Coming off a tremendous performance inYorgos Lanthimos‘ pitch-black comedyThe Lobster,Colin Farrellis gearing up for what sounds like another prestige project withSofia Coppola’s remake of theClint EastwoodCivil War dramaBeguiled.Varietyreports that Farrell is in talks to take over the role Eastwood originated (talk about big shoes), as an injured Yankee soldier who takes refuge in a Southern all-girls boarding school where he cons his way into the hearts several women. A roguish babe-slayer? Yeah, I think he can pull that off.
If the deal closes, Farrell will joinNicole Kidman,Elle Fanning, andKirsten Dunstin the film, which Coppola will write and direct. It would be his first time working with the Academy Award-winning filmmaker (Kidman’s as well). Dunst previously starred in Coppola’s debut filmThe Virgin Suicidesand her 2006 spectacleMarie Antoinette, whileElle Fanningco-starred in the 2010 dramaSomewhere.Youree Henley, who previously worked with Coppola onSomewhereandThe Bling Ringis on board to produce with Focus Features distributing.
WithFantastic Beastsand another Lanthimos collaboration on the horizon, I’m aboard this mini-Colin Farrellrenaissance we’re having right now. He’s always been a talented, magnetic actor and has only honed his skills over the years. While his resume is pretty hit and miss (especially in his early career, post-Minority Reportpush for Hollywood superstardom) but it’s also peppered with performances that prove he’s at his best when a project gives him credit for his talent. You see it in all the way back inTigerland,in the absolute loveliness ofNeil Jordan’sOndine, and in the excellent work he’s done withMartin McDonaughonIn BrugesandSeven Psychopaths. Hell, I’ll even go to bat for his Jerry in theFright Nightremake. I can’t vouch forTrue DetectiveSeason 2, but I hardly think that infernal clusterfuck can be pinned on him.
Point being, when he’s paired with an exciting director, you’re usually in for an equally compelling performance, and there’s no doubt that Coppola is an exciting filmmaker. This material also seems right up her alley, and that cast of waifish blondes is conjuring up a realVirgin Suicidesvibe. Which is an excellent, excellent vibe.
