Actor Shia Labeouf converted to Catholicism after filming Abel Ferrara‘s Padre Pio. The biographical movie follows the first free election in Italy after World War I and delves into the spiritual struggles of Padre Pio, a priest.
Inspired by the story, Labeouf has become Catholic and is considering becoming a deacon “sometime in the future,” according to the actor’s sponsor, Brother Alexander Rodriguez, in an interview with Catholic News Agency.
Rodriguez said Labeouf had “just spontaneously said, ‘I want to become a deacon,’ and he still feels that way.”
Labeouf was confirmed on New Year’s Eve during a Mass celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan friars. Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, confirmed him.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Barron shared the news that Labeof had been “fully received into the Church.” Then, he quoted St. Augustine of Hippo.
The Capuchin Franciscans from the Western American Province also shared a statement on Facebook.
Inspired by the story, Labeouf has become Catholic and is considering becoming a deacon “sometime in the future,” according to the actor’s sponsor, Brother Alexander Rodriguez, in an interview with Catholic News Agency.
Rodriguez said Labeouf had “just spontaneously said, ‘I want to become a deacon,’ and he still feels that way.”
Labeouf was confirmed on New Year’s Eve during a Mass celebrated by Capuchin Franciscan friars. Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, confirmed him.
On X, formerly known as Twitter, Barron shared the news that Labeof had been “fully received into the Church.” Then, he quoted St. Augustine of Hippo.
The Capuchin Franciscans from the Western American Province also shared a statement on Facebook.
- 1/14/2024
- by Casey Rivera
- Uinterview
Shia Labeouf has been received into the Catholic Church after taking the sacrament of confirmation, and is reportedly considering becoming a deacon.
The Catholic News Agency reports that the Transformers star was confirmed Sunday by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation,” the Capuchin Franciscans from Western American Province said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Friends, please join me and the Capuchin friars in continued prayer for Shia Labeouf. Shia was fully received into the Church through the sacrament of Confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —St.… pic.twitter.com/H33IRQPWCs
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) January 4, 2024
Speaking with the Catholic News Agency, Labeouf’s confirmation sponsor Brother...
The Catholic News Agency reports that the Transformers star was confirmed Sunday by Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota. “We are thrilled to share that our dear friend Shia Labeouf has fully entered the Church this past weekend through the sacrament of confirmation,” the Capuchin Franciscans from Western American Province said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Friends, please join me and the Capuchin friars in continued prayer for Shia Labeouf. Shia was fully received into the Church through the sacrament of Confirmation on New Year’s Eve.
“You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.” —St.… pic.twitter.com/H33IRQPWCs
— Bishop Robert Barron (@BishopBarron) January 4, 2024
Speaking with the Catholic News Agency, Labeouf’s confirmation sponsor Brother...
- 1/4/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
Bottoms (Emma Seligman)
It’s beginning to feel like South By Southwest is the Rachel Sennott Festival. After breaking out there three years ago with Shiva Baby (the movie premiered as a short in 2018 and would have again as a feature in 2020 if not for the pandemic), she made waves last year in Austin with sleeper horror hit Bodies Bodies Bodies. Now Sennott’s back with Bottoms, one of two new movies she’s headlining this week, and which adopts many characteristics of an SXSW offering: it’s gay, it’s bloody, and it’s horny. – Jake K. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Cassandro (Roger Ross Williams)
Rather than reverting to a traditional biopic structure––i.e. a greatest hits (and...
Bottoms (Emma Seligman)
It’s beginning to feel like South By Southwest is the Rachel Sennott Festival. After breaking out there three years ago with Shiva Baby (the movie premiered as a short in 2018 and would have again as a feature in 2020 if not for the pandemic), she made waves last year in Austin with sleeper horror hit Bodies Bodies Bodies. Now Sennott’s back with Bottoms, one of two new movies she’s headlining this week, and which adopts many characteristics of an SXSW offering: it’s gay, it’s bloody, and it’s horny. – Jake K. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
Cassandro (Roger Ross Williams)
Rather than reverting to a traditional biopic structure––i.e. a greatest hits (and...
- 9/22/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
The Pope’s Exorcist was a surprise hit when it was released early in 2023, but the entertaining horror movie, starring Russell Crowe, was just the latest in an endless string of glossy exorcism tales churned out by filmmakers over the decades.
Public interest in the process of exorcisms first skyrocketed when director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty launched The Exorcist upon an unsuspecting world back in 1973, having based the iconic film on Blatty’s novel. Friedkin admits that he was inspired to the point of obsession when he was making the movie, but it wasn’t until much later that he decided to meet the most famous real life exorcist of all, Father Gabriele Amorth, who had not only seen The Exorcist, but surprisingly championed it.
“Of course, the special effects are exaggerated,” Amorth told The Sunday Telegraph. “But it is a good film, and substantially exact, based on...
Public interest in the process of exorcisms first skyrocketed when director William Friedkin and writer William Peter Blatty launched The Exorcist upon an unsuspecting world back in 1973, having based the iconic film on Blatty’s novel. Friedkin admits that he was inspired to the point of obsession when he was making the movie, but it wasn’t until much later that he decided to meet the most famous real life exorcist of all, Father Gabriele Amorth, who had not only seen The Exorcist, but surprisingly championed it.
“Of course, the special effects are exaggerated,” Amorth told The Sunday Telegraph. “But it is a good film, and substantially exact, based on...
- 8/16/2023
- by Kirsten Howard
- Den of Geek
It’s odd, isn’t it? But then again, the shocking effect Padre Pio would have had on you otherwise might’ve been subdued considerably by your predetermined expectation of a film by Ferrara. You likely had the extent of your peripheral vision tested as you strained yourself trying to connect the two frames. Don’t let the film snobs’ shrugged shoulders keep you from concluding that Padre Pio was neither here nor there—and funnily enough, quite literally so.
The oddly revered and apparently stigmata-bearing Italian priest’s disturbed silhouette exists as the unstable backdrop, crumbling under the weight of the abused villagers’ plight in post-World War I Italy. And the threads connecting the saint and the villagers, who, for some reason, were robbed of their patois and were speaking broken English, were so pretentiously subtle that you would have to make it a point to seek them out.
The oddly revered and apparently stigmata-bearing Italian priest’s disturbed silhouette exists as the unstable backdrop, crumbling under the weight of the abused villagers’ plight in post-World War I Italy. And the threads connecting the saint and the villagers, who, for some reason, were robbed of their patois and were speaking broken English, were so pretentiously subtle that you would have to make it a point to seek them out.
- 6/13/2023
- by Lopamudra Mukherjee
- Film Fugitives
With longer days and—at some more progressive places of employment—Summer Fridays in full effect, daily agendas are now suddenly awash with temporal real estate. Should you use these extra hours to reconnect with family, go to museums or explore the natural world in all its holy wonders? No! You should be watching movies, and lots of ’em! Luckily, June is a rock-solid month with plenty of great Don’t-Miss Indies titles to enjoy.
Padre Pio
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (Limited)
Director: Abel Ferrara
Cast: Shia Labeouf, Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi
Why We’re Excited: A two-time Film Independent Spirit Award nominee for Bad Lieutenant (1992) and The Funeral (1996), indie veteran Abel Ferrara’s new biographical drama is based on the Irl story of Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar and priest Francesco Forgione, who was venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1999. It...
Padre Pio
When You Can Watch: Now
Where You Can Watch: Theaters (Limited)
Director: Abel Ferrara
Cast: Shia Labeouf, Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi
Why We’re Excited: A two-time Film Independent Spirit Award nominee for Bad Lieutenant (1992) and The Funeral (1996), indie veteran Abel Ferrara’s new biographical drama is based on the Irl story of Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar and priest Francesco Forgione, who was venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1999. It...
