Based on reviews I’ve read so far it doesn’t sound like Jean-Marc Vallée’s The Young Victoria will be any kind of serious Oscar contender, but the film is still making the festival rounds and will close the Toronto Film Festival so there is still a chance for the buzz to improve. On top of that, it was announced today that Bob Berney and Bill Pohald’s new distribution house, Apparition, have acquired the picture for a November 13 release.
Quoted by Anne Thompson, Berney said of the film, “It feels like an Anne Hathaway breakout role. Emily Blunt could be very awards-friendly.”
The picture was written by Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park) and stars Blunt as Queen Victoria in the turbulent first years of her reign. Rupert Friend portrays Prince Albert, the suitor who wins her heart and becomes her partner in this spectacular romance. The film also features Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson, Jim Broadbent, Thomas Kretschmann and Mark Strong.
In the press release announcing the move Berney added, “This love story, set amongst all the intrigue of the court, has one of the finest supporting ensemble casts I’ve seen. Graham King has done an amazing job putting the film together and it’s an honor to be working with him and the team at GK Films, as well as everyone at Sony Pictures Worldwide Acquisitions Group.”
Commenting on the film recently at In Contention, Guy Lodge recollects his march review after the film’s UK release saying, “Apart from the requisite pretty set-dressing and some marvelous work by the increasingly impressive Rupert Friend, it’s pretty much dead in the water, with indifferent writing and an anorexic narrative doing little to bolster a surprisingly wan lead turn from the usually spiky Emily Blunt. Home favoritism has clearly given it this spot, and while some may raise their hopes for the film based on the news, I wouldn’t hold your breath.”
Take a look at the trailer directly below.
