The world premiere of Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply will open this year’s AFI Fest, set to run Nov. 10-17, it was announced Tuesday.
The 1950s-set drama centers on a small-town expat turned aspiring actress (Lily Collins) and her ambitious studio driver (Alden Ehrenreich), whose lives are unpredictably affected by the erratic behavior of their employer, billionaire Howard Hughes (Beatty).
“We are launching the 30th edition of AFI Fest with a new Warren Beatty film that takes place in 1950s Hollywood. Romantic entanglements, the youthful pursuit of success and an outlandish billionaire are brought to life by a remarkable ensemble cast,” AFI Fest director Jacqueline Lyanga said in a statement.
The movie, which was written, directed and produced by Beatty, features an all-star ensemble cast including Alec Baldwin, Annette Bening, Candice Bergen, Steve Coogan and Ed Harris, as well as Matthew Broderick, Taissa Farmiga, Megan Hilty, Oliver Platt and Martin Sheen, among others.
“Warren Beatty has charmed and challenged moviegoers from his first moment on screen, and his talents as an actor, director, writer and producer have always transcended trends,” said AFI president Bob Gazzale. “AFI is honored to present the world premiere of his newest gift to America’s cultural legacy.”
The film festival’s Opening Night Gala will take place Thursday, Nov. 10, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.
