Oscar-winning Hungarian director István Szabó is gearing up for his next major project, a highly anticipated period drama titled 'Embers'. Renowned English actor Ralph Fiennes has been confirmed as the lead, joining an ensemble cast that includes Viggo Mortensen, Charlotte Rampling, Katherine Langford, Louis Hofmann, Gijs Blom, Evelyne Brochu, and Jonah Russell. This marks Szabó's second film since 2012 and his first in six years.
Adaptation of a Classic Novel
According to reports, Christopher Hampton, celebrated for his work on 'Dangerous Liaisons', is adapting the screenplay from the novel by bestselling author Sándor Márai. Filming has already commenced in Budapest, Hungary, with the entire cast currently on location. The first official images of Fiennes, Mortensen, and Langford in character have also been released online.
Creative Team Behind the Scenes
The project boasts an impressive creative team, including Oscar-winning composer Mychael Danna, production designer Attila F. Kovacs, cinematographer Dániel Garas, costume designer Bea Merkovits, and editor David Wharnsby.
Director's Excitement
Szabó expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, 'Since Christopher Hampton sent it to me, Robert Lantos and I have been waiting to film the best script I have ever held in my hands. The basis, Márai's novel, is one of the most beautiful works of 20th Century fiction. Christopher perfectly adapted the novel for film.'
Plot Synopsis
The official synopsis reads: 'Embers reconnects once inseparable friends, Henrik (Fiennes) and Konrad (Mortensen), decades after Konrad's mysterious disappearance and uncovers over the course of one evening the secret that tore them apart—and the woman at the center of it.'
The film is produced by Robert Lantos and is expected to be a major contender in the awards season. With its star-studded cast and acclaimed director, 'Embers' is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated period dramas of the year.
