UPDATED (with additions/corrections 9/14 @ 2:20 PM)
We're not talking about a new celebrity-owned restaurant, although that could happen I guess (but it would probably be Italian). And it's not that my favorite heartthrob hasn't produced substantive and worthwhile films before under his first producing entity but today I came across this news flash from UPI, which also appeared yesterday as a glitzy blurb in the Hollywood Reporter.
This announcement comes the day after George's starring role in the Coen Brother's latest comedy release, BURN AFTER READING opened in U.S. theatres. Burn has claimed top spot this weekend so it's a great time to announce the next film (after LEATHERHEADS) from Clooney's production company, Smoke House.
The project was developed by BBC FILMS and adapted from the book MEN WHO STARE AT GOATS by Guardian columnist Jon Ronson. The script was written by Peter Straughan (HOW TO LOSE FRIENDS AND ALIENATE PEOPLE) and appears to be a cross between Ronson's quirky, historical notes on military leaders and an adaptation of the fairytale, The Emperor's New Clothes. It all begins to make sense.
These non-studio based (but backed) films are testing the waters for a certain, older niche market that appreciates a more intelligent brand of entertainment. Could Smoke House be the dark comic counterpart of the model being tested by Overture Films?
A little digging reveals Clooney's first production entity Section Eight (which he co-founded with director Stephen Soderbergh) closed down at the end of 2006 and Smoke House was created in its place with partner/director Grant Heslov. They remain under a 3-picture deal with Warners through 2009 but, even though Smoke House is "roasting" a number of entrees, comedy isn't all that's on the menu.
As it turns out, Smoke House has recently acquired rights to some meaty political pieces as well, including THE CHALLENGE - Jonathan Mahler's recently published biopic thriller about the attempt to secure a fair trial for Osama Bin Ladin's bodyguard/driver, Salim Hamdan. Variety carried this story last month.
Clooney is committed to being an iconoclastic creative force (not that one sets out to do that) who insists on morally significant material the mass media finds easy to forget. His passionate interest in politics, the evils of big business and the promotion of peace and civil rights worldwide shouldn't surprise anyone. All his films bear the mark of a man with a social conscience.
The proof, as they say, is in the pudding. Here's a trailer for SYRIANA (for which Clooney won the best supporting actor Oscar in 2005). I was unable to find a functional clip for one of my favorite Section Eight Pictures, GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD LUCK. Clooney co-wrote, directed and starred in this biopic about Edward R. Murrow in the McCarthy era. It's a must see - especially for TV writers.
And of course, last year's Oscar contender, MICHAEL CLAYTON. If you haven't seen that one either, go get the DVD and treat yourself! Tony Gilroy (a recently risen star in Hollywood) wrote and directed this film. Just listen to some of the dialogue.
I know who I wanna work for, given the opportunity. Wonderful, life-sustaining work. If George's Smoke House were a restaurant (there actually is one just across the street from Warner Brothers - great filet mignon with bernaise sauce and a favorite haunt for industry types) I'd give it five stars. George clearly has a lot on his plate and it's all way above average fare :)
le 14 juillet
2 hours ago
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