The Lost City of Z

Die versunkene Stadt Z
Private Percy Fawcett’s humble background means that his chances of promotion in 1920s England are pretty slim. Seconded to a Royal Society land surveying expedition to Bolivia, he finds himself fascinated with the jungle – in spite of the strenuous conditions. He agrees to a further expedition even though an absence of several years will distance him from his wife and mean that his children will barely know him. In the Amazonian rainforest he finds vestiges of lost civilisations. He becomes convinced of the existence of a sunken metropolis, the mysterious city of Z. But his claims are laughed off by the scientific establishment. Driven by the desire to prove his theory, Fawcett sets out on one last fateful journey with his now adult son. The dramatic events that occurred in the Brazilian jungle at the time have given rise to numerous speculations that have endured to the present day. Based on David Grann’s non-fiction book, James Gray’s dramatic adventure story is also an accomplished portrait of social conventions in a time of great scientific and social upheaval.
by James Gray
with Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson, Sienna Miller, Tom Holland, Edward Ashley, Angus Macfadyen
USA / Ireland 2016 English 140’ Colour Rating R6

With

  • Charlie Hunnam (Percy Fawcett)
  • Robert Pattinson (Henry Costin)
  • Sienna Miller (Nina Fawcett)
  • Tom Holland (Jack Fawcett)
  • Edward Ashley (Arthur Manley)
  • Angus Macfadyen (James Murray)

Crew

Written and Directed by James Gray based on the book by David Grann
Cinematography Darius Khondji
Editing John Axelrad, Lee Haugen
Music Christopher Spelman
Production Design Jean-Vincent Puzos
Costumes Sonia Grande
Casting Kate Ringsell
Producers Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, Anthony Katagas, James Gray, Dale Armin Johnson
Executive Producers Brad Pitt, Marc Butan, Mark Huffam, Felipe Aljure

Produced by

Plan B Entertainment

Sierra Pictures

Mica Entertainment

Northern Ireland Screen

James Gray

Born in New York, USA in 1969, he intended to become a painter but then studied at the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California, graduating in 1991. His debut feature film Little Odessa, for which he also wrote the screenplay, won the Silver Lion at the 1994 Venice International Film Festival. In 2000 he presented his dark family story The Yards, starring Mark Wahlberg and Joaquin Phoenix, at the Cannes Film Festival. Both his 2007 thriller We Own the Night and his 2008 romantic drama Two Lovers were nominated for a Palm d’Or at Cannes.

Filmography

1991 Cowboys and Angels; short film 1994 Little Odessa 2000 The Yards 2007 We Own the Night 2008 Two Lovers 2013 The Immigrant 2016 The Lost City of Z (Die versunkene Stadt Z)

Bio- & filmography as of Berlinale 2017