In the midst of the end of the year push for critics awards I was bombarded by “For Your Consideration” screeners from numerous studios. Last I checked the number was up in the 70s, the total amount of screeners received. One screener included was that of Carlos, the epic about Carlos The Jackal, the infamous Venezuelan terrorist. Unfortunately, I just couldn’t find the time and watch the entire docudrama and the reason was simple: it was just too daunting to sit through. Why? Because the feature is 330 minutes if you watch the original cut. That’s five-and-a-half hours!
Originally a three-part French-German television drama mini-series, which was first broadcast on Canal+ in 2010, Carlos would have a theatrical release from IFC Entertainment after premiering at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Since IFC Entertainment and The Criterion Collection have a relationship when it comes to its film library – Hunger, Che, Gomorrah and several other IFC titles have been released through Criterion – one could assume that Carlos would get similar treatment.
Assume no more. The Playlist has confirmed that Olivier Assayas’ recent docudrama will indeed get a Criterion release in 2011. Viewers will get the opportunity to sit through the entire five-and-a-half-hour epic (maybe closer to six hours depending on how many pee breaks you’ll have).
The release will contain both the extended television cut of the film as well as the shorter, more bladder friendly theatrical edit.
Watch the trailer below and read our review here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H3QkM7uyF10