- 6/5/2023
- by Su Fang Tham
- Film Independent News & More
Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, a biographical drama, attempts to juxtapose the anguish of the renowned Capuchin friar and stigmatist, Padre Pio, with the awakening socialist movement in Southeastern Italy. Ferrara’s cinematic endeavor, Padre Pio, unveils two parallel narratives unfolding in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. One of them delves into the struggles of Padre Pio in his early 30s, grappling with physical and mental turmoil, while the other unveils the fervent socialist movement fighting for their rights amid a nation devastated by the aftermath of war.
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio’s unwavering dedication to Christ stemmed from his early exposure to biblical tales. His love for Christ nurtured his faith and unyielding devotion. However, his life was plagued by the relentless presence of his inner demons, manifested through a series of ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever, accompanied by psychological afflictions. On the one hand, Padre...
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio’s unwavering dedication to Christ stemmed from his early exposure to biblical tales. His love for Christ nurtured his faith and unyielding devotion. However, his life was plagued by the relentless presence of his inner demons, manifested through a series of ailments ranging from gastroenteritis to typhoid fever, accompanied by psychological afflictions. On the one hand, Padre...
- 6/4/2023
- by Poulami Nanda
- Film Fugitives
You might think Shia Labeouf portraying a 20th-century Italian saint under the direction of perpetual bad-boy expat Abel Ferrara is a pretty strange prospect. But that’s just the iceberg tip of the oddities in “Padre Pio,” which, despite the American star’s casting in the title role, often appears uninterested in its own venerated ostensible subject.
Instead, much of this awkward English-language period piece focuses on peasants’ struggle to overthrow padrone control just after the First World War. Depicting that conflict often feels beyond the modest production’s scale — and, in any case, is never meaningfully connected to the angsty histrionics of Labeouf, who seems to be in his own separate, indulgent, semi-improvised movie. Though coherent relative to Ferrara’s last narrative feature, the impenetrable espionage tale “Zeroes and Ones,” this eccentric misfire will likely puzzle fans of his past cult favorites, while flummoxing Catholic viewers who expect straightforward religious uplift.
Instead, much of this awkward English-language period piece focuses on peasants’ struggle to overthrow padrone control just after the First World War. Depicting that conflict often feels beyond the modest production’s scale — and, in any case, is never meaningfully connected to the angsty histrionics of Labeouf, who seems to be in his own separate, indulgent, semi-improvised movie. Though coherent relative to Ferrara’s last narrative feature, the impenetrable espionage tale “Zeroes and Ones,” this eccentric misfire will likely puzzle fans of his past cult favorites, while flummoxing Catholic viewers who expect straightforward religious uplift.
- 6/2/2023
- by Dennis Harvey
- Variety Film + TV
A24 follows You Hurt My Feelings last weekend with dual-language romance Past Lives, starting a platform release on four screens in New York and LA including Q&As led by talent who have been champions of the film, including Steve Buscemi, Jodie Turner-Smith and Lulu Wang. Expanding this month.
The Sundance premiering pic by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, has a 97% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes – Deadline review here — and 89% with audiences. It’s part of Alamo Drafthouse Recommends film series and has sold out, or nearly so, screenings in LA, Austin, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver.
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are parted after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week, confronting notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. Playwright Song,...
The Sundance premiering pic by Celine Song, starring Greta Lee, Teo Yoo and John Magaro, has a 97% with critics on Rotten Tomatoes – Deadline review here — and 89% with audiences. It’s part of Alamo Drafthouse Recommends film series and has sold out, or nearly so, screenings in LA, Austin, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Chicago and Denver.
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are parted after Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea. Two decades later, they are reunited in New York for one fateful week, confronting notions of destiny, love, and the choices that make a life. Playwright Song,...
- 6/2/2023
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Each week we highlight the noteworthy titles that have recently hit streaming platforms in the United States. Check out this week’s selections below and past round-ups here.
BlackBerry (Matt Johnson)
In BlackBerry, the rise of a blue-chip tech company sets the stage for the dissolution of a longstanding friendship. Sound familiar? Just wait ‘til you hear the score. Directed by Matt Johnson, it tells the true story of Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, software engineers who founded the company Rim in the mid-80s and later invented a cellphone that could handle email. The film begins on the day when they meet Jim Basillie (Glenn Howerton), a Rottweiler who, alongside Lazaridis’ genius, turned Rim’s invention (only later christened BlackBerry) into the world’s most ubiquitous mobile device––at least for a time. – Rory O. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
The Hole in the Fence (Joaquín del Paso...
BlackBerry (Matt Johnson)
In BlackBerry, the rise of a blue-chip tech company sets the stage for the dissolution of a longstanding friendship. Sound familiar? Just wait ‘til you hear the score. Directed by Matt Johnson, it tells the true story of Mike Lazaridis and Douglas Fregin, software engineers who founded the company Rim in the mid-80s and later invented a cellphone that could handle email. The film begins on the day when they meet Jim Basillie (Glenn Howerton), a Rottweiler who, alongside Lazaridis’ genius, turned Rim’s invention (only later christened BlackBerry) into the world’s most ubiquitous mobile device––at least for a time. – Rory O. (full review)
Where to Stream: VOD
The Hole in the Fence (Joaquín del Paso...
- 6/2/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
There are few filmmakers quite like Abel Ferrara. His unique, distinctive brand of filmmaking has been illuminating screens, and disturbing audiences across decades, though now in a newfound life of sobriety, we’re seeing a more spiritual turn, resulting in his latest feature Padre Pio.
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ferrara, from his home in Italy, to talk about the film, dealing with religious figures on screen, and the collaboration process with Shia Labeouf. He also talks about his new appreciation for life since being sober, and his forthcoming documentary on the war in Ukraine, and on his new life in Italy, and why he doesn’t miss New York.
Watch the full interview with Abel Ferrara here:
Synopsis
World War I has ended and Italian soldiers, broken but victorious, are returning to an impoverished village ruled by wealthy landowners. As events surrounding the first free election in...
We had the pleasure of speaking to Ferrara, from his home in Italy, to talk about the film, dealing with religious figures on screen, and the collaboration process with Shia Labeouf. He also talks about his new appreciation for life since being sober, and his forthcoming documentary on the war in Ukraine, and on his new life in Italy, and why he doesn’t miss New York.
Watch the full interview with Abel Ferrara here:
Synopsis
World War I has ended and Italian soldiers, broken but victorious, are returning to an impoverished village ruled by wealthy landowners. As events surrounding the first free election in...
- 6/2/2023
- by Stefan Pape
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Even having interviewed Abel Ferrara a decade ago on the occasion of Ms. 45‘s re-release, an opportunity to speak with the legend still felt exciting, and borderline nerve-wracking.
As something of a fanboy, I didn’t bring up trailing him around a TIFF party hosted by my former place of work years ago, but it was still an enlivening chat. Done in accordance with the release of his new film Padre Pio, which has brought much controversy for casting Shia Labeouf (who’s made public the spiritual film and role as an act of redemption), I saw it fit to ask a number of questions, be it moral or political, that arise from the film, which cross-cuts the saint’s spiritual battle with a fascist uprising in Italy. The opinionated, lively Ferrara naturally had much to say during our brief Zoom chat.
The Film Stage: Nicholas St. John, your former writing partner,...
As something of a fanboy, I didn’t bring up trailing him around a TIFF party hosted by my former place of work years ago, but it was still an enlivening chat. Done in accordance with the release of his new film Padre Pio, which has brought much controversy for casting Shia Labeouf (who’s made public the spiritual film and role as an act of redemption), I saw it fit to ask a number of questions, be it moral or political, that arise from the film, which cross-cuts the saint’s spiritual battle with a fascist uprising in Italy. The opinionated, lively Ferrara naturally had much to say during our brief Zoom chat.
