EXCLUSIVE: Following successful runs at the Royal Opera House in London and the Los Angeles Phil, the buzzy English-language opera Last days was adapted for the big screen by artist and director Matt Copsonwho, together with Oliver Leith, created the original opera.
Inspired by Gus Van Sant's 2005 film of the same name and financed by Mubi, Spanish production company AF Films and LUMA, with additional support from Nina Pictures and the Artemis Rising Foundation, the film is currently in production in Spain.
Copson will direct the film adaptation. Agatha Roussel (Titanium) subscribed to the star. Roussel also starred in the original opera production. Last days Produced by AF and Many Enterprises and Riccardo Maddalosso in association with Louverture Films Mubi and Jocelyn Barnes (Nickel boys). In the picture, Mubi has worldwide rights excluding Spain. AF reserves all rights in Spain.
Last days dramatizes the final period in the life of successful but reclusive musician Blake, played by Roussel. Blake has just escaped from rehab and returned home, but his family's peace is soon shattered by a series of unwanted visitors. The chaos is compounded by constant calls from his manager, as well as the presence of a private investigator and a superfan stalking him nearby. As the turmoil around him reaches its climax, the shadowy figure of a magician appears, offering him a way out. In the end, Blake is left alone, facing only what is left: himself.
French cinematographer Claire Mathon, best known for her acclaimed work with Céline Sciamma (Petite Maman, Portrait of a Lady on Fire), will be the director of photography. Sound design will be led by Nicholas Becker (Sound of Metal), Production Design is Liam Moore, Nicolas Chauderge is the Editor, and Anna Morrisey is the Movement Director. Costume design by Nat Turner.
Oliver Leith's score, original to the opera, includes an aria sung by Caroline Polachek.
Last days will mark Copson's feature-length directorial debut. The British artist and director is best known for his work in the worlds of contemporary art and opera. Copson is best known for his theatrical installations that combine lasers, sculpture and sound. He has exhibited internationally at the KW Institute in Berlin, the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, the Aspen Art Museum and the Serpentine Galleries in London.
Copson has also worked closely with Polachek, filming all of her music videos since 2019. Van Sant's 2005 film was an experimental and artistic account of the life and career of a Seattle musician, reminiscent of the life and career of Kurt Cobain.
