Hermes Dossier
AFI Fest: Tarantino’s Secret Footage and the Dark Glamour of Genre Premieres
From a surprise look at Quentin Tarantino’s latest project to the high-stakes arrivals for 'Behemoth!' and 'Mouse,' the TCL Chinese Theatre remains the epicenter of cinematic cool.
Surprise Screening
Tarantino Unveils the 'Cliff Booth' Chronicles
Quentin Tarantino turned a standard Q&A into a historic festival moment by unexpectedly unveiling the first 17 minutes of his new project, 'Cliff Booth.' The footage, centered on the enigmatic stuntman made famous by Brad Pitt in 'Once Upon a Time in Hollywood,' sent the audience at the TCL Chinese Theatre into a frenzy. Tarantino’s presence at AFI Fest underscores the festival's status as a playground for Hollywood’s elite to experiment and surprise. The director’s signature style—sharp dialogue and retro-cool aesthetics—was on full display, proving that his cinematic universe still has plenty of stories to tell. This unexpected screening has become the most talked-about event of the last 48 hours, blending the nostalgia of old Hollywood with the raw energy of modern cinema.
Red Carpet
The Dark Allure of 'Behemoth!' and 'Mouse'
The red carpet outside the iconic dragon-adorned TCL Chinese Theatre saw a shift toward the macabre with the high-profile premieres of 'Behemoth!' and 'Mouse.' These genre-bending entries brought a darker, more experimental edge to the festival’s 40th-anniversary lineup. 'Behemoth!' drew crowds eager for high-concept thrills, while the 'Mouse' premiere solidified its position as a must-watch indie darling for the season. The arrivals featured a mix of rising stars and seasoned creators, many embracing an avant-garde fashion palette to match the films' intense and psychological themes. As the festival leans into the Halloween spirit, these premieres highlight a growing appetite for sophisticated horror, proving that AFI Fest is as much about the future of genre filmmaking as it is about celebrating the classics.
Star Watch
Huppert, Pascal, and Nicholson’s Resilient Return
Beyond the surprise screenings, the festival is buzzing with the presence of international icons like Isabelle Huppert and the ever-charismatic Pedro Pascal. Their participation adds a layer of global prestige to the weekend’s screenings. Meanwhile, Ray Nicholson made a notable appearance, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight after undergoing knee surgery following a recent on-set injury. Nicholson’s resilience and presence at the festival mirror the enduring spirit of the industry itself. Whether it is the high-fashion arrivals of European cinema royalty or the grit of actors returning to the grind after physical setbacks, the human element of the festival remains its strongest draw. As the weekend progresses, the blend of veteran star power and emerging talent continues to define the high-octane atmosphere of this year's event.