The Film Stage: Nicholas St. John, your former writing partner,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Ethan Vestby
- The Film Stage
Shia Labeouf is deepening his knowledge of World War II.
After starring as Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara’s biopic about the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars, Labeouf is said to be writing a script set in the Holocaust concentration camp Auschwitz, according to the filmmaker.
“Padre Pio” director Ferrara told The Film Stage that he is working on the film alongside Labeouf.
“He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie,” Ferrara said, citing Labeouf’s role in “Megalopolis.”
He continued, “So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, ‘Padre Pio’ was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time. But anyway, it was good and he’s working. And we’re working on a film together,...
After starring as Padre Pio in Abel Ferrara’s biopic about the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars, Labeouf is said to be writing a script set in the Holocaust concentration camp Auschwitz, according to the filmmaker.
“Padre Pio” director Ferrara told The Film Stage that he is working on the film alongside Labeouf.
“He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie,” Ferrara said, citing Labeouf’s role in “Megalopolis.”
He continued, “So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, ‘Padre Pio’ was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time. But anyway, it was good and he’s working. And we’re working on a film together,...
- 5/31/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
In the Name of the Father: Ferrara Explore Infamous Saint with Guerrilla Branded Biopic
Like many of Abel Ferrara’s projects hobbled by various production issues, an arduous journey from conception to screen results in a sort of exceptional catharsis by the time it’s finally delivered (like sins being expiated). Having touched upon the controversial Catholic Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina previously in part of a 2015 documentary series, Ferrara at last unveils his feature length Padre Pio, a hybrid biopic and cultural portrait of post WWI Italian politics.
Filmed on location in Puglia and shot in English, Ferrara boldly casts Shia Labeouf as the stigmata suffering saint, whose presence is both a blessing in attracting curious audience members and an authentic deriding curse (though more so the latter for cementing the production’s staginess since it would been more appropriate for an actor who can speak Italian).…
Continue reading.
Like many of Abel Ferrara’s projects hobbled by various production issues, an arduous journey from conception to screen results in a sort of exceptional catharsis by the time it’s finally delivered (like sins being expiated). Having touched upon the controversial Catholic Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina previously in part of a 2015 documentary series, Ferrara at last unveils his feature length Padre Pio, a hybrid biopic and cultural portrait of post WWI Italian politics.
Filmed on location in Puglia and shot in English, Ferrara boldly casts Shia Labeouf as the stigmata suffering saint, whose presence is both a blessing in attracting curious audience members and an authentic deriding curse (though more so the latter for cementing the production’s staginess since it would been more appropriate for an actor who can speak Italian).…
Continue reading.
- 5/31/2023
- by Nicholas Bell
- IONCINEMA.com
The headline would almost suffice. Would there be something expansive to report, word of––I’ll repeat––Shia Labeouf writing a film about Auschwitz for Abel Ferrara establishes a tone, an idea, a response, though the truth is that we don’t have much deeper information. Except that our soon-to-be-published interview with Ferrara, on the subject of Padre Pio, revealed his recent collaboration with Labeouf was strong enough to engender… well, you can see first signs.
When asked if Ferrara has maintained contact with Labeouf since Padre Pio, the former told us:
He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie. So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, Padre Pio was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time, But anyway, it was good and he’s working.
When asked if Ferrara has maintained contact with Labeouf since Padre Pio, the former told us:
He’s doing real good, man. He’s doing real good. He went off and he did a Coppola movie. So that was, there was one of those films, right? I mean, Padre Pio was 15 days or 20 days and he was in for four so he wasn’t there a long time, But anyway, it was good and he’s working.
- 5/30/2023
- by Nick Newman
- The Film Stage
Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio is a fusion of two souls, each as rough-hewn and fragmentary as the other. Set in the immediate aftermath of World War I in the Italian village of San Giovanni Rotondo and filmed on location, it’s partly a biopic about the Catholic saint Pio of Pietrelcina (Shia Labeouf), for whom every waking moment seems a dark night of the soul. But it’s also a dramatization of the struggle between the landed gentry and the soldiers who return disillusioned from the war, culminating in violence after a stolen election.
Ferrara and co-writer Maurzio Braucci, instead of treating Catholicism and Marxism as antagonistic, find resonance in their iconography, their shared valorization of the downtrodden, and the zeal of their adherents—as well as their crises of faith. It isn’t heresy to say that Padre Pio is a spiritual successor to Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St.
Ferrara and co-writer Maurzio Braucci, instead of treating Catholicism and Marxism as antagonistic, find resonance in their iconography, their shared valorization of the downtrodden, and the zeal of their adherents—as well as their crises of faith. It isn’t heresy to say that Padre Pio is a spiritual successor to Pier Paolo Pasolini’s The Gospel According to St.
- 5/30/2023
- by William Repass
- Slant Magazine
Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s Shia Labeouf-starring follow-up to 2021’s Zeroes and Ones, finally gets a trailer ahead of its theatrical release next month. The biopic, co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci, depicts the early life of the titular Catholic saint as he begins his ministry at a monastery in a remote Italian village that becomes rocked by political tension in the wake of WWI. The film premiered last year during the Venice Film Festival in Italy, fitting for the film’s subject matter and the director’s longtime residence in the country. Alongside Labeouf, Padre Pio stars Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia […]
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s Shia Labeouf-starring follow-up to 2021’s Zeroes and Ones, finally gets a trailer ahead of its theatrical release next month. The biopic, co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci, depicts the early life of the titular Catholic saint as he begins his ministry at a monastery in a remote Italian village that becomes rocked by political tension in the wake of WWI. The film premiered last year during the Venice Film Festival in Italy, fitting for the film’s subject matter and the director’s longtime residence in the country. Alongside Labeouf, Padre Pio stars Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia […]
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post Trailer Watch: Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 5/10/2023
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Shia Labeouf is washing away his sins in the biopic of real-life monk Padre Pio.
The eponymous film, directed by Abel Ferrara, will be distributed by Gravitas Ventures. “Padre Pio” stars Labeouf as the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars. Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, exhibited stigmata, or Christ-like crucifixion wounds. Padre Pio died in 1968 at the age of 81; he was later beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and canonized in 2002.
The film is co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci. “He’s an iconic figure,” Ferrara told Variety of Padre Pio’s legacy. “He’s on the back of every truck. He’s the saint of every drug dealer in Naples. Pio is like the alternative Jesus, in a way.”
After connecting with Labeouf about the role, Ferrara said the “Transformers” alum was “driving to a monastery in California” moments later...
The eponymous film, directed by Abel Ferrara, will be distributed by Gravitas Ventures. “Padre Pio” stars Labeouf as the Italian monk who rose to fame in Catholicism during the two world wars. Padre Pio, born Francesco Forgione, exhibited stigmata, or Christ-like crucifixion wounds. Padre Pio died in 1968 at the age of 81; he was later beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1999 and canonized in 2002.
The film is co-written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci. “He’s an iconic figure,” Ferrara told Variety of Padre Pio’s legacy. “He’s on the back of every truck. He’s the saint of every drug dealer in Naples. Pio is like the alternative Jesus, in a way.”
After connecting with Labeouf about the role, Ferrara said the “Transformers” alum was “driving to a monastery in California” moments later...
- 5/10/2023
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Fittingly premiering at Venice, Italy’s most famous film festival, last fall, Abel Ferrara’s latest film Padre Pio will now arrive in the U.S. in a few weeks. With Shia Labeouf playing the title figure, the story follows him as the young priest who begins his ministry at a remote monastery in Italy right after WWI has ended. As events surrounding the first free election in Italy threaten to tear the village apart, Padre Pio struggles with his own personal demons, ultimately emerging from his spiritual anguish to become one of Catholicism’s most venerated figures. “Padre Pio is a film about the spiritual journey of the great saint in parallel with that of Shia Labeouf who portrays him,” said Ferrara. Ahead of a June 2 release by Gravitas Ventures, the first trailer has arrived.
