#2. The Illusionist
Director: Sylvain Chomet
Writer(s): Chomet and the late Jacques Tati
Producers: Bob Last (exec-producer The House of Mirth)
Distributor: Rights Available.
The Gist: This is based on “a dying breed of stage entertainer whose thunder is being stolen by emerging rock stars. Forced to accept increasingly obscure assignments in fringe theaters, garden parties and bars, he meets a young fan who changes his life forever.” Themes deal with aging and disillusionment.
Fact: This is based on an unproduced screenplay by the late Jacques Tati.
Why is it on the list?: I was charmed by Chomet’s work in Triplets of Belleville and I’m even more charmed by the world that Tati created. Mon Oncle is easily in my top 100 films of all time.
Release Date/Status?: The over 20 million dollar project should receive a nice competition slot in Venice with Pathe selling world rights in all territories. I expect a 2009 festival showing, but it might not be ready for the general public until 2010 – it will need a well planned campaign.
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