John Malkovich acclaimed at Venice for Chilean black comedy ‘Wild Horse Nine’

John Malkovich became the main attraction on Venice’s red carpet as “Wild Horse Nine,” Martin McDonagh’s Chilean black comedy, drew acclaim at the festival. He plays a CIA agent in Chile during the months before the country’s coup.

Malkovich arrived at the Lido in a black suit and beige shirt with a striking ruffled collar. He was joined at the premiere by co-star Sam Rockwell, Chilean actress Mariana di Girolamo and Brazilian actress Ailín Salas.

The film follows two CIA agents, played by Malkovich and Rockwell, as they navigate Chile on the eve of the coup. Their journey to Easter Island forces them to carry the weight of their past and a bleak present. The film’s Latin American atmosphere extended to the soundtrack, which included Mercedes Sosa’s “Gracias a la vida.”

Malkovich’s performance generated enthusiasm at the Mostra. During the film’s presentation, some reporters encouraged him to prepare a speech in case future awards come his way. He answered that what mattered to him was that “the film and the entire cast are receiving so much attention.”

McDonagh returned to the Lido after successful appearances in 2017 and 2022 with “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and “The Banshees of Inisherin.” He attended with his partner, British actress Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Other celebrities on the red carpet included Kendall Jenner, who wore a gold-toned dress.

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the film and the entire cast are receiving so much attention