Debonair leading man Ryan Gosling has spent the last few years doing terrific work for stylists Derek Cianfrance (Blue Valentine) and Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive). But, when it comes to mainstream roles, he is still resigned to being a part of the ensemble. Now, it looks like we’ll be getting to see the actor in an exciting starring part as he’s currently circling the glamorous role of legendary Hollywood choreographer Busby Berkeley for an adaptation of Buzz, a biography of the musical legend from author Jeffrey Spivak.
Berkeley is an icon for fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood cinema, with his extravagant dance numbers featuring many, many chorus girls. Even during a time before colour film, Berkeley’s show-stoppers were lively and animated. Besides his behind-the-scenes role for the innovative musical 42nd Street, Berkeley was also a director of titles like Gold Diggers of 1933 and Babe in Arms, starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. If Gosling gives a performance akin to Roy Scheider’s mesmerizing turn as Bob Fosse in All That Jazz, expect plenty of awards buzz.
Gosling is already a producer for Buzz, alongside Marc Platt, who worked with him on the crime drama Drive. Platt is also trying to get a big-screen treatment of the musical phenomenon Wicked off the ground. There is no writer or director currently attached to this upcoming biopic, although someone with musical theatre experience would probably be a good choice. I can imagine Rob Marshall (Chicago), Adam Shankman (Hairspray) and Sam Mendes (Skyfall) as strong directors that can work well with Gosling and capture the feeling of a Busby Berkeley show-stopper.
Tell us, do you want to see Ryan Gosling star in Buzz? Who would you like to see direct the film? Sound off below!
