The Oscar buzz for
Natalie Portman's tortured performance in Black Swan is deafening.
Our very own Rob Beames was one of the first to call it out in Venice and now the idea that the 29 year old may be the favourite to take home the golden statue next year, is widespread. And the timing couldn't have been better for a director who had nothing to do with Black Swan. You see -
Alfonso Cuaron - the Mexican director of the most inventive Harry Potter (Prisoner of Azkaban) and helmer of Children of Men - has been struggling this summer to convince Warner Bros. that
Gravity - his virtually one woman-in-space thriller, is a profitable option after Angelina Jolie, the only actress WB were ever keen on, passed on the project twice. WB are said to be concerned about fronting up the $80 million required for the 3D, effects heavy and obscure non-mainstream tentpole that revolves around a woman as she attempts to make her way back to earth after a satellite crash sets off a chain reaction of further crashes that we are told is dialogue-free for lengthy stretches, i.e. 'Cast Away in Space'. Theres also talk of an elaborate, Kubrick-esque, 20 minute set piece in space that Cuaron is fighting to keep in the film. Unlike if the leading role were male and a dozen of so A-listers could be sought, the list of actresses with star power, broad international appeal, a proven B.O. record and undoubted sexuality is slim. Many pointed out during the press of Salt, that only Angelina Jolie could warrant such a big summer blockbuster focused around her name alone. And if there would be no Salt without Jolie, maybe they'll be no Gravity either - or so the thinking has been. Without her, it's been a battle for Cuaron to find an actress who WB are happy to take a risk on, a battle Cuaron has been losing lately.
We have to remember that studio's aren't interested in funding expensive auteurish projects, no matter how cool they sound. Their sole interest is profit and what can make them money. And although Cuaron has pitched the likes of Scarlett Johansson and Blake Lively and spoken to virtually any working actress (Sandra Bullock, Carey Mulligan and Naomi Watts among a dozen named by
The Playlist) most recently, from what I understand, WB have either been less than convinced that they could market a movie like this around her - or the actresses' have found the role uninteresting or just plain too difficult. Cuaron's project looked doomed as of last week - but now Warner Bros' heads have been turned by Portman's extraordinary performance in Black Swan and the buzz it has/will further attract. WB have agreed Cuaron's request to put an offer out to Portman and a script reading is expected to take place this week. Finally, Cuaron's dream of getting his unique, high concept, 3D space thriller off the ground looks like it's back on. Remember, Robert Downey Jr. is still attached for his 'book end' supporting roles, which he is hoping to film early next year after Sherlock Holmes 2 and before The Avengers.