Being that his recent Time Out of Mind left a strong impression on us, making its way into a couple of year-end lists, we’re intrigued by news that Oren Moverman has found a follow-up project — one not only based on well-regarded material, but also with Richard Gere back in tow and a strong cast surrounding him. Variety tell us he’ll next write and direct The Dinner, an adaptation of Herman Koch‘s novel in which two brothers, Paul and Stan Lohman (Steve Coogan and Gere, respectively), have a meal with their wives, Claire and Barbara (Laura Linney and Rebecca Hall, respectively). The former sibling is out-of-work; the other is a beloved politician on the cusp of grabbing his state’s gubernatorial position. What unites them is a “monstrous crime [that] has been committed by the Lohman kids,” and what accelerates the unease between these couples is how the matter should be a
Chloë Sevigny has also been tapped for the project, and Code Red have been brought aboard to finance. If it’s directed with even half the skill on display in Moverman’s prior efforts, The Dinner will be worth plenty of consideration.
Meanwhile, Deadline tell us Taylor Sheridan, who made a big splash by writing Denis Villeneuve’s Sicario, will use his latest screenplay, Wind River, as the springboard for a directorial debut. The initial synopsis would make one think this heads into grisly territory once more, telling the story of a Fish and Game Department member, Cory (Jeremy Renner), who finds the frozen body of a recently raped teenage girl during an expedition. A detective story ensues, the man partnered with a (what else?) “rookie FBI agent” (Elizabeth Olsen) who finds herself charting unknown territory.
Production is expected to kick off in March, with Thunder Road, Film 44, Savvy Media Holdings, and Acacia producing.
Deadline have also learned that Coogan and John C. Reilly will take on the legendary Laurel and Hardy, respectively, for director Jon S. Baird‘s Stan & Ollie. The Filth helmer’s next project, from a script by Philomena co-writer Jeff Pope, sounds less comedic than the subject matter might imply, focusing on a 1953 tour of England, one conducted when the duo were “diminished by age and their golden era a distant memory.” Although it eventually picks up attendance and enthusiasm, Hardy’s poor health and the memories of past successes begin taking over.
BBC Films’ Fable Pictures will produce alongside Sonesta Films.