"HBO Films has greenlit "Recount," a scripted movie about the 2000 presidential election, and has attached Sydney Pollack to direct. Pic will follow the Florida recount from Election Day through the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of George W. Bush five weeks later.
No stars are attached yet.
Pic will place an emphasis on what execs say is the "human drama" that permeated news events.
Movie will be produced by HBO Films in association with Spring Creek/Mirage Prods. Danny Strong, who has had roles in pics including "Seabiscuit" and "Pleasantville," wrote the script. Spring Creek's Paula Weinstein, HBO Films' Len Amato and Pollack are exec producing.
Pic goes into production in spring or summer. It will air on HBO, probably next spring, as the country finds itself in the heat of another presidential election. HBO Films is opting to air "Recount" on the net and not release it via theatrical arm Picturehouse because, execs said, airing it on the pay net will guarantee millions of viewers.
Strong's script was a hot commodity when it first made the rounds. HBO Films topper Colin Callender said the movie would focus on many of the smaller players in the drama. "It boils the story down to individuals, men and women and husbands and wives, caught up in events slightly beyond their control," Callender said.
Activists, strategists, politicians and even voters will figure into the storyline. Weinstein said the movie would elaborate on the recount saga in meaningful ways. Locations haven't been chosen yet, but it's likely production will at least be partially shot in Florida. Project is aiming for the widest possible audience and will steer clear of a partisan point of view, according to execs."
to me this is exciting news, especially since it will be airing during the next election. Although 'The Interpreter' was flawed, it was still a tense drama, as was They Shoot Horses Don't They?' and 'Three Days of the Condor'
Who to play the leads though? My guess is a British actor will get one of the roles (Gore) and a chimp for Bush.
2 comments:
Very very interesting that they are going to air the film over the net. They will guarantee millions of viewers and make a good buck no doubt. But what is more important is that middle America will have the chance to see it. Think back to Farenheit 911 which was not played in many cinemas across America. The net is the perfect way to distribute this movie. I think that movies with lower production values will be fine to view in this way as people are less fussed about seeing them on the big screen. Interesting times...
Let's hope it covers the truth.
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