I recall reading a review of Kevin Wilson’s The Family Fang when the book came out back in 2011. It not only sounded like an interesting story, but also a tale worthy to be made into a film from the likes of Wes Anderson. Now the book is indeed on track to becoming a film, but unfortunately Anderson is nowhere near it. Instead, actor Jason Bateman plans to both direct and star in the project.
Deadline (via First Showing) reports that Bateman is currently in talks to both direct the film and co-star alongside Nicole Kidman. The film will tell the story of Annie and Buster, the children of Caleb and Camille Fang, who are the constant and unwilling stars of their parents’ bizarre and subversive art projects. It’s not yet clear whether Bateman and Kidman will play the grown-up Annie and Buster, or Caleb and Camille, although based on the plot synopses available I’m going to guess they will be the parents. In any case, it’s a very Royal Tenenbaums-esque tale of art and family dysfunction.
The Family Fang will be Bateman’s sophomore effort as a direct, following on the heels of Bad Words, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival this year. With David Lindsay-Abaire (Rabbit Hole) writing the script, and Kidman already attached as a star and producer, The Family Fang looks like it could be winner.
We’ll have to wait and see what comes of negotiations with Bateman, of course, but the film sounds like it will well suited to his quirky comedic sensibilities. That being said, there’s always the danger that it will become a poor man’s The Royal Tenenbaums without a strong hand at the helm. Hopefully that’s not the case though.
We’ll keep an eye on The Family Fang as things develop. In the meantime, tell us, does this one sound like a winner to you?
