David O. Russell is putting together quite the cast for his upcoming, currently untitled Abscam project, which formerly went under the name American Bullshit. He already has Bradley Cooper, Jeremy Renner, Christian Bale and Amy Adams signed on and now he is in talks with comedian Louis C.K.
Scripted by Eric Singer, the film will tell the true story of the Abscam sting that took place in the late 70’s and early 80’s. From what we know, Bale is set to play con-artist Mel Weinberg, “who along with his girlfriend (Adams) is busted by an ambitious FBI agent (Cooper). The couple are then forced to help the agency set up a massive sting operation targeting Atlantic City mobsters, corrupt DC politicians, and more. Renner plays the leader of the New Jersey state assembly.”
C.K. is wanted for the part of an FBI agent, which admittedly, seems a bit out of left field for the actor. He’s mostly known for his comedy and most notably, his hit FX series Louie. Though personally I’m not a huge fan of his brand of humor, he has seem to have struck a chord with critics, with his show earning nominations from the DGA, PGA, WGA and SAG this awards season.
Honestly, I can’t see Louis C.K. playing an FBI agent and out of all people, I’m not sure why Russell went to him for the job. The man is known for comedy, so why approach him for a role like this? It’s certainly news that not many expected but I’m sure the actor will be able to adapt should he sign on. Besides, maybe the role calls for a bit of comedy? Who knows?
After all, Russell has said that the film will be getting the actors to do things they have never done before. Check out his exact quote below:
“They’re all going to do things we haven’t seen them do in this movie, it’s going to be very exciting,” said David O. Russell. “Renner’s going to be like you’ve never saw him. Bradley’s going to be like you never saw him. Christian will be… I don’t want to give too much of it away but they’re all playing real life characters from the ‘70s and they’re very intense in an insane drama.”
So who knows, maybe C.K. will fit right in after all.
What do you think? Is Louis C.K. starring in a David O. Russell drama something you ever expected to see?
Published: Jan 11, 2013 08:09 pm