Dutch director Paul Verhoeven, known for garish but smart classics such as “Basic Instinct” and “Starship Troopers,” will compete at this year’s Cannes Film Festival with “Benedetta,” organizers said Wednesday.
The film was considered a likely entry at last year’s festival, which was ultimately cancelled due to the pandemic.
Verhoeven, who has often courted controversy with his graphic depictions of sex and violence, has taken part in several competitions at Cannes but never been awarded.
“Benedetta” certainly seems topical, set in a 15th century Italian convent hit by the plague, focusing on the life of a lesbian nun with miraculous powers.
It stars Belgian actress Virgi…
Keep on reading: ‘Basic Instinct’ director Paul Verhoeven to compete in Cannes with ‘Benedetta’