Luca Guadagnino, known for his daring cinematic visions, is diving into one of his most ambitious projects yet: an adaptation of Thomas Mann's 1901 novel Buddenbrooks. This news comes after a busy year for Guadagnino, with the release of Challengers and Queer. The Italian director is no stranger to literary adaptations, having successfully brought stories like Suspiria (2018) to life. Now, he's ready to explore the decline of a wealthy German merchant family in Buddenbrooks, a novel that dissects the fragility of social status and the inevitability of decay.
Guadagnino describes Buddenbrooks as a companion piece to his adaptation of William S. Burroughs' Queer, with both films reflecting on repression and longing from different angles. “One [Queer] is about the longing of the past and the unavoidability when you meet someone that is really pulling you in, and you want to see yourself reflected in the gaze of the other,” Guadagnino explains. “The other one [Buddenbrooks] is about the decadence of a Western society rooted in the most brutal form of repression, internal before being external.”
Teaming up once more with We Are Who We Are creator Francesca Manieri, Guadagnino aims to capture the intricate family dynamics and social decline that Mann's novel masterfully illustrates. The director's dedication to adapting Buddenbrooks speaks to his fascination with works that delve into human psychology and societal constructs.
But that's not all for Guadagnino. He is also working on Separate Rooms, adapted from Pier Vittorio Tondelli's novel and slated to star Léa Seydoux and Josh O'Connor, with filming set for next year. Adding to his packed schedule, the filmmaker is in the post-production phase of After the Hunt, featuring Julia Roberts and Andrew Garfield, anticipated for a 2025 release. Meanwhile, his documentary on Bernardo Bertolucci, titled Joie de Vivre, is being finalized despite the ongoing debate over Bertolucci's controversial legacy.
The prolific director's schedule only fuels speculation, including whispers of him potentially directing a DCU movie. Guadagnino's ambition knows no bounds, and with Buddenbrooks, he is once again pushing the boundaries of cinema.
Guadagnino's decision to adapt Buddenbrooks shows his passion for complex narratives that examine the human condition. Given his track record of challenging yet visually stunning films, this adaptation promises to offer a rich and nuanced take on Mann's novel, blending literary depth with cinematic flair.
Which literary work would you like to see adapted by Luca Guadagnino, and what makes it a compelling choice?
