As a filmmaker, Academy Award nominee Darren Aronofsky occupies a curious space in the cultural landscape. Highly respected in his artistry, he has earned himself a dedicated fandom, which anticipates each new project – although, in box office terms, his films are never guaranteed success. They always attract high levels of talent, though, and his next, as yet untitled movie is no exception – with Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem and Ed Harris reportedly already on board, and Michelle Pfeiffer and Domhnall Gleeson now in talks to join them.
As with the early word on every Aronofsky project – from Pi to Black Swan, and even Noah – details are vague, to say the least. What little plot information there is suggests that this film may be something of a return to the intimate nature of his earliest work, with the story focusing on “a couple whose relationship is tested when uninvited guests arrive at their home, disrupting their tranquil existence.” The reference to “uninvited guests” there is particularly intriguing, since Aronofsky is renowned for his handling of the more horror-based aspects of his stories.
With Darren Aronofsky writing, producing and directing this film for Paramount Pictures, the cast he is apparently assembling will present a formidable creative force. Between the director, Jennifer Lawrence, Javier Bardem, Ed Harris and Michelle Pfeiffer there are no fewer than 13 Academy Award nominations, and two Oscar wins – something that no doubt increases the chance of the movie featuring in the 2017 awards season.
Darren Aronofsky is set to begin production on this film in June this year, with Paramount Pictures having a specific 2017 release window in mind. It is not yet clear which combination of these actors will play the central couple, and which will play the uninvited guests, but I think we can all agree that, with these performers involved, the result will be powerful, regardless.
