Friday, January 6, 2012

Reel News...Matt Damon Backs Out of Directing Debut, Picked Up By Gus van Sant

      News came out last October of Matt Damon sitting in the director's chair for the first time on an untitled project he co-authored with Dave Egger and The Office's John Krasinski.  This is the second time Eggers and Krasinski have collaborated on a script, as they collaborated on the writing of Away We Go, which also starred Krasinski.  
      At this time, no other news have been made of his acting commitment, as Damon is still on par to remain as the film's lead role; however, he is no longer its director.  As much as this may seem to be a disappointment, the vacancy has been picked up by prominent Portland director Gus van Sant, known for  Milk, My Own Private Idaho and Good Will Hunting, in which Damon also acts.  Damon also starred in van Sant's 2003 film Gerry.  The collaborative triangles of these men should keep this project top notch and on track with producers.  It's also reassuring seeing how quickly the void was picked up by van Sant too.  But while Matt Damon remains a more popular household Hollywood name than Gus van Sant, I  have high expectations that the two-time Academy award nominee will led the project in the right direction.  

Gus van Sant, while being a two-time Academy Award nominee for Best Director (Good Will Hunting, Milk), is also a winner of the Palme d'Or for his film Elephant.

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