John Malkovich at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Berlin-based Picture Tree Intl. has shipped Robert Schwentke’s historical drama «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes,» which is making its world premiere in the Berlinale Special Gala section of the Berlin Film Festival.
Lilith Stangenberg at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Also the teaser of the film starring John Malkovich, Geraldine Chaplin, Tom Xander, Louis Hofmann of «Dark» and Mary-Louise Parke has seen the light of day at the Berlinale.
Geraldine Chaplin, John Malkovich and Lilith Stangenberg at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
The film deals with the relationship between Seneca and Nero, the perverse Roman emperor whom he mentored since childhood and who accused him of planning his assassination.
John Malkovich, Lilith Stangenberg and Robert Schwentke at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
As Nero’s adoptive father and mastermind, Seneca plays a decisive role in the rise of the young tyrant. The philosopher, known for his great speeches on renunciation and clemency, is also one of the richest men in ancient Rome.
Lilith Stangenberg at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Rome, 65 AD. Emperor Nero rehearses a speech with his mentor Seneca in a rhetoric class. But, unfortunately, it is in vain: the difference in IQ between the two men is all too evident.
Geraldine Chaplin, John Malkovich and Lilith Stangenberg at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Sensing the senator’s superiority, the ruler goes into a rage. Given that he has already murdered several of his closest relatives in a violent fit of rage, this is not a good sign. Seneca suspects that the cruel rolling of heads may soon apply to him as well. Nevertheless, he is surprised when Nero, at the height of his tyrannical powers and often addressed as «Mr. President,» orders Seneca to commit suicide. We know from Tacitus that Seneca slashes his wrists, which drives his young wife Paulina to suicide.
John Malkovich and Robert Schwentke at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Robert Schwentke makes his hero bleed for a particularly long period of time and, during this extended period, the important senator lashes out at the world, but especially at himself.
Geraldine Chaplin, John Malkovich and Lilith Stangenberg at the premiere of «Seneca – On the Creation of Earthquakes»
Schwentke has put on a remarkable display in a film that is almost unparalleled in its use of punchlines, sarcasm and love of words. »Seneca,» is surprisingly and incredibly topical and begs the question: is the educated elite a victim of tyranny or an opportunistic collaborator? The time is ripe for political allegories.
