Seneca: Comedy starring John Malkovich about the last days of the Roman philosopher Seneca and the rise of Emperor Nero.
Plot and background
Lucius Annaeus Seneca (John Malkovich), also known as Seneca the Younger, was considered one of the most widely read writers and respected philosophers in the Roman Empire during his time. As the foster father and teacher of the later Emperor Nero (Tom Xander), Seneca thus supports the rise of his complacent young apprentice to tyrannical ruler. The philosopher himself likes to boast with speeches about renunciation and modesty, but paradoxically he himself belongs to the richest men in ancient Rome. And even then, some see his actions as a senator under the emperor as contradictory to the ethical principles the philosopher emphasizes in his writings. But when Nero thinks he has learned enough from his old mastermind, he orders Seneca to kill himself. Is he ready for an honorable suicide or can he appeal to the emperor’s compassion after all ?
“Seneca” – background, cast, theatrical release
Director Robert Schwentke (“The Captain”) devotes the black comedy “Seneca” to the last days of the Roman philosopher of the same name and the rise of his apprentice, the despot Emperor Nero. Schwentke humorously portrays a world of immoderate power in which opportunism and vanity take precedence over moral issues. The comedy impresses with a top-class cast. New discovery Tom Xander (“Jolt”) stars as ruler Nero alongside Hollywood star John Malkovich (“Being John Malkovich”), who is seen in the title role of the famous philosopher. In other roles, Geraldine Chaplin (“Doctor Zhivago”), Julian Sands (“Warlock – Satan’s Son”), Mary-Louise Parker (“Weeds – Small Deals Among Neighbors”), as well as prominent German actors* such as Louis Hofmann (“The Middle of the World”), Samuel Finzi (“Class Reunion 1.0”), Lilith Stangenberg (“Wild”) and Alexander Fehling (“Gut gegen Nordwind”) were in front of the camera.
“Seneca” has been selected for the 73rd Berlin International Film Festival, which will take place from February 16-26, 2023, and will have its world premiere as a Berlinale Special Gala. The comedy’s official German theatrical release date is March 23, 2023.
