James Mangold Set to Direct a Buster Keaton Biopic For 20th Century Studios
James Mangold (Logan, Ford v Ferarri, Indiana Jones 5) is set to direct a biopic that will tell the story of the life of legendary actor, filmmaker, and comedian Buster Keaton. I just have to say, it’s about damn time they made a movie about this guy! There’s so much to tell about his life, though, I kinda wish they would develop this biopic as a series so that they could cover more ground.
The project is set up at 20th Century Studios, and the movie will be based on the book Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase by Marion Meade. This is a top priority for the studio and they are currently meeting with writers to tackle the subject matter.
Mangold is a great choice to bring Keaton’s story to life, and it’s safe to say that he’s going to deliver a great movie!
It’s explained in the report, “Joseph Frank ‘Buster’ Keaton was not only one of the pioneers during the early days of silent movies but to this day is considered one of the great physical comedians in movie history. His stunt-work on such classics like The General and Sherlock Jr. are still considered some of the more impressive set pieces to ever be under taken, cementing him as one of the founding figures in film history.”
I’ve enjoyed the films of Buster Keaton, the guy was like Hollywood’s original Tom Cruise. Not only was he a big superstar, but he also did all of his own stunt work. Here’s the description of the book that the film is based on:
Buster Keaton (1895–1966) was a brilliant comedian and filmmaker who conceived, wrote, directed, acted, and even edited most of his ten feature films and nineteen short comedies, which are perhaps the finest silent pictures ever made. With a face of stone and a mind that engineered breathtakingly intricate moments of slapstick, Keaton has become an icon of the American cinema. Marion Meade's definitive biography explores his often brutal childhood acting experiences, the making of his masterpieces, his shame at his own lack of education, his life-threatening alcoholism, and his turbulent marriages. Based on four years of research and more than 200 interviews with notables such as Billy Wilder, Leni Riefenstahl, Gene Kelly, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Irene Mayer Selznik, as well as members of Keaton's family who had previously refused to discuss him, Buster Keaton: Cut to the Chase is a startling and moving account of the troubled life of a cinematic genius.
I’m curious to see who they end up casting in the role of Keaton. Just off the top of my head, I like Cillian Murphy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Asa Butterfield, or Rami Malek. Are there any actors you think would fit the role?
Source: Deadline