Shortly after his Oscar-winning success with “Slumdog Millionaire,” Danny Boyle was said to be circulating a long-gestating remake of “My Fair Lady,” written by Emma Thompson (“Sense and Sensibility”), and produced by Duncan Kenworthy (“Four Weddings and a Funeral”) and theater impresario Sir Cameron Mackintosh. However, a few months ago, Boyle announced he was off the project, saying “It hasn’t worked out with me in the end, so that’s no for me.”
Flash forward a few months, and The Daily Telegraph is now reporting that “Atonement” helmer Joe Wright will replace Boyle on the project, after his next film “Indian Summer” fell apart last week, and that his usual muse Keira Knightley will play the Cockney-turned-charmer Eliza Doolittle. Knightley’s been linked with the part for years (there were rumors a few years back that she would co-star alongside Daniel Day-Lewis), but the same Telegraph reporter claimed in the summer that she had a rival, in the shape of Scarlett Johansson. But with the lead actress confirmed, and Wright appointed, it looks like a big leap forward for the project: one of those handy unnamed ‘friends of the director’ is quoted as saying “Joe and Keira are looking forward to working together again immensely.”
Of course, as with most stories originating in the British press, it’s helpful to take it with a fairly generous pinch of salt. Assuming the story is true, and the other bit of news — that Daniel Craig is being sought to play Henry Higgins — is also correct, that’s a pretty heavyweight cast, even if the idea of those two actors singing fills us with horror somewhat… Nevertheless, Joe Wright, while yet to be make a truly great film, has real chops, and seems like he could be an excellent fit to the material.
Time to watch "Pride & Prejudice" again; it reveals itself to be a truly great film, the work of a pro with a promising future ("Atonement" is a near masterpiece, with the first 45 minutes among the finest ever). While "The Soloist" was a certain misstep for Wright, its reception was clouded by release date hiccups and hyperbolic criticism. Wright belongs in British territory, which makes "My Fair Lady" seem like a promising replacement until his delayed "Indian Summer" outing with Cate Blanchett manages to get off the skids.
Eh, I don't think P&P is totally great. Gets a little dull and drags. Not as engaging as I would like. I think he's been close to making a great film, but not yet.
I was hoping Indian Summer was going to be the one, but he's poised to do it anytime now so hopefully with My Fair Lady.
I don't think you can blame the final product of The Soloist on release dates or hyperbolic criticism, it's just not very good.
Love Pride & Prejudice, and think Atonement is one of the best films of the decade. Yes, The Soloist is often awful, but I'm hoping to chalk that up to a foreign locale and bad writing. That Fantasia-esque scene in the middle is one of the most thrilling movie moments of the year, even if the rest of the film is a drag.
I will continue to look forward to whatever Wright does. Though if he had to do a remake, I'd rather see the Gaslight remake that was floated after Atonement. The Bergman version is kinda terrible (supposedly the Anton Walbrook one is great though), and I think Wright could make a great film of that.