David Katz said in his review, “The film is grounded in the reality of...
David Katz said in his review, “The film is grounded in the reality of...
- 5/10/2023
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
"It feels like a sin to question these things, it feels like a sin to be angry with the Lord." Gravitas Ventures has revealed an official trailer for Padre Pio, a new film from American director Abel Ferrara, who now lives and works in Italy. This premiered at the Venice Days sidebar of the Venice Film Festival last year (did anyone even see it?) and opens in the US this June. This biopic from Ferrara follows Roman Catholic Saint Padre Pio in his early years. At the end of World War I, Padre Pio begins his ministry at a remote monastery in southern Italy. Soon, his charisma and storied visions bring him fame. Shia Labeouf stars alongside Cristina Chiriac, Marco Leonardi, Asia Argento, Vincenzo Crea, Luca Lionello, Brando Pacitto, Stella Mastrantonio, and Salvatore Ruocco. Some may remember that this role "saved" Labeouf's life, as he claimed in an interview last...
- 5/9/2023
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Exclusive: Gravitas Ventures has nabbed North American rights to the Shia Labeouf-led drama Padre Pio from filmmaker Abel Ferrara, slating it for a day-and-date release on June 2nd.
Related Story Neon Acquires Domestic Rights To Anne Hathaway Sundance Movie ‘Eileen’ Related Story Gravitas Ventures Acquires Sophie Lane Curtis Drama 'On Our Way' Starring Micheál Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave And Jordana Brewster Related Story Jennifer A. Goodman Thriller 'The Unseen' Starring 'Breaking Bad's Rj Mitte Acquired By Gravitas Ventures
In the film penned by Maurizio Braucci and Ferrara, which world premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, it’s the end of World War I and the young Italian soldiers are making their way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, a land of poverty, historic violence and the ironclad rule of the church and its wealthy landowners. Families are desperate; the men are broken, but victorious.
Related Story Neon Acquires Domestic Rights To Anne Hathaway Sundance Movie ‘Eileen’ Related Story Gravitas Ventures Acquires Sophie Lane Curtis Drama 'On Our Way' Starring Micheál Richardson, Vanessa Redgrave And Jordana Brewster Related Story Jennifer A. Goodman Thriller 'The Unseen' Starring 'Breaking Bad's Rj Mitte Acquired By Gravitas Ventures
In the film penned by Maurizio Braucci and Ferrara, which world premiered at last year’s Venice Film Festival, it’s the end of World War I and the young Italian soldiers are making their way back to San Giovanni Rotondo, a land of poverty, historic violence and the ironclad rule of the church and its wealthy landowners. Families are desperate; the men are broken, but victorious.
- 3/28/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The Mammoth Film Festival is set to open with Shia LeBeouf’s Padre Pio, Abel Ferrara’s historical drama that debuted at Venice.
Ferrara’s latest feature has LeBoeuf playing an Italian friar who rose to prominence at a time when fascist powers began to take over Italy. Padre Pio also stars Asia Argento, Marco Leonardi and Christina Chiriac, and director Ferrara will be at the northern California festival to do a post-film Q&a on March 2.
Mammoth will close with Bonded, which stars Diego Calva and is directed by Mohit Ramchandani. The thriller is inspired by a true story from the producers of Argentina 1985 and is executive produced by Yalitza Aparicio.
Mammoth, which is set to run from March 2 to 6 in Mammoth Lakes, California, has also added the horror thriller Night Shift, which stars Phoebe Tonkin, Lamorne Morris and Patrick Fischler and is directed and written by Benjamin and Paul China.
Ferrara’s latest feature has LeBoeuf playing an Italian friar who rose to prominence at a time when fascist powers began to take over Italy. Padre Pio also stars Asia Argento, Marco Leonardi and Christina Chiriac, and director Ferrara will be at the northern California festival to do a post-film Q&a on March 2.
Mammoth will close with Bonded, which stars Diego Calva and is directed by Mohit Ramchandani. The thriller is inspired by a true story from the producers of Argentina 1985 and is executive produced by Yalitza Aparicio.
Mammoth, which is set to run from March 2 to 6 in Mammoth Lakes, California, has also added the horror thriller Night Shift, which stars Phoebe Tonkin, Lamorne Morris and Patrick Fischler and is directed and written by Benjamin and Paul China.
- 2/24/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walk a few clicks from Venice’s Palazzo del Cinema and you’ll find the Hotel Excelsior, as grand a work of Moorish revival architecture as you can likely find this side of the Mediterranean. Since 1908 its rooms have hosted everyone from Winston Churchill to George Clooney. It’s where Noodles shows off to Deborah in Once Upon a Time in America. Benito Mussolini once entertained Adolf Hitler on its terrace (you won’t find that mentioned on the website.) A short hop across the street lies the significantly more humble grounds of Tennis Club Venezia, a similarly venerable institution whose courts appear not to have changed a great deal over the last century or so.
Earlier this month you could have spotted Abel Ferrara, a director whose latest film, Padre Pio, dips into similar bygone eras. Starring a shrewdly cast Shia Labeouf, Padre Pio recounts the events leading up...
Earlier this month you could have spotted Abel Ferrara, a director whose latest film, Padre Pio, dips into similar bygone eras. Starring a shrewdly cast Shia Labeouf, Padre Pio recounts the events leading up...
- 9/26/2022
- by Rory O'Connor
- The Film Stage
Click here to read the full article.
No stranger to controversy, Shia Labeouf kicked up a media frenzy when — ahead of Don’t Worry Darling’s Sept. 5 world premiere at the Venice Film Festival — he released a trove of texts and a video from director Olivia Wilde in an effort to disprove Wilde’s claims of having fired him from the film. Wilde, meanwhile, has kept the he-said, she-said going, doubling down on her assertion in a new Vanity Fair interview.
On Sept. 2, Labeouf, 36, attended his own Venice premiere — for Abel Ferarra’s Padre Pio, a historical drama set at the dawn of fascism in Italy. Labeouf plays the title character, a Franciscan Capuchin monk who became a household name in Italy after allegedly experiencing stigmata. Like Labeouf, Padre Pio faced his own scandals: Pope John Xxiii accused him of sleeping with women, based on secret recordings of his confessions.
The...
No stranger to controversy, Shia Labeouf kicked up a media frenzy when — ahead of Don’t Worry Darling’s Sept. 5 world premiere at the Venice Film Festival — he released a trove of texts and a video from director Olivia Wilde in an effort to disprove Wilde’s claims of having fired him from the film. Wilde, meanwhile, has kept the he-said, she-said going, doubling down on her assertion in a new Vanity Fair interview.
On Sept. 2, Labeouf, 36, attended his own Venice premiere — for Abel Ferarra’s Padre Pio, a historical drama set at the dawn of fascism in Italy. Labeouf plays the title character, a Franciscan Capuchin monk who became a household name in Italy after allegedly experiencing stigmata. Like Labeouf, Padre Pio faced his own scandals: Pope John Xxiii accused him of sleeping with women, based on secret recordings of his confessions.
The...
- 9/8/2022
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
First thing’s first, Abel Ferrara’s latest film “Padre Pio” can’t exactly be described as a biographical drama about Francesco Forgione, the Franciscan Capuchin friar whose stigmata and mystical abilities — as well as his ties to, and later rejection of, fascism — garnered him controversy during his lifetime. While Shia Labeouf stars as Pio and the film sometimes features him, Ferrara isn’t much interested in the particulars of his life in any conventional sense. In fact, he spends much of the film’s running time among the exploited agricultural workers of rural southern Italy who embrace socialism as a means to combat their fascist oppressors. Meanwhile, Pio appears in disjointed vignettes contending with his guilt over various personal failings, like his evasion of military service and his numerous past sins.
