While 3D has mostly be used to plumb the depths of futuristic worlds (thanks James Cameron) or make summer movies more explosion-y, rare has been the filmmaker who has attempted to use the format as texture rather than simple technique. Martin Scorsese succeeded with his lovely “Hugo,” Wim Wenders earned praise for “Pina” and Ang Lee wowed both audiences and critics with last year’s “Life Of Pi.” And it seems Lee is smitten with wearing those chunky glasses, because his next feature will boldly venture into three-dimensions once again.
Deadline reports that Lee is setting up his next flick at Universal, and it’s going to be boxing drama…in 3D. Really. Even more, it’s going to track the sport during the ’60s and ’70s, tackling the various rivalries in the sport, presumably touching upon pugilists like George Foreman, Marvin Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Robert Duran and Sugar Ray Leonard. But the grandaddy of them all—Joe Frazier and Muhammad Ali—will be included, with the Thrilla In Manila fight going 3D. What isn’t clear at the moment is what exactly the story is, or what the narrative thread will be to tie all of this together. But will it be this generation’s “Raging Bull“? We coined the phrase here first, folks, so just remember that a couple years from now.
No word yet on casting or a start date, but considering the generous post-production time Lee had with “Life Of Pi,” we presume the process here will be much the same, particularly as this is being viewed as a technology pushing endeavour. While we’re always cagey on the format, with Ang Lee involved—and with this subject matter—we’re definitely intrigued.