Herzog's 'Bucking Fastard' Premieres to Prolonged Standing Ovation at Venice
Werner Herzog's Golden Lion contender 'Bucking Fastard' world premiered at the Venice Film Festival to a 7.5-minute ovation. The film stars Kate and Rooney Mara as eccentric sisters who speak in unison and share the same romantic interests, with Orlando Bloom and Domhnall Gleeson in supporting roles. The audience response included laughter and embraces from the lead actresses.
The screening drew an emotional response from the Sala Grande audience, with laughter punctuating the runtime and a 7.5-minute standing ovation at the conclusion. Kate and Rooney Mara embraced onstage as the applause continued, a moment captured by festival photographers. The film marks Herzog's return to the Golden Lion competition, with the Maras' dual performance as inseparable sisters serving as the centerpiece of his latest narrative feature.
Bloom's character functions as the catalyst for the sisters' legal troubles, while Gleeson's social worker attempts to guide them toward societal reintegration. The premiere's warm reception positions the film as an early standout among this year's Venice contenders, with the director's distinctive sensibility applied to a story about codependency and shared identity.
The film's strong premiere reception could signal continued appetite for unconventional character studies at major festivals, potentially influencing which projects secure distribution deals. The Maras' dual casting may spark conversation about sibling dynamics and codependency in popular culture, while Herzog's mainstream casting choices could broaden his audience beyond traditional art-house viewers. Industry observers may watch whether the ovation translates into awards-season momentum.