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
The bifurcated structure and disregard for biopic conventions are welcome approaches, especially for a provocative stylist like Ferrara,...
- 9/5/2022
- by Vikram Murthi
- Indiewire
Shia Labeouf plays the title character in this period piece, and his face dominates the promotional material, but the latest film from the ridiculously prolific Abel Ferrara, now into his 70s, is really more of an ensemble with a supporting cast that’s near-unknown outside Italy.
Padre Pio, playing in Venice Days at the Venice Film Festival, is more restrained than a normal Ferrara joint, and the sober, borderline-amateur performances — apart from an unrecognizable Asia Argento as “Tall Man” — are more reminiscent of one of James Franco’s more earnest literary adaptations. The fiery religious comment, however, is the giveaway; Ferrara may claim to be a Buddhist now, but the Catholic church has given him a rich source of material since his genre output of the 1980s.
Venice Film Festival 2022 Photos
Indeed, Padre Pio himself may as well be in an entirely different film,...
Padre Pio, playing in Venice Days at the Venice Film Festival, is more restrained than a normal Ferrara joint, and the sober, borderline-amateur performances — apart from an unrecognizable Asia Argento as “Tall Man” — are more reminiscent of one of James Franco’s more earnest literary adaptations. The fiery religious comment, however, is the giveaway; Ferrara may claim to be a Buddhist now, but the Catholic church has given him a rich source of material since his genre output of the 1980s.
Venice Film Festival 2022 Photos
Indeed, Padre Pio himself may as well be in an entirely different film,...
- 9/2/2022
- by Damon Wise
- Deadline Film + TV
Venice film festival: Abel Ferrara’s latest film is a strange and frustratingly ambiguous tale of sin, sadness and spirituality
Abel Ferrara’s new film shows that, like Paul Schrader, he has moved away from the world, the flesh and the devil to a restless contemplation of that spiritual struggle that was there all along. This is a strange, rather baffling film – stark and austere, a stylised, theatrical bad dream in candlelight about the personal torment of Padre Pio and his private spiritual agony as a young priest in the few years that immediately followed the first world war.
The actual Pio, who died in 1968 and was canonised in 2002, became a controversial figure for his apparent stigmata, but the film shows none of this. He is played with a highly combustible mix of sadness, rage and anguish by a heavily bearded Shia Labeouf, but in terms of screen time Pio...
Abel Ferrara’s new film shows that, like Paul Schrader, he has moved away from the world, the flesh and the devil to a restless contemplation of that spiritual struggle that was there all along. This is a strange, rather baffling film – stark and austere, a stylised, theatrical bad dream in candlelight about the personal torment of Padre Pio and his private spiritual agony as a young priest in the few years that immediately followed the first world war.
The actual Pio, who died in 1968 and was canonised in 2002, became a controversial figure for his apparent stigmata, but the film shows none of this. He is played with a highly combustible mix of sadness, rage and anguish by a heavily bearded Shia Labeouf, but in terms of screen time Pio...
- 9/2/2022
- by Peter Bradshaw
- The Guardian - Film News
Click here to read the full article.
Of the many questions one might ask when watching Abel Ferrara’s clunky portrayal of the legendary and controversial early 20th-century Italian friar, Padre Pio, the main one has to be: Why, oh why Abel, did you decide to make the movie in English?
Granted, Ferrara probably felt more comfortable working in his native tongue — as likely did Shia Labeouf, who seems fully committed to his pious role, sporting a beard that’s bigger than the Book of Psalms itself. But the Bronx-born director has been living in Rome for a while now, and had he chosen Italian for this story of a priest caught between his alleged healing powers and his visions of Lucifer, between the rise of fascism and a growing communist revolt in a small village, this bungled drama may have seemed a little more credible.
Instead, Ferrera surrounded Labeouf...
Of the many questions one might ask when watching Abel Ferrara’s clunky portrayal of the legendary and controversial early 20th-century Italian friar, Padre Pio, the main one has to be: Why, oh why Abel, did you decide to make the movie in English?
Granted, Ferrara probably felt more comfortable working in his native tongue — as likely did Shia Labeouf, who seems fully committed to his pious role, sporting a beard that’s bigger than the Book of Psalms itself. But the Bronx-born director has been living in Rome for a while now, and had he chosen Italian for this story of a priest caught between his alleged healing powers and his visions of Lucifer, between the rise of fascism and a growing communist revolt in a small village, this bungled drama may have seemed a little more credible.
Instead, Ferrera surrounded Labeouf...
- 9/2/2022
- by Jordan Mintzer
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Shia Labeouf isn’t worried about his comeback.
After parting ways with Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling,” backtracking on the autobiographical status of his “Honey Boy” father-son drama, and speaking out on the abuse allegations and lawsuit filed by ex-partner FKA Twigs, the “Padre Pio” actor has joined Francis Ford Coppola’s massive “Megalopolis” cast.
Labeouf’s casting announcement also included that director Coppola’s sister Talia Shire (“Rocky”) will reunite with the auteur after starring in “The Godfather,” along with nephew Jason Schwartzman. Grace Vanderwaal, Kathryn Hunter, and James Remar also join the ensemble cast.
Previously announced “Megalopolis” mega-stars include Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, and Aubrey Plaza. The official “Megalopolis” synopsis mysteriously reads: “The fate of Rome haunts a modern world unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius and conflicted love.”
Writer/director Coppola...
After parting ways with Olivia Wilde’s “Don’t Worry Darling,” backtracking on the autobiographical status of his “Honey Boy” father-son drama, and speaking out on the abuse allegations and lawsuit filed by ex-partner FKA Twigs, the “Padre Pio” actor has joined Francis Ford Coppola’s massive “Megalopolis” cast.
Labeouf’s casting announcement also included that director Coppola’s sister Talia Shire (“Rocky”) will reunite with the auteur after starring in “The Godfather,” along with nephew Jason Schwartzman. Grace Vanderwaal, Kathryn Hunter, and James Remar also join the ensemble cast.
Previously announced “Megalopolis” mega-stars include Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, and Aubrey Plaza. The official “Megalopolis” synopsis mysteriously reads: “The fate of Rome haunts a modern world unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius and conflicted love.”
Writer/director Coppola...
- 8/31/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Country singer Luke Bell has been found dead in Tuscon, Arizona, at the age of 32.
Bell was believed to have been in Tuscon for a concert. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
The musician’s death was confirmed to the blog Saving Country Music by Bell’s close friend Matt Kinman.
Bell had been reported missing several days before he was found dead on Monday 29 August.
Originally from Cody, Wyoming, Bell got his break in country music when he signed a record deal with Nashville-based label Thirty Tigers in 2016.
Bell released his first self-titled album in 2012, before bringing out Don’t Mind If I Do in 2014.
During his career, he worked with artists such as Alabama Shakes, Margo Price and Langhorne Slim and played support slots for Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam.
In 2018, he won Best Honky Tonk Male at the Ameripolitan Music Awards.
Country music stars have...
Bell was believed to have been in Tuscon for a concert. A cause of death has not been disclosed.
The musician’s death was confirmed to the blog Saving Country Music by Bell’s close friend Matt Kinman.
Bell had been reported missing several days before he was found dead on Monday 29 August.
Originally from Cody, Wyoming, Bell got his break in country music when he signed a record deal with Nashville-based label Thirty Tigers in 2016.
Bell released his first self-titled album in 2012, before bringing out Don’t Mind If I Do in 2014.
During his career, he worked with artists such as Alabama Shakes, Margo Price and Langhorne Slim and played support slots for Willie Nelson and Dwight Yoakam.
In 2018, he won Best Honky Tonk Male at the Ameripolitan Music Awards.
Country music stars have...
- 8/31/2022
- by Ellie Harrison
- The Independent - Music
Actor Shia Labeouf has opened up about one of the darkest moments of his life: a time when he nearly committed suicide.
