Fresh off of putting down nearly every female director to get behind a camera — he certainly won friends at Jezebel for that one — “American Psycho” author Bret Easton Ellis has revealed that he is writing the script for “The Golden Suicides” —about the life and death of artists Jeremy Blake and Theresea Duncan — all by his lonesome.
At one point in 2009, Gus Van Sant was slated to co-write, but it seems Ellis is now evidently working alone. So far anyhow, Van Sant will definitely be producing, but currently he’s not scheduled to direct.
Maybe he’s taking a wait-and-see approach? Ellis’ screen adaptations, aside from the hilarity that is “American Psycho,” have been pretty godawful (“The Informers,” “The Rules of Attraction”). But Van Sant seems so perfect for this tragic story (the couple committed suicide, one after another). Frankly, we’re only interested if GVS is involved. Currently he’s putting the finishing touches on “Restless,” starring Mia Wasikowska, which we’re hoping will be at the Toronto International Film Festival in the fall.
Update: Someone has noted our handiwork (we always like that, keep it coming). Evidently the trade report was overstated. From day one the idea was that Van Sant had been brought on as a consultant on the script, with a potential eye do direct if all went well, and Easton Ellis has always been writing it solo. Sources very close to the project are happy with its development so far.
Ellis writing the screenplay and Van Sant directing would be an awesome combo. Ellis' previous work other than "American Psycho" has been pretty lackluster, but the story of Blake and Duncan sounds right up his alley — in that his adaption of it could be great.
"Rules of Attraction" was godawful? that's news to me.
where did he reveal this news? to you guys directly?
There's a link in the first paragraph to the interview.
Rules of Attraction. dark, hilarious, excellent movie. another playlist miss.
I think this needs a woman director.
i don't at all agree that women can't be fine filmmakers (rent mikey & nicky by elaine may), but i can't help but sort of like ellis for pissing off jezebel. god, i fucking despise that site.
Rules of Attraction was one of the best movies of 2002.
A small update to this story if anyone cares. GVS is indeed NOT writing it, but this was evidently always supposed to be the case. The trades were wrong.