Werner Herzog talks about 'Queen of the Desert' and the release of the movie in the USA during REDDIT Q&A - July 12th 2016:

Question: Do you have any idea when Queen of the Desert will get a US release?

Herzog: Unfortunately I don’t. There was a problem between the production company and the studio. The film reverted back to the production company after there was some disagreement over money and all sorts of things. Hopefully by the end of the year it will be time. I has been shown in some countries, Germany for example. It should be out in theaters. I’m anxious to see it on screen.

Question: Why did you choose to focus on Gertrude Bell’s personal life/romances in Queen of the Desert?

Herzog: Yeah, that was a very clear decision not to create a biopic. You see biopics normally do not work when in movies. Of course there are exceptions, for example Gandhi. Audiences would see a biopic let’s say on television but in this case it was a big epic feature film that I wanted to have on big screens and I was very fascinated by the emotional life of Gertrude Bell, I was interested in the tragedy of her love stories, I was interested in her poetry. A lot of the film is about poetry and translating poetry. It’s a lot about solitude, it’s a lot about empty spaces, it’s a lot about music. These elements are more interesting than just a simple biopic. That has created some controversy but I must say I don’t really care, I believe the film is beautiful as it is. We have phenomenal acting in it, Nicole Kidman and some of her great male stars like Robert Pattinson, James Franco, and Damian Lewis. It’s a film that set it’s course from the very beginning, don’t do a biopic, go for what’s much more fascinating.

REDDIT

Queen of the Desert producer Cassian Elwes
talks about Robert Pattinson

RPWW: How did you get involved in producing Queen of the Desert?

Cassian Elwes: I’m a huge fan of Werner Herzog’s films and literally chased him around for a year to let me be involved in Queen of the Desert.

RPWW: Lawrence of Arabia has been played by big names before (Peter O’Toole most often comes to mind). Why do you think Werner Herzog chose Robert Pattinson to take on such a big responsibility and how do you find he did in this role?

CE: We specifically didn’t want to repeat Lawrence so he wanted someone very different from O’Toole, a young man who would be confident, appealing to other young people, and at the same time a confident actor. Pattinson has a large following and for sure they’ve never seen him play a part like this. He was in the moment he heard Herzog wanted him. He was Werner’s first choice.

RPWW: Do you have a fond memory of working with Robert Pattinson (i.e. on-set work, meetings behind the scenes)?

CE: He’s actually pretty shy but he’s very talented and gave everything he had.

RPWW: Do you recall any feedback you heard from Werner Herzog regarding Robert Pattinson’s performance in Queen of the Desert?

CE: Werner absolutely loved working with him and would do it again in a second. And he’s wonderful in the movie.

RPWW: Why should people go see Queen of the Desert?

CE: It’s a very romantic vision of the Middle East in this terrible moment of modern strife in the area and reminds us that these are a proud and noble people with a rich history. Perhaps in its own way it may soften people’s stance to these poor refugees understanding that they are not all extremists but in fact humans who need our help.

Read the whole interview at
Pattinson Worldwide

New 'QOTD' Twitter Account:
https://twitter.com/QueenDesert2016

A new Lawrence of Arabia

Another legendary character that appears in this film is T.E. Lawrence, also known as Lawrence of Arabia, played by Robert Pattinson. “I needed an Englishman, who still has the air of a schoolboy, but who is very intelligent. He plays Lawrence of Arabia, but at age 22, on an archaeological site…Pattinson is very good in this role. He is an intelligent man and the choice was quite natural”, says Herzog of casting Pattinson. (translated from French article)

Of his portrayal of Lawrence, Pattinson explains, “It’s sort of close to the real guy, it’s certainly not LAWRENCE OF ARABIA-like. At the same time the guy was really small and I’m not physically right for the part, but I think I have quite a good handle of who he is.” Unlike LAWRENCE OF ARABIA, this film is not focused on T.E. Lawrence as the main character. Pattinson shares his thoughts on having a minor role: “The film’s about Gertrude Bell, it’s really not about making LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. It’s quite nice doing small parts. Then the film isn’t totally reliant on what I do in it, so I get to work with who I want to work with”. (from Independent article)

He also shares about working with director Werner Herzog, “It’s insane because he wrote the script as well and it’s one of the most difficult scripts I’ve ever read. Werner’s great. He’s exactly what you’d expect. He’s got so many amazing stories. He’s got insane confidence as well. I think that’s where all his creativity comes from. He’s got 100% belief in himself”. (from Indiewire Blog)

May 12, 2015
Cassian Elves:


May 12, 2015
The Hollywood Reporter:
'Queen of the Desert' picked
up by Atlas Distribution Co.;
set for a limited release in late September

February 6, 2015
'Queen of the Desert'
World Premiere
at the German Berlin Film Festival
See BERLINALE for photos and details.
Robert Pattinson was not attending.

The Playlist:
'Queen of the Desert' First Look & Stills
- January 14, 2015

Nov 25, 2014:


Little White Lies magazine:
Robert talks about
working with Werner Herzog

Producer Cassian Elwes - August 11, 2014:
'Queen of the Desert'
not ready for a release yet