First Look: Jon Stewart’s ‘Rosewater’ Starring Gael García Bernal
Hot on the heels of yesterday’srelease date announcement,Jon Stewart’s directorial debutRosewaterhas just revealed a few first-look pics.Gael Garcia Bernalleads the fact-based story asMaziar Bahari, an Iranian-Canadian journalist who imprisoned and tortured for 118 days in Iran.
As the subject matter suggests, Stewart’sRosewateris a serious drama — quite unlike the political comedy we’re used to getting from Stewart on his nightly show. Hit the jump to see the firstRosewaterimages.
The title of the film comes from a character in the book. Bahari was brutally “interrogated” by a man he nicknamed Rosewater, because of the distinctive scent he wore.Kim Bodniawill reportedly play that role in the movie.
Stewart started working onRosewaternot long after Bahari’s release. The journalist appeared onThe Daily Showto discuss his ordeal, and Stewart was so impressed that he optioned Bahari’s life rights. In addition to writing, Stewart also wrote the script, which is based on Bahari’s 2011 memoirThen They Came For Me.
But Stewart was actually involved with Bahari’s ordeal much earlier on, in a weird way. When Bahari was captured in Iran, one of his previous appearances on aDaily Showsketch was used against him as evidence of his being a spy. “I like to get people arrested before I get to know them,” Stewart joked to the publication.
AlthoughDaily Showfans know Stewart as a funny man, he stresses thatRosewaterisn’t a funny movie. “It may not be what people expect from me; it’s not a comedy,” he said. “I hope people view it for what it is—a love letter to expression and the importance of it. It’s everything.”
Rosewatergets a limited release startingNovember 7, following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.Shohreh AghdashlooandGolshifteh Farahanialso star.
