Abel Ferrara, the acclaimed filmmaker, is ready to embark on a new cinematic journey with his latest feature, 'American Nails.' This modern gangster story draws inspiration from ancient tragedy and showcases a stellar cast led by Asia Argento and Willem Dafoe. Set against the backdrop of the gangster world in contemporary Italy, the film promises to explore themes of primal violence, power, and revenge.
'American Nails' is described as a no-holds-barred retelling of Euripides' masterpiece, pitting Asia Argento's character against the male-dominated remnants of power and entitlement. The tale unfolds in the shadow of the Roman Empire, offering a fresh and intriguing perspective on age-old themes.
The screenplay, penned by Ferrara and Rosella De Venuto, is set to be brought to life by producers Diana Phillips and Philipp Kreuzer for Rimsky Productions and Maze Pictures. With production scheduled to commence in Italy this summer, anticipation is high for this collaboration between Ferrara, Argento, and Dafoe.
For Willem Dafoe, 'American Nails' marks his eighth collaboration with Abel Ferrara, adding to a long-standing creative partnership that has seen them tackle diverse projects such as 'Pasolini,' 'Tommaso,' and 'Siberia.' Dafoe's recent acclaimed performance in Yorgos Lanthimos' 'Poor Things' has further cemented his status as a versatile and sought-after actor in the industry.
Asia Argento, a multi-talented artist known for her work as an actress, screenwriter, director, and musician, brings her unique flair to 'American Nails.' With a background rooted in the cinematic legacy of her father, filmmaker Dario Argento, and actress/screenwriter Daria Nicolodi, Argento's versatility and talent shine through in her diverse body of work.
As both actors continue to push boundaries and explore new creative horizons, the upcoming projects on the horizon for Dafoe and Argento promise to captivate audiences with their depth and range. From challenging roles in films like 'Kinds of Kindness' and 'Beetlejuice Beetlejuice' for Dafoe, to a diverse lineup of projects including 'Les reines du Drame' and 'Stronger Than the Devil' for Argento, the future looks bright for these talented artists.
Abel Ferrara's current involvement in 'Turn in the Wound,' a documentary blending war footage from Ukraine with performance art by Patti Smith, underscores his commitment to pushing boundaries and creating thought-provoking content. With a unique vision and a passion for storytelling, Ferrara continues to be a trailblazer in the world of cinema.
As production on 'American Nails' gets underway, fans eagerly await the opportunity to journey into the world crafted by Ferrara, Argento, and Dafoe. With a blend of ancient themes and modern storytelling, this upcoming feature promises to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact on the world of cinema.
