There are some filmmakers who never say quit when it comes to their film projects, and one of those folks is Alexander Payne. For years, the director had been trying to mount his unique dystopian satire "Downsizing" (full plot details here) only to be stymied by the size of the picture (it’s a bit bigger than his more intimate dramedies) and the technological requirements it would need. But with Matt Damon now on board, the project is back in motion, and last night during a Q&A with longtime friend David O. Russell, Payne revealed a couple more tidbits about the film.
The Omaha World-Herald noted that during the talk, Payne revealed that he "has hopes" to cast Alec Baldwin in "Downsizing," but it would seem things aren’t quite confirmed just yet. The director revealed that Damon had not yet signed a contract, though they shook hands on the movie, but that said, the plan is for the movie to be released in 2016. So it would appear that things are coming together, but perhaps not as quickly as the internet might have you believe.
After the decidedly low key "Nebraska," it will be fascinating to watch Payne shift gears and take on easily his most ambitious picture yet, with special effects and the kind of tone we haven’t really seen from him before. Damon and Baldwin are smart choices for a movie that tackles a variety of political and social topics, in a premise that follows a man who shrinks himself to a miniscule size in order to have what he believes will be a better life. We’ll be looking forward to watching this one come together.
