The first-look image above marks the first time I’ve heard anything about Yaron Zilberman‘s A Late Quartet, but after glancing through the splendid cast and the intriguing synopsis, this is a film that could quietly become one of 2012’s surprise offerings. It will mark Zilberman‘s narrative debut — his first feature-length project was the acclaimed 2004 documentary Watermarks. Along with Seth Grossman (The Elephant King), Zilberman has also co-wrote the New York City-based screenplay, which follows “the elder leader of a famed string quartet who is suffering from Parkinson’s Disease.” [The Playlist]
The cast includes Philip Seymour Hoffman, Catherine Keener, Christopher Walken, Imogen Poots, and Wallace Shawn — quite a prominent group for a little-known director, which could mean that they all were on the same page with respect to the project’s potential.
At this point, a 2011 release is almost out of the question, as we’ve heard nothing yet from the film’s distributor, WestEnd Films. (WestEnd Films is also responsible for Albert Nobbs, the forthcoming Glenn Close vehicle.) A bow at the Sundance Film Festival in January seems like the most likely place for A Late Quartet to land, followed by a theatrical run sometime in 2012. We’ll keep you updated. In the meantime, check out the full synopsis below.
The four members of a world-renowned string quartet struggle to stay together in the face of death, competing egos and insuppressible lust.
Set in iconic New York City, this is the story of four musicians, bound together by their passion for music and long years of working together. But when their patriarch Peter is diagnosed with a terminal illness, the repercussions hit the group deeper than they could imagine. First and second violinists Robert and Daniel row over first chair, Robert and violist Juliette’s marriage hits the rocks when he has an affair, and their headstrong daughter embarks on her own explosive affair – with Daniel.
As their 25th anniversary performance looms, the musicians must either find a way to overcome their troubles, and preserve their legacy – or part ways forever.
What do you think of the first-look image? Are you as excited for this one as I am?