While we may still be waiting onPaul Thomas Anderson’s next feature film for a while, it appears we’ll have brand new PTA content to consume by the end of the month.RadioheadfrontmanThom Yorketook to Twitter today to announce that a new album calledANIMAis coming out at the end of June, which was then followed by an announcement from Netflix that the album will be accompanied by a “short musical film” directed by PTA, scored by and starring Yorke, releasing on Netflix on June 27th.
The short teaser video forANIMAdoesn’t reveal too much, other than the definition of a “one-reeler”—which is what they’re callingANIMA. A one-reeler is an old-fashioned term for a short film, one that usually runs 10-12 minutes in length and can be animated or comedic in nature. Oh, and this short film is getting a select run in IMAX screens, which means… something?
PTA is no stranger to music videos, having directed a number of videos forHAIMand Radiohead recently. But I’m incredibly curious to see what warrants an IMAX experience withANIMA. Anderson is a supremely talented visual filmmaker, having taken the DP reins himself on his brilliantPhantom Thread, but here’s something interesting: the photo credits on the official images fromANIMAprovided by Netflix citeDarius Khondji, the brilliant cinematographer behind films likeSe7en,The Lost City of Z, andFunny Games.This likely means he served as DP onANIMA. So yeah, a short musical directed by PTA, shot by Darius Khondji? I would most definitely see that in IMAX.
Luckily all will be revealed shortly. As for PTA’s next feature, word has it that thereisa script that exists, one thatLeonardo DiCaprioturned downto enter talks forGuillermo del Toro’sNightmare Alley. But talks for that film broke down, which means Leo’s available again. Whether he ends up working with PTA or not (here’s hoping he does), it sounds like the director is in the early planning stages of his next movie. Which is a very good thing.
For now, check out theANIMAteaser and poster below. The film will be playing in select IMAX theaters worldwide on June 26th ahead of its Netflix debut the following day.
