Stephen Daldry set to adapt TRASH for Working Title
Stephen Daldry (Billy Elliott) has been brought on to adapt the Andy Mulligan novel Trash for the big screen. The rights to the book were recently picked up by Working Title and Kris Thykier's Peapie Films.
The story is described as a "contemporary thriller set in the third world, about three boys who scrape a living picking through rubbish mounds. One day they discover a leather bag, whose contents plunge them into a terrifying adventure, pitting their wits against corruption and authority to put right a terrible wrong."
This sounds it could be a great and interesting film, according to Thykier, "From the opening pages of 'Trash,' I knew that I had discovered one of the most thrilling, dynamic and inspiring books I'd ever come across." Thats a pretty glowing remark. I've never read the book, but I may just have to pick it up. Thykier continues saying,
I am truly excited at the prospect of bringing Andy Mulligan's joyful story to the screen and am honored to be working with Working Title, whom I consider to be the best production company in the world and Richard, one of my favorite screenwriters, and Stephen, who is justly considered one of the greatest directors of his generation.
Mulligan added,
As far as I'm concerned this is the dream-team, and what has really impressed me is their desire to tell the story as it is, without coating it in sugar. They 'get' the book, and you can't ask for more than that.
All of these guys are incredibly excited to be working on this film, and that excitement will most likely show up in the final product. This could actually turn out to be a solid film. The project is currently being set up in hopes to start shooting in 2012.
Have you read the book? What do you think about the story, will it make for a good movie?
Here's the official book description:
In an unnamed Third World country, in the not-so-distant future, three “dumpsite boys” make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on the outskirts of a large city.
One unlucky-lucky day, Raphael finds something very special and very mysterious. So mysterious that he decides to keep it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their pursuers. It’s up to Raphael, Gardo, and Rat—boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery and right a terrible wrong.
Andy Mulligan has written a powerful story about unthinkable poverty—and the kind of hope and determination that can transcend it. With twists and turns, unrelenting action, and deep, raw emotion, Trash is a heart-pounding, breath-holding novel.