David O. Russell is one of the most interesting directors in America, responsible for such wonderful films as Flirting With Disaster and Three Kings. The man is currently putting the finishing touches on his latest movie Nailed (described as a contemporary Wizard Of Oz about a search for healthcare). Normally this would mean that it would be at least 3 years before he started a new project. However, that’s not the case this time. Russell announced today that he has signed on to direct The Grackle.
As a change of pace, Russell didn’t write the screenplay for the movie. The script was written by a pair of first time writers named Mike Arnold and Chris Poole. Normally, I would be concerned about a writer as brilliant as Russell directing someone else’s script, but this screenplay apparently caused a huge bidding war when it was completed two years ago. So, there must be something to make the script stand out from the pack. Plus I’m sure he can handle the subject matter given due to personal experience.
The Grackle will star Matthew McConaughey as a professional barroom fighter who hires himself out at $250 a pop to settle disputes for people who can’t afford a lawyer. He settles problems with harsh words and quick fists, something that Russell is clearly skilled at himself based on the fact that he got in a fist fight with George Clooney on the set of Three Kings the following clip (you just can’t watch this one enough).
Given how funny his films can be, I’m excited to see what Russell will do with a mainstream comedy. The involvement of Matthew McConaughey is initially frustrating given that most of his cinematic output is limited to shitty romantic comedies that revolve around him taking his shirt off. However, this summer’s Tropic Thunder served as a reminder of how funny he can be with good material and hopefully this will be his first interesting lead role since…well, ever. Regardless, The Grackle instantly qualifies as one of the most exciting comedies in development. Stay tuned to this space for updates.
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