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Karla Sofía Gascón Announces New Role in Italian Film
Karla Sofía Gascón, the groundbreaking actress known for being the first trans performer nominated for an Academy Award, has revealed her next cinematic venture. This comes after a tumultuous awards season where her aspirations for the leading actress Oscar were curtailed due to the resurfacing of controversial social media posts.
In her latest project, Gascón will portray a psychiatrist who embodies both divine and diabolical traits in the Italian film titled The Life Lift, as reported by Variety. The film, directed by Stefania Rossella Grassi, marks a significant continuation of Gascón’s career following her dramatic rise and sudden drop in the public eye.
The psychological thriller also features US actor Vincent Gallo and follows a troubled New Yorker named Gabriel, who faces persecution from ominous Post-it notes found in his apartment building’s elevator. According to promotional materials, these notes compel him to commit horrific acts against three tenants who themselves are plotting violence against their relatives. The film promises to delve into unsettling themes, described as “perturbing, livid, and hypnotic.”
Gascón’s journey has been marked by both significant achievements and challenges. After winning the best actress award at Cannes alongside her co-stars from Emilia Pérez, Gascón appeared poised to be a frontrunner at the Oscars for her portrayal of a Mexican cartel leader undergoing a transition while fleeing danger. Nevertheless, she faced mounting criticism from various communities concerned about the representation in the film, especially as its nominations reached a staggering 13.
The situation grew dire for Gascón when old posts resurfaced, drawing scrutiny for their offensive remarks on issues including race and diversity at the Oscars. Consequently, her chances at the Oscars diminished sharply. Although she issued an apology, the backlash resulted in her being distanced from Netflix and the film’s director, Jacques Audiard, until a last-minute decision allowed her to attend the ceremony—though she was not permitted to walk the red carpet.
In light of the backlash, Gascón later expressed the emotional toll the awards season had taken on her, even admitting it led her to consider drastic actions. While promoting her memoir, she made controversial statements, asserting that she was “less racist than Gandhi” and implying that forgiveness was unnecessary from those offended by her past.
On the other hand, Vincent Gallo, who is also known for his unconventional career, has seen a decline in his visibility in the film industry. Gallo has previously made headlines for controversial political endorsements and personal choices, including his explicit road trip film, The Brown Bunny, which premiered at Cannes in 2003. Recently, he has faced scrutiny related to complaints from actresses auditioning for his latest project, The Policeman, and his personal website offers both escort services and unusual products, such as vials of his sperm for sale.
As Gascón and Gallo prepare to bring The Life Lift to audiences, the film stands as a testament to the complex interplay of talent, controversy, and the evolving landscape of representation in the arts.
Source
www.theguardian.com