Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard,” starring real-life sisters Rooney and Kate Mara as a pair of siblings who do absolutely everything together, earned a solid 6.5-minute ovation at Venice on Thursday night.The surreal drama follows Jean and Joan Holbrooke, sisters who speak in unison, dress the same and even fall in love with the same man (Orlando Bloom).The biggest applause was undoubtedly for auteur Werner Herzog, who was greeted with cheers as he entered the theater. After the credits rolled during the ovation, Herzog wiped his eyes with a tissue as Rooney and Kate shared a sweet embrace.
The film marks the first time Rooney and Kate have appeared together on screen. They play sisters who are searching for an imaginary land where true love is possible and begin digging a tunnel through a mountain range. Domhnall Gleeson also stars.
“Bucking Fastard” is competing for Venice’s Golden Lion after taking an unusual route to the Lido. The film had initially been invited to Cannes, but Herzog declined because it wasn’t offered a competition slot. Venice subsequently selected the film for its competition lineup.
“Bucking Fastard” marks Herzog’s return to Venice just one year after the festival honored him with its Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement, which was presented to him by Francis Ford Coppola. He also presented his documentary “Ghost Elephants.”
Herzog has a long history with the Lido, having previously brought films including “Scream of Stone,” “The Wild Blue Yonder,” “Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans” and “My Son, My Son, What Have Ye Done?” to the festival.