Cinema rarely treats us to such daring experiments. The new film by the cult director Juliana Schnabel «In the Hand of Dante» is an explosive cocktail that manages to blend Renaissance art, crass cynicism and biting black humour. Thanks to its star-studded cast and unconventional plot, this film promises to be one of the most talked-about premieres of the season, both in cinemas and on Netflix.
- The film *By Dante’s Hand*, starring Gerard Butler, is impressive.
- The plot combines the Renaissance and crime in a black comedy.
- Gerard Butler plays the roles of a ruthless mercenary and the Pope.
- The film is out in cinemas and on Netflix on 24 June.
The Renaissance context and criminal chaos
Schnabel’s film captivates the viewer with its unique aesthetic, striking a balance between high culture and gritty crime. The plot unfolds simultaneously across two time frames:
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Florence, 14th century: The story of Dante Alighieri himself (Oscar Isaac), who is striving to fulfil his artistic and spiritual calling by creating a masterpiece for the ages.
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The USA, the post-9/11 era: The story of the writer Nick Toshes (also played by Isaac), who is trying to track down the original manuscript of *The Divine Comedy*, which has fallen into the hands of the mafia.
«In Dante’s Hands» is not just a crime comedy; it is a profound, albeit cynical, exploration of art, sin, immortality and the price of success.
The rugged and charismatic Gerard Butler
One of the film’s biggest surprises was Gerard Butler. His acting skills are revealed here in a completely new light. Butler plays two contrasting characters at once: the ruthless medieval Pope Boniface VIII and the modern-day mercenary Louis.
His Louis is both terrifying and comical. This on-screen violence, mixed with absurd humour, creates an incredible dynamic. The humour in the film serves not merely as entertainment, but as a tool for exploring the dark corners of the human soul.
The Mafia, art and legendary cameos
A special treat for film buffs will be the supporting roles and the appearance of some of Hollywood’s true titans. The film features some standout performances Al Pacino and Martin Scorsese. Their cameo appearances lend the film a special charm, highlighting the absurd contrast between high art and the mafia’s dirty dealings.
Although the film may seem somewhat chaotic towards the end due to the sheer number of themes, *Dante’s Hand* is a unique cinematic experience. Don’t miss its release 24 June on Netflix and on the big screen!
