Julie Taymor’s The Tempest as Centerpiece at the New York Film Festival

Indiewire reports that Julie Taymor’s The Tempest will have its North American premier (after playing the Venice Film Fest) at the New York Film Festival in October.

Helen Mirren stars as the female ‘Prospera’ in Taymor’s “Tempest,” a twist on the key role of the play. Her co-stars in the film are Russell Brand, Reeve Carney, Tom Conti, Chris Cooper, Alan Cumming, Djimon Hounsou, Felicity Jones, Alfred Molina, David Strathairn and Ben Whishaw.

The New York Film Fest is looking hotter with more specific choices, but really great choices – this, after announcing David Fincher’s The Social Network will open the fest.

The Tempest has been made into many films over the years, but the one I most remember is Tempest, starring John Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands, Susan Sarandon, Raul Julia, and Molly Ringwald. It is memorable mostly for showcasing both the gorgeous Greek islands and Susan Sarandon’s decolletage. Of course, back then you didn’t put Sarandon in a movie and not showcase her decolletage. It was a feast for the eyes, though not picked up by The AMPAS. The Golden Globes liked it enough for a Best Supporting Actor nod for Julia, and a Best New Star award for Ringwald.

Taymor’s The Tempest will be very different, of course. Taymor, love her or hate her, is one of the few female visionaries working in film.