Michael Winterbottom is aware The Face of an Angel isn't what people expect.
The British director helms the new drama flick, which is inspired by the real-life case of Amanda Knox, who was accused of killing her roommate Meredith Kercher in 2007 and will today be updated on her appeal.
It stars Daniel Bruhl as filmmaker Thomas, who is looking to develop a movie about a fictional case similar to Amanda's, and Kate Beckinsale as journalist Simone, with whom he has a fling.
It hits cinemas from today and while reviews have been mixed, with many criticising its inaccuracy, David insists it came out exactly as planned.
“Obviously we’re aware that this film isn’t going to give people what they expect. The idea of the film starts off one way, and then every ten minutes - as soon as you start to think, ‘Oh it’s going to go this way,’ - it changes," he explained to British newspaper The Guardian. "I’m aware of that, and I’m hoping - to be honest - that these changes are part of what keep you watching, because you’re wondering how it’s going to end up. You’re aware that the film is disappearing off down an alleyway that you didn’t really want to go down, but you’ll keep going because you want to see what’s at the end.”
Michael did plenty of research beforehand and met with journalists who covered the real case, describing them as "thoughtful" and "intelligent" people.
The movie also stars Cara Delevingne as student Melanie, who acts as a tour guide to Thomas during his visit to Siena.
“I didn’t really know who she was, but as soon as I met her I knew she’d be perfect for it. I wanted someone who had that kind of energy and optimism, the sense of someone who wants to live life," Michael added. "People either have that quality or they don’t. But you can also have that spontaneity in real life and then not be able to portray it on screen. Cara was able to do that."
