After a whirlwind decade for Hilary Swank, which included winning Oscars for lead roles in both “Boys Don’t Cry” and “Million Dollar Baby,” things have slowed down recently for the actress – with only a couple films like 2010’s “Conviction” and a bit role in “New Years Eve” standing out recently. But Swank seems to be making her way back to the screen in a big way, with a Phillip Noyce-helmed HBO TV movie entitled “Mary & Martha” in the pipeline, a part alongside Meryl Streep in Tommy Lee Jones' "The Homesman," and now she’s lining up yet another feature.
“Nights in Rodanthe” filmmaker George C. Wolfe has come aboard the Swank film “You’re Not You,” which follows the relationship that develops between an ill woman (Swank) suffering from ALS (aka Lou Gehrig's Disease) and her young caregiver. The film is an adaptation of Michelle Wildgen’s first novel, and currently the production is looking to cast the role of the 23-year old caregiver – most likely giving a pretty plum position alongside one of Hollywood’s most beloved actresses to whoever nabs the gig.
We can’t speak much for Wolfe’s feature career, but he did nab a few Tonys for his contribution to the excellent “Angels in America: Millenium Approaches” stage play a few years, so perhaps he has a shot at making good after the treacle-filled mess that was “Nights in Rodanthe.” Although on paper, this has as much potential to be as sappy as that film, and having Shana Feste ("Country Strong") and Jordan Roberts ("A Dolphin's Tale") tackle the script certainly doesn't help that impression. As for Swank, we’re always up for a good performance from the actress, as long as it’s as far away from “Amelia” as possible. Consider us cautiously optimistic on this one. [Variety]
