Robert Rodriguez and the enigmatic John Malkovich have collaborated on a film shrouded in mystery, titled “100 Years,” but with a twist that redefines cinematic release strategies. This isn’t your typical blockbuster hitting theaters next summer; in fact, no one alive today will witness its premiere. Financed by the prestigious French cognac house Louis XIII, this film is locked away in a vault, scheduled for release in 2115.
This unprecedented project, “100 Years,” is the brainchild of Louis XIII, a brand synonymous with luxury and the painstaking craftsmanship required to produce its world-renowned cognac. Louis XIII cognac is a blend of 1,200 eaux-de-vie, each aged for up to 100 years. This century-long creation process became the inspiring metaphor for the film, conceived by marketers at Louis XIII and brought to life by production companies Fred & Farid in New York and Moonwalk Films.
Ludovic du Plessis, Louis XIII’s global executive director, elucidated the rationale behind this unique endeavor at a press conference alongside Rodriguez and Malkovich. He explained that just as their cellar masters meticulously craft Louis XIII for future generations, the “100 Years” movie is a cinematic creation intended for an audience a century from now. “Our cellar master is crafting Louis XIII today that will be ready in 2115,” du Plessis stated. “He will never see his baby. He is working on something for people who haven’t been born yet. This is impressive, and this is our source of inspiration.”
Film directors Robert Rodriguez, right, and John Malkovich, left, pose together to promote their collaborative movie project “100 Years”, a film locked away for a century and financed by Louis XIII cognac.
Echoing this sentiment, neither the cast nor the crew, including director Robert Rodriguez himself, have seen the final version of “100 Years.” Rodriguez submitted a rough cut for visual effects processing and never reviewed the completed film before it was sealed away. This adds another layer of intrigue to a project already steeped in anticipation and delayed gratification.
While concrete details about “100 Years” remain scarce, a few stills from futuristic teasers surfaced online, offering glimpses into its aesthetic. The filmmakers have described the setting as contemporary, emphasizing the film’s elegance and emotional depth, largely attributed to Malkovich’s writing. Rodriguez commented, “It’s set today, it’s very elegant, it’s emotionally charged, and it’s John’s writing… You have to touch people’s hearts if they’re going to show it in the future, so it has to be honest.” He admitted his pride in the project, despite its inaccessibility to present-day audiences.
The cast of “100 Years” features John Malkovich in the lead role, Chinese actress Shuya Chang as the heroine, and Chilean actor Marko Zaror as the villain. While the plot is closely guarded, du Plessis characterized it as Malkovich’s interpretation of the next century, exploring “the delicate relationship between the past, the present and the future,” and serving as “a tribute to the mastery of time.” The film defies genre categorization, blending elements of drama and comedy, and was produced with a budget in the seven-figure range.
Louis XIII’s choice of John Malkovich was deliberate, recognizing his exceptional talent and creative vision. Du Plessis hailed Malkovich as “the best actor of his generation” and a “creative genius,” even playfully noting Malkovich’s impressive command of the French language.
The completed “100 Years” film is housed within a high-tech safe designed by Fichet-Bauche, a renowned French security firm with two centuries of history. This vault, featuring bulletproof glass and a timer set for a century-long countdown, embarked on a global tour, beginning in Hong Kong, before reaching its permanent location at the House of Louis XIII in Cognac. There, it will remain untouched until its automatic opening in 2115. To further enhance the legacy of this unique cinematic time capsule, Louis XIII distributed 1,000 silver-plated movie tickets to select global “influencers,” intended for their descendants to experience the film’s premiere a century later.
Addressing the inevitable question of product placement, Rodriguez confirmed the presence of a Louis XIII bottle within the film, but reiterated that the focus remained on “John’s vision of the future.” Malkovich, with his characteristic dry wit, remarked, “I thought it was a little fantastic idea; I wish it would have happened to some of my other films.” He expressed his appreciation for the project’s concept and Rodriguez’s vision, finding it creatively stimulating.
John Malkovich, acclaimed actor and writer for “100 Years” movie, at a promotional event for the film, wearing a stylish suit from his own fashion line.
“100 Years,” photographed by Claudio Miranda, known for his cinematography in “Tomorrowland” and “Life of Pi,” stands as a distinctive achievement in Robert Rodriguez’s diverse filmography. Known for action-packed films and family-friendly movies, Rodriguez found working on “100 Years” with Malkovich and Louis XIII a creatively rewarding and singular experience. This film is more than just entertainment; it’s a century-long conversation with the future, sealed and waiting to be opened.
