Filth and Wisdom

No need for an introduction when this debutant launches her directing debut. After two decades as one of the world's biggest pop stars, Madonna steps behind the camera with a dramatic comedy about three flatmates trying to make a living in London.

Juliette wants to help children in the Third World, but is stuck working at a pharmacy where she spends the day arguing with her boss, who secretly inhales the smell of her clothes as soon as she turns her back. Her best friend Holly is a gifted dancer. Unfortunately, opportunities to make money as a prima ballerina are limited, and Holly is forced to work as a stripper to survive.

But that doesn’t stop the character, A. K., from craving her affection. Played by Eugene Hutz, the real-life lead singer of punk band Gogol Bordello, A. K. is a Ukrainian émigré who believes that one has to know the seamy side of life to find enlightenment. Dressed in military gear, he tortures masochists for money while awaiting his big musical breakthrough.

Dreams, needs and morality collide in this bohemian flick about the struggles and duality of everyday life.

Premiere Status
Scandinavian Premiere: Cast
Eugene Hutz, Holly Weston, Vicky McClure, Richard E. Grant, Stephen Graham, Inder Manocha, Shobu Kapoor, Ade: Producer
Madonna, Nicola Doring: Script
Madonna, Dan Cadan: Cinematography
Tim Maurice-Jones: Spoken language
English, Russian, Hindi