Update: Kelly has posted a much larger version of the poster, so we figured we’d re-up. He writes, “I think the poster captures the suspense and conflict in the film, and at the same time has a bit of a classic Hitchcockian vibe to it.”
Previously: Director Richard Kelly (“Donnie Darko”, “Southland Tales”) has taken to his blog in discussing his upcoming film, “The Box” (QuietEarth has the new poster seen to the left).
Kelly confirmed the October 30th release date and, despite the constant shuffling of his film, assured that “everyone feels this is the best date.”
He further reveals that principal photography for the film was completed by March of last year but with over 300 visual effects shots, eight months of post-production was required. Hang on, 300 visual effects shots!? Early synopses for the film have surrounded a suburban couple who receive a mysterious box from a stranger that when initiated will prize them a million dollars with the adverse effect of killing another human being unknown to them. From that, we were under the impression this film would be a more grounded one from Kelly that explored the dilemma that the couple at hand experiences. The announcement of the significant visual effects involved may suggest that the film will incorporate Kelly’s signature fantastical elements.
Kelly delivered the film to Warner Brothers around Christmas of last year when a March 2009 release was briefly considered – but ultimately “Fall 2009 was always a better fit.” He admitted that, despite past criticisms from him of digitalized period films, he proceeded to use the Panavision Genesis camera for filming after seeing David Fincher’s “Zodiac.” “The Box” is set predominantly in Virginia circa 1976 while “Zodiac” was set in 1970’s San Francisco.
Soundtrack
Also confirmed in the blog is that Win Butler and Regine Chassagne of Arcade Fire collaborated with Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) for the film’s score, which goes for over 80 minutes. The Arcade Fire are not credited in the score, it is simply the name of the aforementioned three musicians. Kelly had previously described the score as “Bernard Hermann [most famous for the ‘Psycho’ score] on acid.” Other artists who will appear in the film include Grateful Dead, Derek & The Dominos, Wilson Picket, The Marshall Tucker Band and Scott Walker.
“The Box” will have a running time of 1 hour and 55 minutes including credits. Kelly also disclosed that he was “busy completing the script for FILM#4.” Anyone happen to know what that is?