Magnolia Pictures and Madman nab Lars von Trier and Martin Scorsese's FIVE OBSTRUCTIONS

Movie Lars Von Trier Martin Scorsese about 13 years agoby

Earlier we reported that Lars von Trier and Martin Scorsese were set to collaborate on The Five Obstructions. Today it was announced that Magnolia Pictures and Madman have pre-bought North American and Australia/New Zealand rights to project. This is a recreation of the 2003 collaboration documentary where director Jorgen Leth was challenged by von Trier to remake his 1967 short film The Perfect Human five times while following a set of strict rules or obstructions. This new project is being co-produced by Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and Trier and Peter Aalbaek Jensen’s Zentropa Real.

Here is what Magnolia Vp Tom Quinn had to say about the purchase in a statement:

“The Five Obstructions is one of my all time favorite films, and I couldn’t be more excited to see what these two masters concoct together for this next installment. After being blown away by ‘Melancholia’ here in Cannes, the opportunity to work with Lars Von Trier again is a dream come true.”

Madman's Paul Wiegard went on to say:

“Strengthening long standing bonds over a legendary dinner. Madman looks to the future and sees no obstructions boarding Lars Vs Martin. There is a lot of mutual love to champion maverick film makers."

Magnolia and Madman were in buying moods today, they also purchased TrustNordisk and Zentropa Entertainment’s historical drama A Royal Affair. The 18th century historical drama is currently in production, it has been developing for four years and stars Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander. Affair si the directorial debut of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo screenwriter, Nikolaj Arcel. The film is "an epic romance about the love triangle between a German doctor, the queen of Denmark and her deranged king." Meta Louise Foldager (Melancholia) and Sisse Graum Jorgensen (In a Better World) are producing the film for Zentropa Entertainments.

Magnolia has a history of financing and distributing great films like this. Despite von Trier's recent remarks at Cannes, he is still a very talented director. I am more excited to see Scorcese involved on the project that is rumored to be his film, Taxi Driver (one of my favorite films).

What are your thoughts on this news?