Jason Momoa captured attention at the Venice Film Festival in 2025 with his striking white suit and oversized hat, marking a notable moment amid the event’s high-profile premieres. His unique style stood out distinctly in the midst of the festival’s glitzy atmosphere, reinforcing the buzz surrounding the actor during this year’s celebrations.
This event took place during the premiere of Julian Schnabel’s film In the Hand of Dante, adapted from Nick Tosches’ novel, in which Momoa plays a pivotal role. The Venice screening offered a glimpse into the multifaceted production blending multiple time periods and dramatic genres.
The Complex Storyline and Cast Dynamics of In the Hand of Dante
The film, running an arduous 151 minutes, follows Oscar Isaac’s character, a New York author named Nick, who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot involving the theft and authentication of Dante Alighieri’s original Divine Comedy manuscript. Alongside him is Gerard Butler’s character, Louie, a rough gangster with an exaggerated New York accent and an unusual wig that has drawn humor and criticism alike.
In the Hand of Dante alternates between this modern-day heist and scenes set in 14th-century Italy, where Isaac also portrays Dante himself, confronting the struggles leading up to his creation of the epic poem. The film attempts to merge different genres, including historical drama, romance, and thriller, which results in a disjointed narrative experienced unevenly by viewers.
Contrasting Performances and On-Screen Chemistry
Oscar Isaac’s earnest but stiff performance contrasts sharply with Gerard Butler’s more exaggerated portrayal of a stereotypical mafia hitman. Butler’s over-the-top delivery often borders on comedic, which unintentionally highlights the unevenness in the film’s tone. Gal Gadot plays dual roles as Gemma and Giulietta, love interests to Isaac’s character, but her delivery comes across unconvincing and awkward, undermining the film’s romantic elements.
Jason Momoa’s character, portrayed as the heir to the Palermo mafia, cuts a striking figure with his conspicuous white suit and large hat, dominating every scene he occupies. His presence injects a surreal, almost whimsical energy into the film, with his costume and charisma evoking comparisons to characters like Carmen Sandiego. The playful eccentricity of Momoa’s performance peaks during his interactions with Gadot’s Giulietta, resulting in some of the most unintentionally entertaining moments of the movie.
Memorable Lines and Supporting Roles Provide Brief Relief
The film offers some memorable one-liners that, while earnest in intent, often come off as humorous due to their delivery. A notable example includes Gadot’s Giulietta exclaiming in a casino scene,
“I’ve been a widow for 700 years until I met you again,”
—Gal Gadot, Actress. Additionally, Sabrina Impacciatore portrays an Italian librarian chasing after the stolen manuscript, shouting,
“My thesis! The people of Italy!”
—Sabrina Impacciatore, Actress. These moments provide scattered levity amid the otherwise heavy and fragmented film structure.
Adding to the film’s intrigue is Martin Scorsese’s appearance as Dante’s oracle, a mystical guide figure wrapped in gray hair and resembling Gandalf in appearance. The filmmaker’s brief presence offers intermittent respite from the actors’ clashing performances and the film’s inconsistent pacing, serving as a nod to cinephiles tuning into the Venice Film Festival’s diverse offerings.
The Film’s Artistic Ambitions and Reception at Venice
Julian Schnabel’s direction in In the Hand of Dante aims to explore the burdens of artistic perfection, yet the final product struggles to cohere its various themes and narrative layers. Coming from the same director known for acclaimed films like At Eternity’s Gate and Basquiat, this latest effort has been met with frustration and mixed reviews, highlighting the difficulties of balancing complex storytelling with performance cohesion.
Despite its ambitious scope, the film’s uneven execution left many viewers grappling with the sprawling runtime and disparate moods. The Venice Film Festival has, however, provided a valuable platform for this high-profile but polarizing cinematic piece, allowing its cast and creative team to engage with a diverse and discerning audience.
Jason Momoa’s Impact Beyond the Screen
Beyond his role in In the Hand of Dante, Jason Momoa’s fashion choices at Venice sparked conversations about his evolving public persona. His white suit paired with an increasingly flamboyant hat has become emblematic of his Venice Film Festival presence, drawing attention independently of the film’s narrative struggles. This distinct style element complements Momoa’s larger-than-life screen characters and contributes to his enduring popularity at major film events.
As the festival continues to showcase a mix of emerging and established talents, Momoa’s standout appearance is likely to influence future fashion statements on the red carpet, blending boldness with a touch of theatrical flair. His ability to command attention visually reinforces his status within the industry, even when the projects themselves face critical scrutiny.
Looking Ahead: The Festival and Films in Focus
The Venice Film Festival 2025 remains an important venue for filmmakers and actors to present challenging and diverse works, as evidenced by premieres like In the Hand of Dante. The event offers audiences a chance to witness a wide spectrum of cinematic styles and performances, from historical dramas to dark comedies, including titles set to debut in other major festivals such as Toronto Film Festival and TIFF.
The conversations sparked by films with uneven reception, such as Schnabel’s latest, will contribute to ongoing discussions about artistic ambition and storytelling in contemporary cinema. Meanwhile, Jason Momoa’s spotlight moment at Venice exemplifies how star power and memorable appearances continue to shape festival culture, emphasizing the intersections of fashion, performance, and media attention.
