Coming off of his directorial debut earlier this year (Bad Words) and currently embarking on his second, Jason Bateman still found time to lead projects that aren’t his own. Ranging from big studio comedies (Horrible Bosses 2) to big studio dramedies (This Is Where I Leave You), today brings the first look at one of his independent efforts, The Longest Week.
Directed by Peter Glanz, the project follows as Bateman’s character as a heir to a successful family fortune, but is soon cut off from his allowance and must learn to live an everyday life. Along the way he forms a relationship with the girlfriend of his old friend, and other hijinks ensue. It looks like a relatively enjoyable drama, even if the buzz seems to be non-existent. Check out the trailer below for the film also starring Jenny Slate, Olivia Wilde, and Billy Crudup.
As he eases into adulthood at the age of forty, Conrad Valmont (Jason Bateman), the over-educated, under-employed heir to the Valmont Hotel fortune, is cut off from his allowance following his parents’ abrupt divorce and tossed out into the unforgiving streets of the Upper West Side. Luckily, he is taken in by his old friend Dylan (Billy Crudup), and returns the favor by immediately falling for Dylan’s girlfriend Beatrice (Olivia Wilde). As Conrad attempts to woo Beatrice while keeping both their relationship and his bank balance secret, Dylan tries to set him up with Jocelyn (Jenny Slate). Ever committed to the charade that he eventually finds difficult to maintain, Conrad quickly realizes his charm can only extend so far into debt. Now deep into an extensional reflection, will it take losing everything to make Conrad realize what he can truly become?
The Longest Week opens on September 5th.