The Venice Film Festival is set to host a high-wattage Saturday with world premieres featuring actor Robert Pattinson and the rock band Oasis. Pattinson stars in “Primetime,” a film exploring the reality series “To Catch a Predator” and its host Chris Hansen. Meanwhile, the Gallagher brothers, Noel and Liam, are attending for the premiere of a documentary chronicling their reunion tour.
"Primetime," directed by Lance Oppenheim and written by Ajon Singh, delves into a 2006 sting operation that resulted in the death of a Texas assistant district attorney. The film is based on journalist Luke Dittrich’s Esquire article “Tonight on Dateline This Man Will Die.” Oppenheim stated his intention was to explore the intersecting ambitions of those involved in the series, including a journalistic crusader, a TV producer, and a Hollywood hopeful, during a moment of crisis.
Chris Hansen, the original host of “To Catch a Predator,” was not involved in the film's production. He has publicly commented on the movie, including suggesting Denis Leary should have portrayed him and questioning the filmmakers' intentions. Hansen declined an invitation to view the film prior to the festival, citing issues with a non-disclosure agreement.
Last year, the series was the subject of the documentary “Predators” by filmmaker David Osit, which is currently available on Paramount+.
“Primetime” is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on September 25. For Pattinson, this film marks another notable performance in a year that has already seen him in "The Drama" and "The Odyssey," with "Dune: Part Three" still to come.
The Oasis documentary, titled “Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger,” blends concert footage with an examination of the famously contentious relationship between Noel and Liam Gallagher, which led to the band’s dissolution in 2009. The film includes previously unseen rehearsals and their first joint interview in 25 years.
Co-directors Dylan Southern and Will Lovelace aimed to create a film about the reconciliation of the brothers, as well as the enduring power of Oasis's music during their fifteen-year hiatus. They noted that the documentary, much like the reunion tour itself, developed its own momentum.
“Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger” will have an IMAX release on September 11, followed by its debut on the Disney+ streaming service later this year. This premiere follows other significant moments at the festival, including a lifetime achievement award for George Clooney and an ovation for John Malkovich’s performance in “Wild Horse Nine.”