I know that title is a lot to take in. Let’s break it apart. Yes, Zac Efron and Dennis Quaid are going to work on a film together. Yes, that film will be the next from Ramin Bahrani, who has been on the forefront of the modern neorealist movement. And finally, it will be about farmers.
Variety brings us the news from Cannes, where the film is being shopped. Quaid presumably plays “a farmer whose manic expansion alienates his sons (Efron being one, likely) and devoted wife.” Sounds a bit like There Will Be Blood crossed with the upcoming (excellent) Take Shelter.
Bahrani hasn’t had a misstep yet, delivering a distinctively personal story with each one of his features (Man Push Cart, Chop Shop, and Goodbye Solo). One wonders if the bare, minimal budget style of these films will continue with his next. I hope so, and that its the reason Efron and Quaid are on board. Both of these men have rarely stepped outside of their comfort zone as of late, and with their talent, this project has defnitely jumped up a few notches on my must-see list.
The film will start shooting this summer. In the meantime, check out Bahrani’s latest work, the Werner Herzog-narrated short Plastic Bag below.
What do you think about this combo? Are you excited to see another film Bahrani?