You always hear about projects that take years to come to fruition but what makes this one a bit more special is the fact the actor staying loyal through the years is 81 years old and in the twilight years of his career. Robert Duvall hasn't been shy to namedrop "Lonesome Dove" as the "proudest" work of his career and, now, eight years after first attaching himself to a reunion with 'Dove' scribe Bill Wittliff on "A Night In Old Mexico," the actor is finally set to step in front of ameras on the project next week with young "War Horse" star Jeremy Irvine co-starring and Spanish showman-turned-director Emilio Aragon at the helm.
Irvine will play Duvall's grandson in a story that combines action, tragedy and romance. Duvall had previously described the role as "one of the best characters I've had in my life" and, at one stage, had French helmer Xavier Giannoli on board during a difficult stretch locating financing.
How did helmer Aragon manage to secure financing then? It probably doesn't hurt that he's the co-founder of a television station owned by Madrid-based shingle Globomedia, who are teaming here with shingle Quentin Quayle as the project's backers. Also the decision to shoot on digital likely lowered the budget as well. Aragon debuted with the dramedy "Paper Birds" which saw him write, direct and score the picture, but his experience as an actor delves much deeper — as the son of a famous Spanish clown on TV, Aragon grew to popularity as a television presenter in the '90s before producing and starring in the TV series "Family Doctor."
"A Night In Old Mexico" will also feature Spanish thesps Luis Tosar, Javier Gutierrez and Angie Cepeda for the English-language film which begins lensing this week in Texas. Duvall also takes a producing role alongside long-time partner Rob Carliner. [Variety]