Shia Labeouf has had a string of controversies through his life and career. These include various arrests, allegations of abuse, alcohol abuse, public outbursts, and accusations of plagiarism.
In a new interview, the 36-year-old Labeouf said, “At this point I’m nuclear…Nobody wants to talk to me, including my mother. My manager’s not calling. The agent’s not calling. I’m not connected to the business any more.”
Shia Labeouf continued, detailing how close he was to suicide: “I had a gun on the table. I was outta here….I didn’t want to be alive anymore when all this happened. Shame like I had never experienced before — the kind of shame that you forget how to breathe. You don’t know where to go.”
Labeouf...
Shia Labeouf has had a string of controversies through his life and career. These include various arrests, allegations of abuse, alcohol abuse, public outbursts, and accusations of plagiarism.
In a new interview, the 36-year-old Labeouf said, “At this point I’m nuclear…Nobody wants to talk to me, including my mother. My manager’s not calling. The agent’s not calling. I’m not connected to the business any more.”
Shia Labeouf continued, detailing how close he was to suicide: “I had a gun on the table. I was outta here….I didn’t want to be alive anymore when all this happened. Shame like I had never experienced before — the kind of shame that you forget how to breathe. You don’t know where to go.”
Labeouf...
- 8/27/2022
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Shia Labeouf has denied Olivia Wilde’s claim that he was fired from Don’t Worry Darling.
Wilde, who directs and co-stars in the forthcoming psychological thriller, spoke about Labeouf’s departure from the embattled project in an interview released earlier this week.
The controversial actor was originally meant to play Jack, the romantic partner of Florence Pugh’s character Alice, but was ultimately replaced by Harry Styles.
Wilde told Variety that she fired Labeouf in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set, and claimed that his acting process “was not conducive to the ethos” that she demands in her productions.
However, Labeouf has now denied this and sent screenshots of his email and text exchanges with Wilde to the publication, saying that he left of his own accord as he “couldn’t find time to rehearse” with the other actors.
“You and I both know the reasons for my exit,...
Wilde, who directs and co-stars in the forthcoming psychological thriller, spoke about Labeouf’s departure from the embattled project in an interview released earlier this week.
The controversial actor was originally meant to play Jack, the romantic partner of Florence Pugh’s character Alice, but was ultimately replaced by Harry Styles.
Wilde told Variety that she fired Labeouf in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set, and claimed that his acting process “was not conducive to the ethos” that she demands in her productions.
However, Labeouf has now denied this and sent screenshots of his email and text exchanges with Wilde to the publication, saying that he left of his own accord as he “couldn’t find time to rehearse” with the other actors.
“You and I both know the reasons for my exit,...
- 8/27/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - Film
Shia Labeouf, for the first time, talked openly about the abuse allegations brought against him, calling himself on Friday’s Jon Bernthal podcast “Real Ones” a “pleasure-seeking, selfish…human being.”
“No matter what the case is, my job as your friend is to, in whatever way you allow me to or you allow me to be a part of that process is to make sure, 1) you never do it again,” Bernthal said to Labeouf. “2) that you’re in a healthy process and number three, that I’m a support system for why you’re going through that. For people who support you and love you. What do you want to say to them?”
“I hurt that woman,” Labeouf said in a snippet of the podcast posted to Instagram. “And in the process of doing that, I hurt many other people, and many other people before that woman. I was a pleasure-seeking,...
“No matter what the case is, my job as your friend is to, in whatever way you allow me to or you allow me to be a part of that process is to make sure, 1) you never do it again,” Bernthal said to Labeouf. “2) that you’re in a healthy process and number three, that I’m a support system for why you’re going through that. For people who support you and love you. What do you want to say to them?”
“I hurt that woman,” Labeouf said in a snippet of the podcast posted to Instagram. “And in the process of doing that, I hurt many other people, and many other people before that woman. I was a pleasure-seeking,...
- 8/27/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Olivia Wilde has said that she fired Shia Labeouf from Don’t Worry Darling to make Florence Pugh feel “safe”.
Pugh stars in Wilde’s forthcoming psychological thriller opposite Harry Styles.
However, the role was originally given to Shia Labeouf, who was let go from the film when production began.
While it was said at the time that Labeouf left due to “scheduling conflicts”, Wilde has now said in an interview that she fired the actor in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work. His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions,” Wilde told Variety.
“He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment...
Pugh stars in Wilde’s forthcoming psychological thriller opposite Harry Styles.
However, the role was originally given to Shia Labeouf, who was let go from the film when production began.
While it was said at the time that Labeouf left due to “scheduling conflicts”, Wilde has now said in an interview that she fired the actor in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work. His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions,” Wilde told Variety.
“He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe that is conducive to the best performances. I believe that creating a safe, trusting environment...
- 8/26/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Shia Labeouf has denied Olivia Wilde’s claim that he was fired from Don’t Worry Darling.
Wilde, who directs and co-stars in the forthcoming psychological thriller, spoke about Labeouf’s departure from the embattled project in an interview released earlier this week.
The controversial actor was originally meant to play Jack, the romantic partner of Florence Pugh’s character Alice, but was ultimately replaced by Harry Styles.
Wilde told Variety that she fired Labeouf in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set, and claimed that his acting process “was not conducive to the ethos” that she demands in her productions.
However, Labeouf has now denied this and sent screenshots of his email and text exchanges with Wilde to the publication, saying that he left of his own accord as he “couldn’t find time to rehearse” with the other actors.
“You and I both know the reasons for my exit,...
Wilde, who directs and co-stars in the forthcoming psychological thriller, spoke about Labeouf’s departure from the embattled project in an interview released earlier this week.
The controversial actor was originally meant to play Jack, the romantic partner of Florence Pugh’s character Alice, but was ultimately replaced by Harry Styles.
Wilde told Variety that she fired Labeouf in order to create a “safe, trusting environment” on set, and claimed that his acting process “was not conducive to the ethos” that she demands in her productions.
However, Labeouf has now denied this and sent screenshots of his email and text exchanges with Wilde to the publication, saying that he left of his own accord as he “couldn’t find time to rehearse” with the other actors.
“You and I both know the reasons for my exit,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Nicole Vassell
- The Independent - Film
Sylvester Stallone makes first public appearance at Samaritan screening since wife filed for divorce
Sylvester Stallone has made his first public appearance since his wife of 25 years, Jennifer Flavin, filed for divorce.
Last Friday (19 August), Flavin filed a petition for "dissolution of marriage and other relief" from Stallone in Palm Beach County, Florida.
On Thursday (25 August), Stallone was seen making a surprise appearance at a screening in New York for Samaritan, his new superhero film for Prime Video.
The Rocky star wore a black pinstripe suit and black shirt for the event at the AMC Empire 25.
Reports of Stallone and Flavin’s divorce came days after Stallone covered up a tattoo of his wife with one of his late dog Butkus.
However, Stallone hit out at reports that he and his wife sought to end their relationship over a disagreement concerning his rottweiler, Dwight, and that a dispute over the dog provoked a series of other arguments that led to the divorce filing.
Stallone,...
Last Friday (19 August), Flavin filed a petition for "dissolution of marriage and other relief" from Stallone in Palm Beach County, Florida.
On Thursday (25 August), Stallone was seen making a surprise appearance at a screening in New York for Samaritan, his new superhero film for Prime Video.
The Rocky star wore a black pinstripe suit and black shirt for the event at the AMC Empire 25.
Reports of Stallone and Flavin’s divorce came days after Stallone covered up a tattoo of his wife with one of his late dog Butkus.
However, Stallone hit out at reports that he and his wife sought to end their relationship over a disagreement concerning his rottweiler, Dwight, and that a dispute over the dog provoked a series of other arguments that led to the divorce filing.
