Oscar travesties comes and go, but the overlooking of Tom Ford’s “A Single Man” in 2009 was kind of a big shame. Sure, many were worried that a fashion designer dipping his toe into the world of filmmaking would scream dilettante, and maybe it did from the outset, but “A Single Man” was a gorgeously shot and carefully rendered drama; one of the best directorial debuts in recent memory and filled with top-notch acting too (admittedly, Colin Firth was nominated for his excellent turn, but the movie deserved more accolades). Thankfully, it appears that Hollywood has not forgotten that picture and some serious heavyweight talent is circling Ford’s latest.
Titled “Nocturnal Animals” and produced by George Clooney’s Smokehouse Pictures with partner Grant Heslov, the drama is an adaptation of an Austin Wright book titled “Tony and Susan” and centers on a woman named Susan who receives a book manuscript from her ex-husband, a man whom she left 20 years earlier, asking for her opinion. The book then tracks two stories within the same novel and Ford previously said he would try and make two movies from each.
While a two-parter remains to be seen, what is clear is the talent likely involved. THR says Amy Adams and Jake Gyllenhaal are eyeing the two lead parts while there also might be roles for Joaquin Phoenix and “Godzilla” star Aaron Taylor-Johnson. That’s got awards-bait written all over it. Smokehouse Pictures has a first-look deal at Sony Pictures, so if the Tom Rothman era of Sony wants it, it should easily be theirs. Either way, this is a terrific ensemble and we hope it all holds together to the finish line.
