We’ve learned that production is just now getting underway on 400 Days, a psychological sci-fi thriller that’s being led by Brandon Routh (Superman Returns) and Dane Cook (Dan In Real Life). Matt Osterman (Ghost From The Machine) penned the script and will also direct. Though 400 Days is a small project, early plot details definitely makes it sound like one worth keeping an eye on.
According to Deadline, 400 Days “centers on four astronauts sent on a simulated mission to a distant planet to test the psychological effects of deep space travel. Locked away for 400 days, the crew’s mental state begins to deteriorate when they lose all communication with the outside world. Forced to exit the ship, they discover that this mission may not have been a simulation after all.”
Deep space travel is a very interesting subject for a film, and movies like Europa Report have proven that directors with clear visions can craft compelling, claustrophobic thrillers about it, even on small budgets. Backer New Artists Alliance certainly believes that Osterman is one of those directors. Company rep Gabriel Cowan recently said:
“Matt has penned a mind-bending screenplay that reminds us why we make movies to begin with… Its complete sense of awe, mystery, and character grabbed us right away. And the crazy reality is that NASA and the European Space Agency are conducting these types of psychological experiments in preparation for the manned mission to Mars right now.”
That’s a lot of praise, so let’s hope that Cowan is onto something with 400 Days. Osterman is certainly working with a strong group of actors on this project, so I’m hoping he’s come up with a really gripping story.
The film also stars Caity Lotz (Arrow), Ben Feldman (Mad Men), Tom Cavanagh (Ed) and Grant Bowler (Defiance), a talented group of actors. We’ll keep you posted as more information about 400 Days emerges.