Stallone,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Isobel Lewis
- The Independent - Film
Shia Labeouf was so inspired by the subject of his latest film project that it spurred the actor to convert to Catholicism.
The scandal-ridden 36-year-old, who was raised Jewish, is set to portray Catholic saint Padre Pio — a 20th Century Franciscan Capuchin friar and mystic alleged to have the ability to communicate with angels and could heal the sick, among other claims — in an eponymous upcoming biopic directed by Abel Ferrara.
Labeouf spoke of his newfound spiritual beliefs in an interview with Bishop Robert Barron — who himself has drawn scrutiny...
The scandal-ridden 36-year-old, who was raised Jewish, is set to portray Catholic saint Padre Pio — a 20th Century Franciscan Capuchin friar and mystic alleged to have the ability to communicate with angels and could heal the sick, among other claims — in an eponymous upcoming biopic directed by Abel Ferrara.
Labeouf spoke of his newfound spiritual beliefs in an interview with Bishop Robert Barron — who himself has drawn scrutiny...
- 8/26/2022
- by Kat Bouza
- Rollingstone.com
Actor Shia Labeouf has opened up about experiencing suicidal thoughts, saying he became “nuclear” after abuse allegations were made against him.
In December 2020, Labeouf’s ex-girlfriend, the musician FKA twigs, sued him for “relentless abuse” including sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
Labeouf later denied causing twigs “any injury or loss”, saying that she was not “entitled to any relief or damages whatsoever”.
The trial date for twigs’s case against Labeouf has been set for 17 April 2023.
Filmmaker Olivia Wilde said in a recent interview that she fired Labeouf from her forthcoming film Don’t Worry Darling to make sure co-star Florence Pugh felt “safe”.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of [Labeouf’s] work,” she said. “His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions.”
In a new interview with Word on Fire Catholic Ministries’ Bishop Robert Barron, Labeouf described his experience with suicidal thoughts,...
In December 2020, Labeouf’s ex-girlfriend, the musician FKA twigs, sued him for “relentless abuse” including sexual battery, assault, and infliction of emotional distress.
Labeouf later denied causing twigs “any injury or loss”, saying that she was not “entitled to any relief or damages whatsoever”.
The trial date for twigs’s case against Labeouf has been set for 17 April 2023.
Filmmaker Olivia Wilde said in a recent interview that she fired Labeouf from her forthcoming film Don’t Worry Darling to make sure co-star Florence Pugh felt “safe”.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of [Labeouf’s] work,” she said. “His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions.”
In a new interview with Word on Fire Catholic Ministries’ Bishop Robert Barron, Labeouf described his experience with suicidal thoughts,...
- 8/26/2022
- by Louis Chilton
- The Independent - Film
“My world had crumbled,” said Shia Labeouf of a time in his life not too long ago which involved car crashes, court-ordered rehab, emotional outbursts — including the disruption of Broadway’s Cabaret starring Emma Stone — as well as out-and-out violent episodes and a lawsuit by his Honey Boy co-star FKA Twigs accusing the actor of sexual battery and assault. That case goes to trial in April.
Included in that long list of life lessons was his dismissal from Olivia Wilde’s buzzy Don’t Worry Darling. Wilde spoke about the decision for the first time in an interview this week with Variety.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work,” she said. “His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe...
Included in that long list of life lessons was his dismissal from Olivia Wilde’s buzzy Don’t Worry Darling. Wilde spoke about the decision for the first time in an interview this week with Variety.
“I say this as someone who is such an admirer of his work,” she said. “His process was not conducive to the ethos that I demand in my productions. He has a process that, in some ways, seems to require a combative energy, and I don’t personally believe...
- 8/26/2022
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Shia Labeouf is talking about how he found faith in his newest film.
The actor plays Italian priest Francesco Forgione in the biopic “Padre Pio” from director Abel Ferrara. Speaking with Bishop Robert Barron in an interview, he spoke about how studying Catholicism for the role helped renew his relationship with spirituality.
Before working on the film, Labeouf said he was lost in life.
“I didn’t want to be an actor anymore, and my life was a complete mess,” he shared. “I had hurt a lot of people, and I felt deep shame and deep guilt.”
Read More: FKA Twigs Explains Why She Came Forward With Shia Labeouf Abuse Allegations: ‘I Just Didn’t Want Anyone Else To Get Hurt’
He spoke about a dark moment in his life where he contemplated suicide.
“I had a gun on the table. I was outta here,” Shia recalled. “I didn’t...
The actor plays Italian priest Francesco Forgione in the biopic “Padre Pio” from director Abel Ferrara. Speaking with Bishop Robert Barron in an interview, he spoke about how studying Catholicism for the role helped renew his relationship with spirituality.
Before working on the film, Labeouf said he was lost in life.
“I didn’t want to be an actor anymore, and my life was a complete mess,” he shared. “I had hurt a lot of people, and I felt deep shame and deep guilt.”
Read More: FKA Twigs Explains Why She Came Forward With Shia Labeouf Abuse Allegations: ‘I Just Didn’t Want Anyone Else To Get Hurt’
He spoke about a dark moment in his life where he contemplated suicide.
“I had a gun on the table. I was outta here,” Shia recalled. “I didn’t...
- 8/26/2022
- by Anita Tai
- ET Canada
Continuing his prolific, run-and-gun style of filmmaking, we reported about a year ago that Abel Ferrara was following his pandemic thriller Zeros and Ones with a biopic of Italian saint Padre Pio. Starring none other than Shia Labeouf in casting that takes on a certain level of perverse meta context considering his recent abuse allegations, Padre Pio is now readying a premiere next week at the Venice Film Festival. Ahead of that debut, the first trailer and clip have arrived.
Ferrara, who explored Pio’s life in a 2015 documentary Searching for Padre Pio, scripted the film with Maurizio Braucci (Martin Eden), and it will follow Padre Pio’s status as a symbol of hope for the Italian people during the country’s difficult inter-war period and exhibition of stigmata.
“This is not a film about miracles, but about a man, born Francesco Forgione, in Pietralcina, a farming village outside Naples,...
Ferrara, who explored Pio’s life in a 2015 documentary Searching for Padre Pio, scripted the film with Maurizio Braucci (Martin Eden), and it will follow Padre Pio’s status as a symbol of hope for the Italian people during the country’s difficult inter-war period and exhibition of stigmata.
“This is not a film about miracles, but about a man, born Francesco Forgione, in Pietralcina, a farming village outside Naples,...
- 8/25/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
Abel Ferrara says casting Shia Labeouf as Padre Pio, the Italian monk who gained rock-star status among the Catholic faithful, coincided with a point in the actor’s life “where he connected very deeply with Pio’s journey in the film.”
“Padre Pio,” which is among titles set to launch next week from the Venice Film Festival’s independently run Giornate Degli Autori, will see Labeouf back on the big screen after the actor — best known for his roles in the Transformers and Indiana Jones franchises — took a break from acting in 2020 following allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Tahliah Debrett Barnett. The singer, known as FKA twigs, sued Labeouf for sexual battery and emotional distress.
Labeouf subsequently took a break from acting so that he could solely focus on his recovery.
Padre Pio, who was born Francesco Forgione in southern Italy in the late 19th century, elicited both devotion and controversy throughout his life.
“Padre Pio,” which is among titles set to launch next week from the Venice Film Festival’s independently run Giornate Degli Autori, will see Labeouf back on the big screen after the actor — best known for his roles in the Transformers and Indiana Jones franchises — took a break from acting in 2020 following allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Tahliah Debrett Barnett. The singer, known as FKA twigs, sued Labeouf for sexual battery and emotional distress.
Labeouf subsequently took a break from acting so that he could solely focus on his recovery.
Padre Pio, who was born Francesco Forgione in southern Italy in the late 19th century, elicited both devotion and controversy throughout his life.
