German Filmmaker Edward Berger Prepares for Toronto Debut with "Ballad of a Small Player

BERLIN (AP) — Edward Berger's latest film, "Ballad of a Small Player," is set to premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before its global release on Netflix in October. The German filmmaker's 2022 war epic, "All Quiet on the Western Front," was nominated for nine Oscars and took home four, including best international feature. His follow-up, "Conclave," grossed $127 million worldwide and earned eight Academy Award nominations, including best screenplay and best picture. Berger's latest film is an English-language adaptation of Lawrence Osborne's 2014 novel of the same name. The story revolves around Colin Farrell's character, Lord Doyle, a struggling gambler who frequents the baccarat tables in Macau. According to Berger, "Ballad of a Small Player" explores themes of addiction and the human condition. "We're not just talking about a guy who's addicted to gambling," Berger said in an interview. "We're talking about a guy who's lost his sense of purpose, his sense of identity." The film's setting in Macau provides a unique cultural backdrop for the story. The former Portuguese colony has become a hub for high-stakes gaming and luxury tourism, attracting visitors from around the world. "Macau is a fascinating place," Berger said. "It's a city that exists between East and West, between tradition and modernity." Berger's decision to adapt Osborne's novel was influenced by his own experiences with addiction. "I've always been fascinated by the human condition, and I think this story speaks to something universal," he explained. The film's release on Netflix marks a significant shift in the global distribution of films. Berger acknowledged that the platform has changed the way people consume movies, but emphasized the importance of theatrical releases. "I believe that cinema is a social experience," Berger said. "It's not just about watching a movie at home; it's about being part of a community." "Ballad of a Small Player" will be released on Netflix in October, following its premiere at TIFF. The film's global box office performance and critical reception remain to be seen. In related news, Berger is also set to direct the next installment in the "Bourne" franchise, although details about the project are still scarce. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*