We may not talk about it much around these parts, but The Playlist team are readers, and one of my personal faves to read is Donna Tartt. The author behind the breakout “The Secret History” and the underrated “The Little Friend” returned in 2013 with her first novel in over a decade with “The Goldfinch.” And it was nothing short of a sensation. Critical notices were huge, it topped the best-seller list, and walked away with a Pulitzer Prize. In my growing stack of books to catch up with, it’s one that I’m going to have to quickly move to the top of the list, because it’s headed to the big screen with some great talent attached.
Deadline reports that “Brooklyn” director John Crowley will helm the adaptation of “The Goldfinch.” Peter Straughan (“Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy,” “Frank“) has penned the script for the drama that centers on a teenager who survives an incident that kills his mother, and is taken in by a wealthy family. Here’s the full book synopsis:
Theo Decker, a 13-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don’t know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by his longing for his mother, he clings to the one thing that reminds him of her: a small, mysteriously captivating painting that ultimately draws Theo into the underworld of art.
As an adult, Theo moves silkily between the drawing rooms of the rich and the dusty labyrinth of an antiques store where he works. He is alienated and in love–and at the center of a narrowing, ever more dangerous circle.
No word yet on casting or when production might start, but the project is set up at Warner Bros. so that, coupled with Crowley coming off the success of “Brooklyn,” likely means some big names are going to be circling this one.
Did you read the book? Have some thoughts on a film adaptation? Let us know below.
Great book and despite the length, reads quickly. Crowley will be a good match for the material based on ‘Brooklyn’ and in addition, it will allow him to stretch. The opening of the book has an amazing action scene and the tone changes as the main character interacts with different people, from comedic to heart wrenching. There are a number of well drawn characters and in adapting such a long book, it will be interesting to see which ones survive the inevitable cut. Jacob Tremblay comes to mind but he may be a little young although I can totally picture him. The Dad was a smallish character but a significant one and I think Aaron Eckhart could knock it out of the park. It’s a very meaty role. Need to think about this further. Thanks for the announcement, made my day.