Xavier Dolan Unveils New Film Set in 1895 Paris Literary Scene!

Xavier Dolan has reversed his decision to retire from filmmaking.

In 2023, Dolan announced his intentions to step back from the film industry, but as the jury president for the 2024 Cannes Un Certain Regard, he revealed plans for a new movie. This announcement came during a masterclass at the Lumiere Film Festival, which also coincided with the launch of his book, “A Friendship Through Film,” and celebrated the 10th anniversary of his movie “Mommy.”

Dolan has completed the screenplay for this upcoming movie and aims to start production in 2025.

“This film will be a blend of different genres,” Dolan explained, as reported by Variety. He described the setting as 1895, involving the Parisian elite, the literary circles, and rural landscapes. He also mentioned that the film will include “definitely horrific sequences and a lot of humor.”

Discussing his previously announced retirement, Dolan shared insights into his renewed motivation for filmmaking.

“My hiatus from making films was due to a loss of desire and energy. I realized there was no point in continuing without passion,” he stated. “Each day, I wake up wanting to understand our complex world. Sometimes, cinema feels secondary. It’s challenging to overlook global issues like the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, or our delicate environment. All these realities distract from the small artistic expressions I wish to create.”

Dolan’s filmmaking journey began at 19 with “I Killed My Mother,” based on his own short story and selected as Canada’s entry for the Academy Awards.

When reflecting on his body of work, Dolan expressed mixed feelings about past collaborations. “It’s hard to discuss specific regrets as it might seem improper. I’ve wished for more generosity and creativity in some partnerships, but ultimately, one must accept the impact of these choices on the films’ depth or lack thereof.”

While Dolan directed eight movies within a decade, his latest was “Matthias & Maxime” in 2019. He also introduced a TV series, “Night Logan Woke Up,” at the 2023 Sundance Festival.

In 2023, he told Spanish media El Pais about his frustration with projects that fail to reach a wide audience. “I invest too much passion to face such disappointments continually,” Dolan remarked. “It makes me question the value of my work, even though I know it’s not poor quality.”

He added, “What’s the point in storytelling when everything around us is crumbling? Art seems futile, and dedicating oneself to cinema feels like a waste of time.”

Although Dolan hinted at retirement in previous years, telling Le Journal de Montreal in 2022 about his waning interest in storytelling, it appears he has now rediscovered his passion.

“I’m tired of this profession. The world has drastically changed,” Dolan mentioned in 2022. “I don’t feel the urge to tell stories or connect with myself as before. Instead, I want to spend time with loved ones, direct commercials, and someday build a house in the countryside when I can afford it. I’m not sad, just eager to experience different things.”