Most notably known for this producer creds (Children of Men), Marc Abraham’s Hank Williams passion project has found a home with the Sony Pictures Classics. Check-marking SPC’s method of operation in acquiring titles with an already built-in fanbase, we’re expecting a Walk the Line type treatment for I Saw the Light. If we had to guess, it’ll contain generous musical outtakes in the Williams library, and in the best of worlds showcase a transcendental, fighting the demons perf from Tom Hiddleston and cover the bases of what would be a competitive/romantic/abusive dynamics with the equally headstrong Audrey Mae Williams (here played by Elizabeth Olsen). Look for a film festival launching – Telluride and/or TIFF would be appropriate.
Gist: Written by Marc Abraham and based on Colin Escott’s biography, Williams ranks high among the most influential country music singer-songwriters, and he lived a life as hard as any character in a country song. After growing up dirt poor in Alabama during the Depression, Williams skyrocketed to fame with 11 No. 1 hits, including classics “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” Williams also suffered from spina bifida, which led him to turn to alcohol and morphine for pain relief. Haunted by demons and bad habits, Williams died in 1953 at age 29.
Worth Noting: A little after the release of his feature debut Flash of Genius, Abraham landed the rights back in 2009 and made this a passion project.
Do We Care?: With a SPC blessing, this will surely be part of the award season make-up.
