adding a distinctive texture to the historical narrative.
The project is rumored to be tentatively titled The Origin of the World, hinting at the monumental themes at the core of the story. Bringing this ambitious narrative to life will be a stellar ensemble cast, featuring familiar faces such as Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Selena Gomez, Sadie Soverall, and Joe Alwyn.
With a runtime that suggests an immersive, almost exhaustive experience, the production is expected to explore complex themes, potentially placing the film in an X-rated category. It is clear that Corbet is aiming to create more than just entertainment; he is aiming to craft a sprawling cinematic event that explores the deep, often hidden, roots of history and belief.
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