The Berlin International Film Festival kicks off in just a couple of days, which means the buyers’ market is heating up too. And acouple of projects just got some big additions that will be sure to get the pens of those signing cheques fired up.
First up, “Dogtooth” and “Alps” director Yorgos Lonthimos bolsters his star-studded cast of his upcoming “The Lobster,” adding Rachel Weisz to the ensemble that includes Ben Whishaw, Léa Seydoux, Olivia Colman, Ariane Labed and Aggeliki Papoulia. Moreover, Deadline adds that Colin Farrell has subbed in for the previously cast Jason Clarke. So, what bonkers tale is Lanthimos cooking up this time? As you might expect, it’s out there, with the story set in a dystopian future where single people are arrested and forced to find a mate in 45 days. If they don’t? They can either be transformed into an animal of their choosing or get released into the woods. Awesome. Production begins in March.
Meanwhile, Miles Teller is coming out of the Sundance Film Festival feeling good after his “Whiplash” (review here) won both the Audience and Jury prizes. So for his next move, he’ll co-star with Aaron Eckhart in the Martin Scorsese-produced “Bleed For This.” The film is from “Boiler Room” writer/director Ben Younger, and tells the true story of boxer Vinny Panzienza (Teller), who quickly shot to stardom when he dominated undefeated champion Gilbert Dele. A near-fatal automobile accident left him with the news that he would never walk again. After months of recovery and against doctors’ orders, Vinny returned to the gym under infamous trainer, Kevin Rooney (Eckhart), and made a triumphant return to the ring just over a year later. So, from jazz drumming to boxing, it seems Teller is attracted to roles that push him to the limit.
The project is now in pre-production, and Synchronicity Entertainment will sell it at the European Film Market in Berlin.
