Zach Galifianakis & Emma Roberts in talks for IT'S KIND of a FUNNY STORY
The great Zach Galifianakis and teen-star Emma Roberts(Hotel For Dogs) are in talks to star in Focus Features' It's Kind of a Funny Story, the new coming-of-age dramedy from Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden, the writer-directors of 2006's Oscar Nominated drama Half Nelson.
An adaptation of Ned Vizzini's young-adult novel, It's Kind of a Funny Story centers on a teenage boy who, after a bout of depression, is sent to a mental institution, where he ends up in the adult ward.
Here is a full synopsis for the book:
Like many smart, ambitious New York City teenagers, Craig Gilner seeks entry into Manhattan's most prestigious school, Executive Pre-Professional High School. With single-minded determination, he works night and day to ace the entrance exam and gets in. That's when everything starts to unravel.
Once Craig starts his new school, he realizes he's just one of many brilliant kids, and he isn't even brilliant, he's average. As Craig starts getting so-so grades, he sees his once-perfect future crumbling away. He begins to have trouble eating, sleeping, and thinking — that's when he tells his parents he's depressed. He goes on medication and talks to therapists, but things keep getting worse, until one night Craig feels so low that he seriously considers suicide.
But instead, Craig calls a hotline. The counselor tells him to get to the nearest hospital, and before he knows it, he's signed, sealed, and delivered into one of Brooklyn's finest psychiatric units.
Craig's new roommate is an Egyptian schoolteacher who refuses to get out of bed. His neighbors include a transsexual sex addict, and a girl who has scarred her own face with scissors. But somehow in this motley crew, Craig finds real friends and kindred spirits who give him strength.
Galifianakis would play one of the main adult roles, most likely Gilner's roommate. This would be a meatier role with dramatic elements for the stand-up comedian and breakout star of The Hangover. Zach's comedy is so deadpan, the dramatic stuff should be a walk in the park for him.
Roberts(Julia's niece) would star as the face scarred girl, who serves as the teenage love interest for the yet to be cast main character.
It's Kind of a Funny Story is planned to begin shooting this year.
What do you think of Zach Galifianakis and Emma Roberts in Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden's adaptation of Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of a Funny Story? Now say that three times fast!
Source: THR