First trailer and poster for City of God director Fernando Meirelles’ new film 360 has arrived

360 was a film I was particularly interested in when its development was first announced back in 2010 – it’s scripted by prolific English scribe Peter Morgan (THE QUEEN), it’s directed by Fernando Meirelles, the man behind one of last decade’s very best films CITY OF GOD, and… it’s about sex!

At least, that’s how the film was being described two years ago. A film – inspired by the controversial play Reigen – that “examines sexual morals within and between social classes, using various pairs of characters who have sexual encounters in and outside of their social classes.” That sounded interesting to me. A film with the potential for some truly insightful observations about human nature and our socio-cultural divides. But what’s funny is that the film now is being sold (at least here in America) simply on the “importance” of its filmmakers. Is that just a marketing thing? Or has the film been somewhat watered down since its initial development? Who’s to say? All I know is that the film premiered last year at the Toronto Film Festival and was met with a pretty lukewarm response. I’ve avoided reviews, but that response of course doesn’t fill me with confidence. Still, it’s Meirelles – the guy who directed one of my absolute favorite films – so I’m willing to hope for the best.

360 opens in theaters on August 3rd but will become available on iTunes on June 29th. Is that an ill sign?

Synopsis: From two acclaimed artists: director Fernando Meirelles (City of God, The Constant Gardener) and writer Peter Morgan (The Queen, Frost/Nixon). With a stellar international cast that includes Rachel Weisz, Anthony Hopkins, Jude Law, Ben Foster, Jamel Debbouze and Moritz Bleibtreu, 360 is a moving and exciting dramatic thriller that dazzlingly weaves together the stories of an array of people from disparate social backgrounds through their intersecting relationships.