Casting Notes: Tim Robbins And James Gandolfini In Cinema Verite; Toni Collette In Mental; Jamie Foxx And More In Horrible Bosses
What is it with HBO and dramatic recreations of classic documentaries? Last year there wasGrey Gardens, and now the network is lining upCinema Verite, which will be a dramatized behind the scenes take on the 1973 PBS docAn American Family. The original series was a big deal; it frankly portrayed family troubles for the first time on television, and one of the family sons was the first openly gay character/personality on American television.
Cinema Veriteis written byDavid Seltzer, withTim RobbinsandDiane Laneset to play parents Bill and PatLoud; James Gandolfiniwillplay An American Familyproducer Craig Gilbert.Shari Springer BermanandRobert Pulcini(American Splendor) are directing, which automatically makes the endeavor a bit more interesting. [THR]
After the break, Toni Collette will work again with herMuriel’s Weddingdirector, andHorrible Bossesgets some good talent.
Toni Colletteworked under directorP.J. Hoganin the filmMuriel’s Wedding, and now the two are set to reunite inMental. The film is about “a charismatic, crazy hothead who transforms a family’s life when she becomes the nanny of five girls.”
Hogan wrote the script, based in part on his own experience. “Like Muriel’s Wedding, Mental is a comedy, but a comedy based on reality, laced with pain and brimming with flawed but lovable characters. Shaz (the central character) was hilarious, outrageous, dangerous, courageous, inspiring, heartbreaking and totally, totally mad. And she changed my life,” Hogan toldVariety.
Finally, the comedyHorrible Bosseskeeps adding actors. Since wementionedColin Farrell’s casting yesterday,Jennifer Aniston,Jason BatemanandCharlie Dayhave been added. And nowJustJaredsays thatJamie Foxxis in the mix, too. The film sounds likeOffice Spaceplus strains fromStrangers on a Train, as it follows three friends who all hate their jobs and decide to kill each others' bosses.
