Paul Greengrass Set For A Fantastic Voyage

Known for his visceral immediacy and hand-held majesty, Paul Greengrass is not the first name that would be drawn out if you were thinking about recreating a 1966’s classic Sci-Fi romp Fantastic Voyage, yet he is circling the job that is being produced by James Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment.

According to Variety, the film is being treated as a big event movie by 2Oth Century Fox. It will be shot in the Cameron patented 3d technology used on the ground-breaking Avatar, in other words it will be properly shot in 3d, and not converted in the editing process of post-production like many new releases under the guise of 3d.

The script penned by Shane Salerno sees a scientist who is gravely ill, with no conventional help available, his colleagues are miniaturized and injected into the bloodstream so they can battle his medical issues with the help of a high-tech sub.

After the political yarns of the Bourne franchise and Green Zone dominating Greengrass’ work plate of late, it would indeed be a step in a different direction, but that just may be the point. There is a time when undeniable talent becomes tired and flat carving the same ornament each time, and this would provide a completely fresh challenge to his trademark style, there is no doubt that this project would deliver a very different Greengrass film, and we for one would love to see it. 

MATT RICHARDSON

Fincher goes Heavy Metal

According to Deadline Hollywood, David Fincher is resurrecting Heavy Metal, an animated anthology film, that he originated two ago, only for paramount to drop the project.

However, Fincher is now pitching a much more appealing proposition to studios. In its latest incarnation Avatar director James Cameron is set to direct one of nine segments, with Watchmen director Zack Snyder set for another. Fincher, of course, will direct his own segment. And, just to tantalize those studio executives a little further the whole thing will be in 3D animation.

Commencing In 1977, Heavy Metal is an American science fiction and fantasy comic, known for its blend of violence and erotica.  It has already spawned one film adaptation in 1981 and a sequel in 2000. This version will consist of eight to nine segments, each by a different director, and all infused with the spirit of the Heavy Metal, if like previous releases they will infuse different storylines most likely to run parallel much like the successful Sin City.

The project is yet attached to a financier, or a distributor, but this is sure to change. While the project would appear to be niche, the individual successes of Cameron, Snyder, and Fincher cover all the bases to get this picture green lit. With further talent to be added, it is a matter of time before it is officially signed up.

MATT RICHARDSON