It would seem that actors turning their attention to behind-the-camera duties is a growing trend in Hollywood, though you could hardly call it new. In the last year alone superstars like Angelina Jolie and Matt Damon expressed interesting in directing, and though the latter had to put his helming debut off indefinitely, the former has received many kudos for making In the Land of Blood and Honey. Who will be the next accomplished thespian to join the ranks of Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Robert De Niro and George Clooney?
According to Deadline, it’s Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the child star who returned to movies with critically praised performances in indies like Mysterious Skin and Brick and has gone on to accrue one of the most enviable filmography’s any working actor can boast. The source says that Gordon-Levitt has written an untitled sex comedy that he’ll star in as well as direct, and that he’s already locked financing and a leading lady in the form of Scarlett Johansson. Details are scarce, but Levitt will supposedly play a modern Don Juan-type who yearns to become less of a “selfish dick”, as the actor put it himself. In addition to Johansson, there will be a second female character who is to be cast shortly. Filming is expected to begin in mid-April.
I’ve been on the Gordon-Levitt bandwagon for a long time, so the fact that he’s taking his career in a new direction and finding ways to grow creatively is great to hear. This being a small-scale film, it sounds like a project that is perfectly manageable for a first-time feature filmmaker and should provide the budding auteur with even more opportunities to direct in the future. My only hope is that the acting bug hasn’t completely worn off him, as he’s really coming into his own as a leading man following his Golden Globe nominated turn in 50/50. With films like The Dark Knight Rises, Looper, Premium Rush and Lincoln all starring the 31 year old actor, he’s got plenty of awards-worthy performances left in him.
Source: Deadline
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