Introduction

The Last Face is a 2016 American drama film directed by Sean Penn and written by Erin Dignam. The film stars Charlize Theron, Javier Bardem, Adèle Exarchopoulos, and Jean Reno.

It was selected to compete for the Palme d’Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival, debuting to generally poor reviews. The film was released on DirecTV on 29 June 2017, before being released on video on demand and in theatres on 28 July 2017, by Saban Films.

Outline

Wren is a physician and activist working in West Africa with the organization Doctors of the World that her dead father started so many years ago. She’s happy to lead the organization, but frequently finds herself negatively comparing herself to her father’s achievements. During 2003 Wren meets Miguel, a handsome surgeon who has also devoted himself to treating people from impoverished and war torn sections of the world. The two fall in love but Wren soon discovers that Miguel has had a prior sexual relationship with her cousin, which contributes to the decay of their relationship.

Cast

• Charlize Theron as Wren Petersen.
• Javier Bardem as Miguel Leon.
• Adèle Exarchopoulos as Ellen.
• Jean Reno as Dr. Love.
• Jared Harris as Dr. John Farber.
• Sibongile Mlambo as Assatu.
• Merritt Wever as Marlee.

Production

On 10 April 2014, it was announced Sean Penn would direct the film, with Charlize Theron and Javier Bardem set to star in the film. Principal photography began on 01 August 2014, in Cape Town.

Release

The film premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival on 20 May 2016. On 08 September 2016, Saban Films acquired US distribution rights to the film. The film was released on DirecTV on 29 June 2017, before being released on video on demand and in theatres on 28 July 2017, by Saban Films.

Trivia

• The film was a passion project for Robin Wright who tried to get it made in 2004.
  • She was the one who brought on Javier Bardem and Sean Penn in various roles.
  • After funding fell through, Wright abandoned the project.
  • Penn resurrected the film after he and Wright divorced, deciding to take on directing duties, and casting his then girlfriend Charlize Theron in the role Wright had wanted to play.
• The young musicians featured are members of the Cape Town Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and were filmed in the iconic Cape Town CIty Hall.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s):
  • Sean Penn.
• Producer(s):
  • Bill Gerber … producer.
  • Andrew Golov … executive in charge of production.
  • Jon Kuyper … executive producer.
  • Matt Palmieri … producer.
  • Bill Pohlad … producer.
  • Teri-Lin Robertson … line producer: additional photography.
  • Janine van Assen … co-producer / line producer.
• Writer(s):
  • Erin Dignam.
• Music:
  • Hans Zimmer.
• Cinematography:
  • Barry Ackroyd … director of photography.
• Editor(s):
  • Jay Cassidy.
• Production:
  • River Road Entertainment.
  • FilmHaven Entertainment.
  • Gerber Pictures.
  • Matt Palmieri Productions.
• Distributor(s):
  • Black Sheep Films (2017) (South Africa) (theatrical).
  • Leone Film Group (2017) (Italy) (theatrical).
  • Lionsgate UK (2016) (UK) (theatrical).
  • Mars Distribution (2017) (France) (theatrical).
  • Odeon (2017) (Greece) (theatrical).
  • Saban Films (2017) (USA) (theatrical).
  • Sabay MVP (2017) (Cambodia) (theatrical).
  • Film1 (2017) (Netherlands) (TV) (limited).
  • GAGA. (2017) (Japan) (DVD).
  • Mongkol Major (2017) (Thailand) (all media).
  • Pris Audiovisuais (2017) (Portugal) (all media).
  • TOBIS Film (2017) (Germany) (all media).
  • Twentieth Century Fox (2017) (Australia) (DVD).
  • Universum Film (UFA) (2017) (Germany) (Blu-ray).
  • Universum Film (UFA) (2017) (Germany) (DVD).
• Release Date: 20 May 2016 (Cannes Film Festival, France).
• Rating: 15.
• Running Time: 130 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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