Butler's Script Sale of the Week...
January 20th, 2002
Some interesting projects were set up this week. VOLTAGE, based on the novel A Shortage of Engineers by Robert Grossbach sounds like the perfect material for director Robert Altman. Add scribe Alan Rudolph to adapt and a starring lineup consisting of Philip Seymour Hoffman, Liv Tyler, William H.Macy, Steve Buscemi and Elliott Gould and it looks like Altman will have another winner on his hands.
I'll also be looking forward to the US adaptation of the new Japanese supernatural thriller DARK WATER that Vertigo Entertainment is set to produce. Let's hope theykeep the American cheese out of their remake recipe.
I still don't think Chris Rock has made the definitive Chris Rock movie. So I'll have high hopes for HEAD OF STATE, which the hilarious one plans to star in and direct from his own script.
My pick of the week is the news that Jeff Bridges will star in and produce the adaptation of Lois Lowry's fantasy novel THE GIVER.
While it could be argued that this is just another attempt to jump on the fantasy bandwagon, this project has two things going for it that separate it from the rest of the pack.
First off, this isn't a LORD OF THE RINGS clone. It's a socio-political analysis of human nature and community set in a fictional world and explored through fantasy conceits. It's more BRAVE NEW WORLD than it is THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA.
The story concerns Jonas, a 12 year old boy who is chosen by his utopian society to become the Receiver of Memories. Through the guidance of the Elders and a mysterious old man known as The Giver, Jonas discovers the shocking truth about his world - that his descendants have sacrificed their humanity in exchange for a pain-free, stable society.
Like all great science fiction and fantasy THE GIVER concerns themes that have particular relevance to present day society. In light of certain international events, the parallels here are obvious.
In addition to its relevance and intelligence this project also boasts one of the film world's most talented individuals. Jeff Bridges is arguably the best actor of his generation. Perhaps not as flashy or noticeable as DeNiro or Pacino, Bridges delivers subtle, measured performances that are undeniably convincing. For a man who could have easily gotten far in Hollywood on his looks alone, Bridges often takes the road less travelled by signing up for films that push the limits - of himself, of filmmakers, and of the audience.
I addition to starring, Bridges will also climb aboard as producer, thus ensuring that not only will THE GIVER be made, but that it will be well made. A screenwriter has yet to be hired to adapt, but the odds are that Bridges will find a worthy and appropriate scribe for the material.
Bridges is a serious artist who just happens to have matinee idol good looks. It's to his credit that he uses his star power to get projects like THE GIVER produced. I'd rate this as one of my most highly anticipated films of the next few years.
-- Edward Butler
I'll also be looking forward to the US adaptation of the new Japanese supernatural thriller DARK WATER that Vertigo Entertainment is set to produce. Let's hope theykeep the American cheese out of their remake recipe.
I still don't think Chris Rock has made the definitive Chris Rock movie. So I'll have high hopes for HEAD OF STATE, which the hilarious one plans to star in and direct from his own script.
My pick of the week is the news that Jeff Bridges will star in and produce the adaptation of Lois Lowry's fantasy novel THE GIVER.
While it could be argued that this is just another attempt to jump on the fantasy bandwagon, this project has two things going for it that separate it from the rest of the pack.
First off, this isn't a LORD OF THE RINGS clone. It's a socio-political analysis of human nature and community set in a fictional world and explored through fantasy conceits. It's more BRAVE NEW WORLD than it is THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA.
The story concerns Jonas, a 12 year old boy who is chosen by his utopian society to become the Receiver of Memories. Through the guidance of the Elders and a mysterious old man known as The Giver, Jonas discovers the shocking truth about his world - that his descendants have sacrificed their humanity in exchange for a pain-free, stable society.
Like all great science fiction and fantasy THE GIVER concerns themes that have particular relevance to present day society. In light of certain international events, the parallels here are obvious.
In addition to its relevance and intelligence this project also boasts one of the film world's most talented individuals. Jeff Bridges is arguably the best actor of his generation. Perhaps not as flashy or noticeable as DeNiro or Pacino, Bridges delivers subtle, measured performances that are undeniably convincing. For a man who could have easily gotten far in Hollywood on his looks alone, Bridges often takes the road less travelled by signing up for films that push the limits - of himself, of filmmakers, and of the audience.
I addition to starring, Bridges will also climb aboard as producer, thus ensuring that not only will THE GIVER be made, but that it will be well made. A screenwriter has yet to be hired to adapt, but the odds are that Bridges will find a worthy and appropriate scribe for the material.
Bridges is a serious artist who just happens to have matinee idol good looks. It's to his credit that he uses his star power to get projects like THE GIVER produced. I'd rate this as one of my most highly anticipated films of the next few years.
-- Edward Butler
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