#99. LULLABY FOR PI
Director/Writer: Benoît Philippon
Producers: Minds Eye Entertainment’s Kevin DeWalt, Jean-Charles Levy and Killer Film’s Christine Vachon
Distributor: Rights Available.
The Gist: This is about Tom, a bewitching blues-jazz singer (Rupert Friend). Sadly, since his wife passed away, he can no longer sing nor smile. He spends his nights in the hotel room where they first met, waiting for her phone call that will never come….(more)
Cast: Rupert Friend, Clémence Poésy, Matt Ward and Forest Whitaker.
Why is it on the list?: The unknown Philippon only has one previous screenplay credit to his name, so much depends on the fabric and authenticity of the musical elements and the originality of the narrative. With a low budget, raspy look and soundtrack – it could be this year’s Crazy Heart.
Release Date/Status?: In post-production, I expect an European festival premiere, but TIFF is not out of the question since this was a Canadian, U.S. and France co-production.