Mann Plans LA Noir With DiCaprio Michael and Leo pitch untitled script Source: Variety
In a move that shows you're never big enough to be sure that you can get a script made in Hollywood, Michael Mann is shopping his latest project around the big studios in the hope that one of them will fork out its $120 million price tag. But even with Leonardo Di Caprio attached to star, a script that's generally acknowledged to be excellent and a labour dispute looming that means that studios need good projects lined up, it's hasn't got a buyer at the time of writing.
The story is set in 1930s LA, on the old MGM lot. DiCaprio would play a private detective, of the kind that used to cover up scandals involving stars and contract players in the old studio system. His character is called in to investigate a starlet who is suspected of murdering her husband, before, we're guessing, things go seriously noir all around.
The script was written by John Logan (Gladiator, The Last Samurai, Spielberg's forthcoming-we-hope Lincoln) in consultation with Mann. All three - DiCaprio, Mann and Logan - previously worked together on The Aviator, which Mann produced.
So will they get their chance at a reunion? Well, hopefully. The $120 million cost of the film seems to be worrying the studios, for a film with an LA Confidential feel rather than blockbuster potential and given that Mann's last film was the underperforming and reportedly very expensive Miami Vice, but New Line already offered $100 million to make it so it may just be a matter of negotiation from here on in. And after Blood Diamond and The Departed, Leonardo DiCaprio is so hot right now (yes, ladies, even hotter than usual) so there's reason to hope that we will see this eventually.
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While i would love to see this film made, i'm not surprised that the studios are alittle scarred with parting with $120 mill. Mann's last film did not do so well at the box office and lately film noirs set in the 1940's and 50's have not done so well.
Now LA Confidential was excellent but it didn't do too well at the box office and The Black Dahlia was both a commercial and critical flop. I guess the studios are worried that this film won't do well. You know ... Read More
ok, everyone start looking down the backs of your sofas, shouldn't be too hard to find US$120million between us.
oh, and does anyone know how to stop a westie from farting - mine is sat next to me going off like a right old stinky 21 bum salute. ... Read More
This is a real film, with proper talent involved! Someone grow some balls and fuckin' greenlight it. I still think Mann is the best director of his generation, despte what some planks say about Miami Vice ... Read More
I would've thought a new Michael Mann film would guarantee interest from the studios, since he's one of the best directors in the business. But like you said, originality seems a bit scary for them at the moment, if it aint a remake or a sequel they don't seem to care. If i had the money, i'd pay for it!!! ... Read More
For god's sake someone pay for this! With all the shite remakes that have been clogging up Empire News lately we finally get some news about an original film with some real talent attached. I'm sure the studios will see sense, the whole thing reeks of Oscar too. ... Read More
