Premiere - The Shrouds : Paris Honors David Cronenberg’s Cinematic Legacy

By Mulder, Paris, La Cinémathèque, 20 january 2025

This evening, Paris witnessed an cinematic event as David Cronenberg unveiled his latest masterpiece The Shrouds (Les Linceuls), at the Cinémathèque Française. The premiere was a momentous occasion that not only showcased David Cronenberg’s latest work but also celebrated his groundbreaking contributions to cinema through a comprehensive retrospective of his 55-year career. Introduced by Frédéric Bonnaud, director of the Cinémathèque Française, the event opened with a tribute to the filmmaker’s unparalleled artistic journey, accompanied by a visually stunning montage of iconic moments from his films.

The unveiling of The Shrouds marked the launch of an expansive retrospective running from January 20 to February 7, 2025. This program explores David Cronenberg’s evolution as a director, showcasing his ability to probe the labyrinthine complexities of the human condition. Spanning his earliest experimental projects to his most celebrated works, the retrospective delves into themes that have defined his career: bodily transformation, sexuality, violence, psychoanalysis, and the interplay between humanity and technology. For David Cronenberg fans, this event represents a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the mind of one of cinema’s most daring and thought-provoking auteurs.

At the heart of the evening was The Shrouds, a deeply personal film inspired by David Cronenberg’s grief following the loss of his wife, Carolyn, in 2017. The story follows Karsh, a 50-year-old businessman portrayed by Vincent Cassel, who invents a revolutionary but controversial technology called GraveTech. This innovation allows the living to watch their loved ones’ remains decay in their shrouds, providing a haunting connection to the dead. However, when several graves, including that of Karsh’s wife, are desecrated, he embarks on a deeply emotional and unsettling quest to uncover the culprits. Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, and Sandrine Holt round out the cast in this poignant exploration of loss, memory, and the human desire to bridge the gap between life and death.

Initially conceived as a television series for Netflix, The Shrouds underwent a transformation into a feature film after plans for the series were canceled. David Cronenberg began developing the project in 2022, with Vincent Cassel attached as the lead from the outset. After several casting changes, including Diane Kruger replacing Léa Seydoux in 2023, principal photography commenced in Toronto on May 8, 2023. The production, which wrapped on June 19, 2023, brought together an exceptional creative team, including cinematographer Douglas Koch, production designer Carol Spier, and costume designer Anne Dixon. Howard Shore, a longtime collaborator of David Cronenberg, composed the haunting score that enhances the film’s atmospheric tension.

The Shrouds premiered in the Main Competition section of the 2024 Cannes Film Festival on May 20, 2024, where it was met with critical acclaim for its audacious storytelling and emotional depth. The film also made an impact at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2024, further cementing David Cronenberg’s reputation as a cinematic innovator. The French theatrical release, originally scheduled for January 22, 2025, has been pushed to April 30, 2025, ensuring ample anticipation for its arrival in theaters. Meanwhile, distribution rights in the United States are held by Sideshow and Janus Films, promising the film’s reach to a global audience.

The Cinémathèque Française’s retrospective is a fitting tribute to a filmmaker who has consistently challenged conventions and redefined the boundaries of cinema. The program is meticulously organized to present David Cronenberg’s films in chronological order, offering an insightful journey through his artistic evolution. Early works such as Stereo (1969), Crimes of the Future (1970), and Shivers (1975) highlight his initial experiments with themes of body horror and psychological tension. These are followed by landmark films like Videodrome (1983), The Fly (1986), and Crash (1996), which cemented his reputation as a master of provocative storytelling.

The retrospective also features critically acclaimed dramas like A History of Violence (2005) and Eastern Promises (2007), alongside experimental works such as Cosmopolis (2012) and Maps to the Stars (2014). Audiences can explore David Cronenberg’s lesser-known projects, including short films like Transfer (1966) and Camera (2000), as well as television works such as Secret Weapons (1972). Each screening is accompanied by insightful discussions and masterclasses, including a January 23 session on The Fly, moderated by Frédéric Bonnaud and Bernard Benoliel, and a dialogue on A History of Violence on January 25.

In The Shrouds, David Cronenberg weaves deeply personal themes of grief and human connection with his signature exploration of the grotesque and the transformative. This duality is a hallmark of his career, evident in works that blur the lines between physical and psychological landscapes. The film’s themes resonate with universal fears and desires, inviting audiences to confront their own relationship with mortality and memory. By intertwining the intimate and the macabre, David Cronenberg creates a cinematic experience that is both unsettling and profoundly moving.

The premiere of The Shrouds at the Cinémathèque Française was more than an unveiling—it was a celebration of a cinematic pioneer whose work has reshaped the medium. As Paris embraces this  retrospective, cinephiles from around the world have the opportunity to reflect on David  Cronenberg’s enduring legacy. His films, from the shocking to the sublime, continue to provoke, inspire, and challenge audiences, ensuring his place as one of the most influential filmmakers of our time.

For those eager to explore the full schedule of events and screenings, the Cinémathèque Française’s official website offers detailed information. As the retrospective unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the transformative power of David Cronenberg’s vision—a vision that dares to confront the unknown and reveal the profound truths hidden within.

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Synopsis :
Karsh, 50, is a successful businessman. Inconsolable since the death of his wife, he invents a revolutionary and controversial system, GraveTech, which allows the living to connect with their loved ones in their shrouds. One night, several graves, including his wife's, are vandalized. Karsh sets out to find the culprits.

The Shrouds
Written and directed by David Cronenberg
Produced by Saïd Ben Saïd, Martin Katz, Anthony Vaccarello
Starring  Vincent Cassel, Diane Kruger, Guy Pearce, Sandrine Holt
Cinematography : Douglas Koch
Edited by Christopher Donaldson
Music by Howard Shore
Production companies : Prospero Pictures, SBS International, Saint Laurent Productions
Distributed by Pyramide Distribution (France), Sphere Films (Canada)
Release dates : May 20, 2024 (Cannes), September 5, 2024 (TIFF), April 25, 2025 (France)
Running time : 119 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville