Hot off the outstanding reviews from the TIFF in Tornoto Canada comes this news about U.S. rights to Derek Cianfrance’s The Place Beyond the Pines. Starring Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, and Eva Mendes, the film has just been acquired by Focus Features for a 2013 release. Focus CEO James Schamus and president Andrew Karpen made the announcement today at the Toronto International Film Festival, where the movie is having its world premiere.
The Place Beyond the Pines, written by Cianfrance, Ben Coccio, and Darius Marder, is a film that powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke (Ryan Gosling)’s fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Bradley Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following.
The cast of The Place Beyond the Pines also includes Golden Globe Award nominee Rose Byrne (Damages), Mahershala Ali (Treme), Emory Cohen (Smash), Dane DeHaan (Chronicle), Gabe Fazio, Bruce Greenwood (Flight), Ray Liotta (Killing Them Softly), Ben Mendelsohn (The Dark Knight Rises), and Harris Yulin (Scarface).
Praised by the producers, Mr. Schamus and Mr. Karpen have said, “Derek Cianfrance has made a bold, epic, and emotionally generous saga, once again showing a master’s hand in eliciting searingly beautiful performances from the actors with whom he collaborates.” Cianfrance also commented that, “The Focus team’s ability to work in partnership with writers and directors is known and respected by the film community. Their passion for this very personal project is why I know they are the right home for our new movie.”
For those of us who haven’t seen anything beyond the header image (no it’s not a remake of Akira set in Forks, WA), and know as little as we do about the film, allow this video from The Playlist (where they spoke briefly with the director stars at TIFF) to tease a little of what we can expect to see:
Focus Features and Focus Features International, comprising a singular global company, make original and daring films that challenge the mainstream to embrace and enjoy voices and visions from around the world and this year is celebrating its 10th Anniversary. With so much praise both at the Fest and from the filmmakers themselves, 2013 can’t get here soon enough. Can’t wait! How about you??