The Daily Mail is reporting that Keira Knightley and Colin Farrell will star in the film version of Ken Bruen’s London Boulevard.
The story revolves around a South London criminal who, after release from prison, tries to give up the gangster life by becoming a handyman for a reclusive young actress.
The article has an interesting comment from Miz Knightley:
‘This could have been me if I’d let the madness of fame and celebrity get to me’.
As was previously reported, writer William Monahan (The Departed, The Kingdom of Heaven)will, in addition to writing the screenplay, be making his directorial debut.
Keira is an interesting choice, one that might be just right, but Colin Farrell? Couldn’t they have at least gotten an actor?
Maybe I am being too harsh, but I have not seen much from him that suggests he is right for the part.
One last comment: Would it have killed the Mail to have mentioned the source? Not a single word about Mr. Bruen or the fact that the story is based on the novel of the same name. Instead, the article states that the film is “loosely based on the Hollywood classic Sunset Boulevard.” C’mon, give Mr. Bruen some love!!! Using that logic, almost everything is loosely based on something else.
If you have not yet read London Boulevard, pick up a copy. Actually, pick up about a half dozen Bruen books, the guy is fantastic!
Busted Flush has a nice anthology of Bruen stories.
Jeremy,
I completely (though respectfully!) disagree with you on the casting… Keira Knightley's the questionable one… the woman in the book is an elderly has-been, long past her prime (hence the take on SUNSET BOULEVARD and its Norma Desmond). Colin Farrel is pitch perfect… check him out in last year's quietly brilliant IN BRUGES (for which he deservedly won a Golden Globe).
I just wish someone would have cast Brendan Gleeson in a Brant adaptation! 🙂
Thanks for posting this, Jeremy!! (and thanks for mentioning A FIFTH OF BRUEN!)
You may be right, I have not seen Bruges. The films I have seen have been less than impressive.
I suppose it is also worth noting that Farrell is clean and reportedly focused on life and acting.
I agree with Thompson. In Bruges was great material, (and direction) finally being given to an actor who seems content to squander his abundant talent on shitty projects. Also, there IS a BRANT film in the works – JUDE LAW is playing BRANT in an adaptation of BLITZ, go figure. Sophie Onderdo is playing FALLS. http://spaceythompson.blogspot.com/2008/11/brant.html
I have heard the rumors of Law being on board, but am seeking confirmation from the production company.
Hopefully, I will have something in the near future.
Clearly I have to check out Bruges.
Law is in discussions to play Brandt, but nothing has actually been signed.