- 8/24/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
After Venice Comp reveal, it was now up to the Giornate degli Autori sidebar (Venice Days) to unveil their line-up and if there was anyone wondering why Abel Ferrara was not mentioned on Tuesday… we now have our answer. Among a heavy LGBT friednly line-up, Artistic Director Gaia Furrer landed Ferrara’s Padre Pio – the Shia Labeouf portrait on the Italian monk who became a star among the Catholic faithful. Ferrara has been obsessed with the subject also producing a docu.
Opening the comp section we find Lebanese filmmaker Wissam Charaf with Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous – the story of a Syrian refugee and an Ethiopian migrant worker who find love in Beirut.…...
Opening the comp section we find Lebanese filmmaker Wissam Charaf with Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous – the story of a Syrian refugee and an Ethiopian migrant worker who find love in Beirut.…...
- 7/28/2022
- by Eric Lavallée
- IONCINEMA.com
Shia Labeouf has resurfaced on the big screen for the first time in two years since he was accused of misconduct.
He can next be seen starring as a Catholic saint in Abel Ferrara’s upcoming “Padre Pio,” which will make its premiere as part of the Venice Days film festival. It’s unclear if Labeouf will attend the festival.
Venice Days – or the Giornati Degli Autori – is an independent side bar to the Venice Film Festival in the vein of Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight section and is not directly associated with the larger La Biennale. But Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” will make its premiere at the fest as part of a larger lineup that was announced Thursday.
Also Read:
Venice Film Festival Lineup to Include Timothée Chalamet in ‘Bones and All,’ Ana de Armas in ‘Blonde’
Labeouf in the film plays the title character Padre Pio, also known as...
He can next be seen starring as a Catholic saint in Abel Ferrara’s upcoming “Padre Pio,” which will make its premiere as part of the Venice Days film festival. It’s unclear if Labeouf will attend the festival.
Venice Days – or the Giornati Degli Autori – is an independent side bar to the Venice Film Festival in the vein of Cannes’ Director’s Fortnight section and is not directly associated with the larger La Biennale. But Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” will make its premiere at the fest as part of a larger lineup that was announced Thursday.
Also Read:
Venice Film Festival Lineup to Include Timothée Chalamet in ‘Bones and All,’ Ana de Armas in ‘Blonde’
Labeouf in the film plays the title character Padre Pio, also known as...
- 7/28/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Click here to read the full article.
Shia Labeouf’s latest performance, a turn as an Italian monk in Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, will get its world premiere in Venice as part of the Venice Days lineup, the independently-run sidebar to the Venice International Film Festival.
Labeouf, who co-starred in 2020 Venice Festival competition title Pieces of a Woman, took a well-publicized break from acting two years ago after his ex-girlfriend, Tahliah Debrett Barnett, sued him for assault, sexual battery and emotional distress.
Padre Pio sees Labeouf play a real-life Italian monk who became a superstar among the Catholic faithful, who believe he bore the holy stigmata, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion. Padre Pio, who died in 1968 was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
It is not yet clear whether Labeouf will attend Venice to promote the movie.
The 2022 Venice Days program opens with Dirty,...
Shia Labeouf’s latest performance, a turn as an Italian monk in Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, will get its world premiere in Venice as part of the Venice Days lineup, the independently-run sidebar to the Venice International Film Festival.
Labeouf, who co-starred in 2020 Venice Festival competition title Pieces of a Woman, took a well-publicized break from acting two years ago after his ex-girlfriend, Tahliah Debrett Barnett, sued him for assault, sexual battery and emotional distress.
Padre Pio sees Labeouf play a real-life Italian monk who became a superstar among the Catholic faithful, who believe he bore the holy stigmata, the wounds of Christ’s crucifixion. Padre Pio, who died in 1968 was canonized as a saint by Pope John Paul II in 1999.
It is not yet clear whether Labeouf will attend Venice to promote the movie.
The 2022 Venice Days program opens with Dirty,...
- 7/28/2022
- by Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Wissam Charaf’s Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous will open the Venice sidebar.
Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, Steve Buscemi’s The Listener and rising UK director Georgia Oakley’s Blue Jean are among the world premieres in this year’s Giornate degli Autori (GdA) , the independent sidebar of the Venice Film Festival (August 31 - September 10).
Lebanese director Wissam Charaf’s Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous will open the programme in competition. The film entwines multiple love stories against the backdrop of Lebanon’s near collapse.
UK director Fyzal Boulifa’s The Damned Don’t Cry is also playing in competition. The film is a...
Abel Ferrara’s Padre Pio, Steve Buscemi’s The Listener and rising UK director Georgia Oakley’s Blue Jean are among the world premieres in this year’s Giornate degli Autori (GdA) , the independent sidebar of the Venice Film Festival (August 31 - September 10).
Lebanese director Wissam Charaf’s Dirty, Difficult, Dangerous will open the programme in competition. The film entwines multiple love stories against the backdrop of Lebanon’s near collapse.
UK director Fyzal Boulifa’s The Damned Don’t Cry is also playing in competition. The film is a...
- 7/28/2022
- by Ellie Calnan
- ScreenDaily
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- 7/28/2022
- MUBI
Abel Ferrara’s “Padre Pio,” starring Shia Labeouf as an Italian monk who gained rock-star status among the Catholic faithful, is among the titles set to launch from the Venice Film Festival’s independently run Giornate Degli Autori.
The section, also known as Venice Days, will see Labeouf back on the big screen after the actor — best known for his roles in the Transformers and Indiana Jones franchises — took a break from acting in 2020 following allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Tahliah Debrett Barnett. The singer, known as FKA twigs, sued the actor for sexual battery, assault and emotional distress.
It is not yet known whether Labeouf will be on the Lido to promote “Padre Pio.”
In the latest film by Ferrara, who is known for cult classics such as “Bad Lieutenant,” Labeouf puts in what Giornate chief Gaia Furrer called an “extraordinary” performance as the “mystic and feverish” Capuchin monk...
The section, also known as Venice Days, will see Labeouf back on the big screen after the actor — best known for his roles in the Transformers and Indiana Jones franchises — took a break from acting in 2020 following allegations made by his ex-girlfriend Tahliah Debrett Barnett. The singer, known as FKA twigs, sued the actor for sexual battery, assault and emotional distress.
It is not yet known whether Labeouf will be on the Lido to promote “Padre Pio.”
In the latest film by Ferrara, who is known for cult classics such as “Bad Lieutenant,” Labeouf puts in what Giornate chief Gaia Furrer called an “extraordinary” performance as the “mystic and feverish” Capuchin monk...
- 7/28/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Continuing his prolific, run-and-gun style of filmmaking, we reported about a year ago that Abel Ferrara was following his pandemic thriller Zeros and Ones with a biopic of Italian saint Padre Pio. Starring none other than Shia Labeouf in casting that takes on a certain level of perverse meta context considering his recent abuse allegations, the film now looks to be completed and the first images have surfaced.
Ferrara, who explored Pio’s life in a 2015 documentary, Searching for Padre Pio, scripted the film with Maurizio Braucci (Martin Eden) and it will follow Padre Pio’s status as a symbol of hope for the Italian people during the country’s difficult inter-war period and exhibition of stigmata. “For Shia, he began to know Pio just as he was discovering his own Christianity. With this film he took a dip in the dark, he threw himself. He went to live in a monastery for months,...
Ferrara, who explored Pio’s life in a 2015 documentary, Searching for Padre Pio, scripted the film with Maurizio Braucci (Martin Eden) and it will follow Padre Pio’s status as a symbol of hope for the Italian people during the country’s difficult inter-war period and exhibition of stigmata. “For Shia, he began to know Pio just as he was discovering his own Christianity. With this film he took a dip in the dark, he threw himself. He went to live in a monastery for months,...
- 7/13/2022
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
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