CANNES FILM FESTIVAL- MAGIC MAGIC
At the 66th annual Cannes film festival, Sebastian Sylvia’s eerie flick Magic Magic was screened. This psychological thriller was filmed in a remote Chilean location and stars English actress Juno Temple and Canadian actor, Michael Cera and was previously screened at the Sundance Film Festival this past January with rave reviews.
Actress Juno Temple plays the lead role (Alicia) in the film and demonstrates admirable acting abilities portraying complete mental insanity and a death scene in a Chilean voodoo scene at the conclusion of the film. This Indie actress has starred in a plethora of films including The Dark Knight Rises (2012), Atonement (2007), Killer Joe (2011), and Mr. Nobody (2009).
Opposite Juno Temple is Michael Cera (Brink) who takes on a very peculiar role to say the least. Cera spent several months in Chile with director Sebastian Silva acclimating and immersing himself in the Spanish language and Chilean culture to add legitimacy to his role on camera. Michael Cera is famous for his on screen performances in films like Juno(2007), Superbad (2007), Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010), and Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist (2008).
Along with Cera, Academy award nominated Catalina Sandino Moreno plays Barbara, an aloof and yet spiteful character that is inattentive to Alicia’s mental pain and injuries in the film. Moreno is not new to the big screen and has a multitude of credits including work in Maria Full of Grace (2004), Fast Food Nation (2006), Che: Part Two (2008) and Paris, je t’aime(2006).
Other than Moreno, Aussie actress Emily Browning also adds an element of security for Alicia (Juno Temple) during her mental unraveling. Emily plays the character (Sarah) in the film while also playing Alicia’s best friend in the film. Emily Browning is best known for her work in Suckerpunch (2011), Sleeping Beauty (2011), The Uninvited (2009), and Lemony Snicket’s: A Series of Unfortunate Events (2004).
Although Moreno brings a unique aspect to the film, siren Agustin Silva also heats up the screen with his attractive presence. Agustin is director Sebastian Silva’s younger brother and has been involved with several projects including being cast in his brothers’ Grand Jury prize-winning film, The Maid (2009). Other projects with which Agustin Silva has been involved include: Crystal Fairy (2013) and El arbol magnetico (2013).
Overall, the film was well-made and Temple added a lot of flavor to the overall quality of the film with the depth of her mentally deranged character. The musical selections added a chilling suspense with the use of birds among other instrumentals. After the screening at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival, Sebastian Silva, Juno Temple, and Michael Cera embraced. Following the screening an after party was held with cast, crew, and other invited guests to celebrate the success of the film.
Currently Magic Magic is being released by Lebanon’s Falcon Films. ‘Like’ Magic, Magic on Facebook for updates and to see the trailer.
