After debuting one the strongest independent features of its respective year with the Paul Dano and Brian Cox-led L.I.E.,filmmaker Michael Cuesta spent much of the next decade directing major TV episodes, including Dexter, Six Feet Under and, most recently, Homeland. After tucking a few more indie films under his belt, he recently finished production on his biggest project yet and today brings our first look.
Led by Jeremy Renner, Kill the Messenger follows the true story of a journalist, Gary Webb, who, in 1996, asserted the C.I.A was involved in crack cocaine importation to California. He then went on to commit suicide in 2004 after a smear campaign by the CIA ruined his professional career. Speaking to USA Today, the director says “I’m not thinking big message or an indictment film. I’m not Oliver Stone. The movie to me was much more about the burden Gary carries wanting to get to the truth. And what that does to you. I am more interested in seeing a man who goes out and fights what seems like an unwinnable war.”
Also starring Rosemarie DeWitt, Barry Pepper, Ray Liotta and Mary Elizabeth Winstead, check out the photos above and below for the film that will be released next year by Focus Features.
