A 13-minute standing ovation proved almost too much for John Malkovich to keep a straight face. The actor became visibly emotional as Wild Horse Nine premiered at the Venice Film Festival, with the rapturous response adding serious awards buzz.
Martin McDonagh’s new black comedy paired Malkovich with Sam Rockwell as two CIA officers caught in the chaos surrounding Chile’s 1973 military coup. The film also featured Steve Buscemi, Tom Waits, and Parker Posey in its ensemble.
John Malkovich was visibly emotional as his new black comedy ‘Wild Horse Nine’ premiered at the Venice Film Festival to lengthy applause
Variety reported that Wild Horse Nine received 13 minutes of thunderous applause after Thursday’s world premiere. Malkovich became emotional as the cheering continued, while McDonagh also appeared touched by the reaction. Rockwell’s partner, Leslie Bibb, led the celebration with enthusiastic hoots and hollers. Posey also became emotional, fanning herself while signaling that the theater was sweltering.
The audience had already responded during the screening. Applause erupted when Malkovich’s character launched into a cheese rant. Another burst followed when he expressed his desire to visit Venice.
The story followed two loose-cannon CIA agents dispatched from Santiago to Easter Island. Their mission unfolded shortly before the military coup overthrew socialist president Salvador Allende. The response strengthened McDonagh’s impressive Venice track record. Wild Horse Nine marked his third consecutive feature to premiere there, following Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri and The Banshees of Inisherin.
Both earlier films translated festival acclaim into Oscar attention. Three Billboards earned seven nominations and two wins, including one for Rockwell. The Banshees of Inisherin later collected nine nominations. Malkovich also found himself generating early awards chatter. The two-time Oscar nominee remained modest about the speculation, saying, “For me, it’s a very nice thing. But the nicest thing is the film getting attention.”
Critics appeared equally impressed. NME called the movie a “bitingly funny, bracingly tough feature,” while The Hollywood Reporter described Malkovich’s performance as “his best in years.” The actor also dismissed any retirement plans. “I don’t plan to retire because I think they will retire me when it’s time,” Malkovich said during a press conference.
After decades of memorable roles, including Dangerous Liaisons and Being John Malkovich, another career highlight seemed fitting. Wild Horse Nine premiered on September 3 and was set for UK cinemas on November 6.
