In the second half of Woody Allen’s career, he’s chosen largely to say behind the camera (he last appeared on screen in 2006’s “Scoop”) and he’s turned to a variety of leading men as his ostensible stand in with varying degrees of success. Jason Biggs (no), Kenneth Branagh (passable) and Will Ferrell (surprisingly good) have all handled the neurotic centerpiece role at various times, but is Owen Wilson the latest to get the gig?
The Hollywood Reporter has announced that the actor has been attached to Allen’s untitled Paris film, which will shoot this summer. As per usual, there are no details on the film at his time, except that former model, singer, songwriter and current hottest first lady of France Carla Bruni-Sarkozy will also have a role.
It will be very interesting to see how Wilson, who’s career has largely been made playing roles that are riffs on his persona, will adapt to Allen’s script. If the film is a departure from Allen’s usually very identifiable brand of humor and is something more continental in flavor (like “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”) we could actually see it working quite well. And with the film shooting in Paris, there is no doubt that Wilson’s good friend Wes Anderson, who lives in the city, will be dropping by to give Woody a visit.
The prolific and fast-working Allen already has a film in the can. The aggressively titled London based romance, “You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger,” with its phenomenal ensemble cast including Antonio Banderas, Josh Brolin, Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Gemma Jones, Freida Pinto, Anna Friel, Ewen Bremner and Lucy Punch will open in September, but will most likely premiere out-of-competition at Cannes (his films are never screened in competition by choice). Meanwhile Wilson will back on screens this year in “Little Fockers” and in the long completed, still untitled James L. Brooks dramedy opening this Christmas.
loved the jason biggs one. tarantino actually put it in one of his top tens a while back.
It’s great to see good information being shared and also to see fresh, creative ideas that have never been done before.
I'm not sure about this pairing. Give owen wilson the lines of some other stereotypical woody allen characters and I think he wouldn't be able to pull off that "love/hate" thing you tend to have with the leading men in Allen's films. It would seem to contrived with Wilson's typical delivery style, in my opinion.
Maybe they could save one another?
^ I'd love to believe that's true. It's possible if both have decided to go in drastically different directions for this film. I'd love to see him deliver something a little more believable rather than his usual antics (Wilson that is).
Actually I think Vicki Christina Barcelona was a step in the right direction for Allen and, from what I hear, Whatever Works was a step back. But going back overseas could be good for Allen.
Fwiw, I thought "Whatever Works" was charming and a lot of fun. But then again, I think I like second-half era Allen a lot more than other people do.
I'd be interested to see what Allen can pull out of Owen Wilson. Wilson's career looked to be headed for the rocks but, maybe not. It's too early to tell for sure. I hope he makes good on Allen's faith in him to cast him in the role.
Another great article. I like that you are very honest and direct to the point.