Hollywood is buzzing with the latest news: Damien Chazelle, the visionary director behind “La La Land” and “Whiplash,” is set to helm an Evel Knievel biopic starring none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. Slated to begin filming this summer, the project promises to be anything but your typical rise-and-fall story. But can Chazelle bounce back from the box-office disappointment of “Babylon”? Let's dive into the details.
The film, which focuses on the year 1974, will delve into Knievel's ambitious plan to jump across Idaho's Snake River on his motorcycle. Known for his daredevil stunts and fiery temper, Knievel's life was a rollercoaster of highs and lows. With over 433 bone fractures, he even earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. However, his career took a nosedive after he attacked a man with a baseball bat, leading to jail time and the loss of all his endorsements.
Chazelle's last film, “Babylon,” was a financial flop, grossing only 63millionagainsta63millionagainsta100 million budget. Despite its poor performance in the U.S., it found unexpected success in France. This new project, with DiCaprio on board, could be Chazelle's ticket to redemption. DiCaprio, who was originally supposed to star in “Babylon,” had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts but is now fully committed to this biopic.
The screenplay has seen multiple revisions, with William Monahan (“The Departed”) penning the original draft and Terence Winter (“The Wolf of Wall Street,” “The Sopranos”) providing the latest version. Chazelle himself has also made revisions, ensuring the script is polished to perfection.
Conclusion
As we eagerly await the start of filming, one can't help but wonder: will this biopic be the masterpiece that redeems Chazelle's career? With DiCaprio's star power and Chazelle's directorial prowess, the odds are certainly in their favor. Only time will tell if this high-stakes gamble pays off.
Personal Impressions
Chazelle's choice to focus on a single year in Knievel's life is a bold move, and it could either be a stroke of genius or a missed opportunity. DiCaprio's involvement adds a layer of intrigue, but the real question is whether Chazelle can recapture the magic of his earlier works. “Babylon” was a mixed bag, but this new project has the potential to be a game-changer.
Do you think focusing on a single year in Evel Knievel's life will make for a more compelling biopic, or should Chazelle have taken a broader approach?
