The Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation speaks out on the Salvador Dalí biopic Daliland just days before its debut at the Toronto Film Festival. According to the Foundation, they did not approve the film. By deadlinewhich the organization claims they only heard about Daliland through media reports, and at the time contacted the film’s producers to regularize their rights. The Foundation says it has never heard from the crew and also claims to have tried to contact the film’s director and screenwriter.
In an official statement, the Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation said:
“The Spanish Institute has not had a chance to look at it and carry out its duties in its role of protector of the painter’s work and image.”
The foundation further said that they “reserve the right to exercise any legal action it deems appropriate to safeguard the prestige of the artist, that of his creative activity, of the Dalí Theater-Museum in Figueres and of the Dalí Foundation.” .”
The Gala-Salvador Dalí Foundation was established by the artist in 1983 and operates three museums: the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres, the Gala-Dalí Castle in Púbol and the Salvador Dalí House in Portlligat.
While there may have been no communication initially from the film’s producers, they did provide Deadline with a response regarding the Foundation’s comments:
“Daliland is a complex and auspicious portrayal of Dalí, whose life and work we deeply respect. The film contains no copyrighted or otherwise protected material and everything we did was within our rights to make the film and tell this story.”
Daliland will investigate the marriage between Salvador Dalí and his then wife Gala. Set in New York and Spain in 1973, the film follows the couple for nearly 40 years in their marriage and before their relationship collapsed (the two divorced in 1982). Ben Kingsley and Barbara Sukowa star as Dalí and Gala. The cast also includes Christopher Briney, Rupert Graves, Andreja Pejić, Suki Waterhouse, Mark McKenna and Ezra Miller.
Daliland directed by Mary Harron (American psychopath) and written by John C. Walsh. The film is a collaboration between Zephyr Films, Pressman Film, Room 9 Entertainment, Neon Productions, Popcorn Group and Serein Productions. The premiere is scheduled to take place at the Toronto Film Festival on September 17.
The director’s thoughts on cast member Ezra Miller
The film made headlines earlier this week when Harron praised troubled actor Ezra Miller for their work on the film. Harron praised Miller, who identifies as non-binary, calling them “one of the best actors I’ve worked with.” Harron also expressed her hope that Miller will get the help they need.
Miller’s personal issues include a recent burglary charge in Vermont, but date back to 2020, when a recording showed Miller assaulting a woman in Iceland. In June, it was reported that Miller had been caring for an 18-year-old girl since she was 14. They have also been arrested twice this year in Hawaii on charges of disorderly conduct and harassment.
In Daliland, Miller plays a younger version of Dali. They have portrayed before Barry Allen/Flash in DC Comics Justice League and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
Miller recently told Variety that they do indeed seek help to treat ‘complex psychological problems’.