Helmer Paul Verhoeven to head 2017 Berlin film festival jury

PanARMENIAN.Net - Paul Verhoeven, the Dutch director of such varied movies as “Elle,” “Total Recall,” and “Basic Instinct,” will preside over the jury of the 2017 Berlin film festival, Variety said.

“Elle,” Verhoeven’s latest, premiered in Cannes and has been lauded by critics.

“With Paul Verhoeven as jury president, we have a filmmaker who has worked in a variety of genres in Europe and Hollywood. His creative, multifaceted boldness and his willingness to experiment are reflected in the spectrum of his works,” said Dieter Kosslick, director of the Berlinale.

Verhoeven was nominated for an Oscar in 1974 for his erotic thriller “Turkish Delight.” He also directed the 1992 sexual thriller “Basic Instinct” with Sharon Stone, which sparked controversy over its storyline and use of nudity.

Verhoeven’s entertainment career began in the 1960s with the Dutch TV series “Floris.” His first feature film, “Diary of a Hooker” (also known as “Business Is Business”) in 1971, focused on the aspirations of two prostitutes. International recognition came with “Soldier of Orange” in 1977, and also with the 1987 action thriller “RoboCop.”