Rooney and Kate Mara had to speak in unison in ‘Bucking Fastard’
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Rooney and Kate Mara premiered Werner Herzog’s “Bucking Fastard” at the Venice Film Festival on Thursday, marking their first film together. They play fictional siblings Jean and Joan Holbrooke, whose bond is expressed through speaking and moving in unison. Herzog said his idea was inspired by British twins Freda and Greta Chaplin, whom he encountered decades ago, but stressed that the new film is fictional. The Maras said their shared childhood made synchronized dialogue feel natural, with Kate comparing it to music. Herzog shortened their planned two-week rehearsal to five days after seeing their progress. Orlando Bloom co-stars as the man both sisters love, while Domhnall Gleeson is also in the cast. The film is an Ireland-U.S. production, runs 109 minutes and is competing for Venice’s Golden Lion. Herzog dedicated the movie to David Lynch, saying he wished Lynch could have seen it. No U.S. release date has been announced.
Timeline
- On 1980s Britain, Freda and Greta Chaplin attracted tabloid attention.
- On 2019, Herzog’s last fictional feature, Family Romance LLC, premiered.
- On September 2, 2026, Venice began its 83rd festival edition.
- On September 2, 2026, Bucking Fastard held two press screenings.
- On September 3, 2026, the Mara sisters premiered together publicly.
- On September 3, 2026, Herzog presented his film competitively today.
- On September 3, 2026, Reuters reported the synchronized performance details.
- On September 3, 2026, reviews diverged over Herzog’s execution overall.
- On September 3, 2026, the film remained without U.S. release.
- On September 12, 2026, Venice will announce its Golden Lion.
- In coming days, critics will continue evaluating the Venice entry.
- In coming months, distributors may determine the U.S. release plans.
- In awards season, Venice competition results may influence film visibility.
Sources
Irish Film & Television Network
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