It’s really happening for David O. Russell. Now that he’s on the map thanks to The Fighter, he’s taking on a few ambitious projects—one of which is entitled The Silver Linings Playbook. The project will reunite Russell with three-time collaborator, Mark Wahlberg, but the lead female has yet to be cast. Apparently, it’s a role of heavy interest.
Russell is in the process of testing a few ladies to take the part. Notable candidates to play against Wahlberg include Elizabeth Banks, Kirsten Dunst, Blake Lively, Rooney Mara, Rachel McAdams, Andrea Riseborough, Olivia Wilde, and possibly Jennifer Lawrence. I’m a little torn on who to hope for, but I would enjoy seeing Mara expand her screen time to another role suitable to her talents.
The story centers on a man (Wahlberg) who is rejoining society in an attempt to pinpoint life’s positives after four years in a mental institution following a mental collapse. The female character, a recent widow, will act as his love interest during a proverbial parade of grief-fueled sexual encounters.
In addition to The Silver Linings Playbook, Russell is working on Maleficent, a Sleeping Beauty reimagining. After directing series of films that earned him modest recognition, Russell is finally gaining the notoriety he deserves. Sure, you’re all jumping on his bandwagon now. But I actually saw I Heart Huckabees in theaters. I’m still dealing with that on a personal level.
Source: Hollywood Reporter
