It wouldn’t be Cannes time if we didn’t have news about filmmaker Jane Campion. The acclaimed writer-director always pops up this time of year, as she is probably best known as the sole female to win the coveted Palme d’Or award at the French film festival. Today’s news isn’t regarding the event. Instead, Campion has signed on for a new project, which is not only going to have two A-list stars but also marks a rare first for the filmmaker.
Variety is reporting that Benedict Cumberbatch and Elizabeth Moss have signed on to star in Campion’s upcoming “The Power of the Dog.” The film, which is written and directed by the filmmaker, based on the novel by Thomas Savage, tells the story of two brothers, who own a Montana ranch, Phil and George. Phil (Cumberbatch) is very different from his brother, as he’s harsh and cruel, while George is kind and gentle. And when George marries Rose (Moss), Phil goes to extreme lengths to destroy the new addition to the family.
As mentioned, Campion is a highly-regarded filmmaker around the world, having helmed such films as “The Piano,” “The Portrait of a Lady,” “In the Cut,” and the acclaimed miniseries “Top of the Lake,” which starred Moss. However, “The Power of the Dog” marks the first time that the director has ever worked on a film with a male lead.
“‘The Power of the Dog’ is a sublime novel that deserves a life on the big screen. I couldn’t stop thinking about the story, it really haunted me,” said Campion. “The themes of masculinity, nostalgia, and betrayal are an intoxicating mix. It’s also rare to find a story where the themes, the plot and the characters build tension as they reveal each other and even the end is satisfying and unexpected.”
She added, “It will be the first time I’ve worked with a male lead, which is exciting. Phil is a charismatic and complex character who declares war on his brother’s new wife and her teenage son.”
No release date has been set, but “The Power of the Dog” is expected to begin pre-production by the end of this year.
