With Steven Soderbergh stepping away from the director's chair, we'd argue that David Gordon Green is one of only a few American filmmakers who share his spirit of cinematic adventure. He's helmed everything from no-budget indie dramas to big, mainstream studio comedies. Last month, Green hit the Sundance Film Festival with his latest, "Prince Avalanche," a remake of an Icelandic movie no one has heard of. And for his followup? A gritty Southern drama with Nicolas Cage and "The Tree Of Life" star Tye Shreridan.
Yep, Green and Cage are combining forces for "Joe," and once again, and as you might tell from the first official image, it's a massive gear change for the director. “I’m almost finished with this new movie, ‘Joe,’ we’re almost done with it,” the director told us in Park City. “It’s Nicolas Cage in a movie that’s not like anything Nicolas Cage has done before. It’s dark as fuck. It’s a slow-burn, dark, heavy movie. Very grim.” So what's it about? Here's the official synopsis:
In the dirty unruly world of small-town Texas, ex-convict Joe Ransom (Cage) has tried to put his dark past behind him and to live a simple life. He works for a lumber company by day, drinks by night. But when 15-year-old Gary (Sheridan) – a kid trying to support his family – comes to town, desperate for work, Joe has found a way to atone for his sins – to finally be someone’s hero. As Joe tries to protect Gary, the pair will take the twisting road to redemption in the hope for a better life in this tough, hard-hitting but incredibly moving story.
The film is in post-production and will be at the European Film Market looking for buyers. Check out the full image below.
I have seen this film in preview and it deserves all the praise it's getting, even as dark as the subject matter is. Astute direction and exceptional performances all around–Cage is back to top form–and the heartbreaking Gary Poulter sets it completely apart from any movie of the past decade. I was very sorry to hear his story, but man does he ever play a great heavy. Remarkable. Kudos to all involved, and RIP Mr. Coulter.
My Brother Gary Poulter struggled with his own demons and now he's at peace, I only wish he was here to see this…Rest in Peace big brother!!!
my brother Gary Poulter plays the drunk worthless father, Wade. my brother recently passed away. I'm so happy he was able to fulfill his dream. the cast and crew were amazing! Rest in peace my brother Gary " Ozzie" Poulter
Here's to hoping that beard is eligible for next year's Best Supporting Actor awards.
Larry Brown is/was my 1st cousin, my mother's nephew. Hope this movie does his writing justice.
this was a great novel. Cage is looking a lot like the author, Larry Brown in this photo.
David Gordon Green had better deliver on this damn promise! The only thing better than seeing Cage shine in the trademark Cage-performance (such as Bad Lieutenant) is seeing Cage shine in a less likely-Cage role (such as Adaptation). Looking forward to this!
Hope thus one's good, cuz he's been doin' some terrible movies lately, and even "The Frozen Ground" smells like that kind of material… but this one's has a potential to be a good one and i hope it will be worthy of the wait… i mean come on, the last good thing that he did was on 2009 with the Great Herzog to the rescue…
When Nicolas Cage is given good material, he can be pretty great. Here's to hoping that this is something fantastic.
His beard looks even more fake than his hair!
Can't wait!