A match made in heaven. That was my first thought after reading over at /Film that Zooey Deschanel and Joseph Gordon-Levitt were teaming up for a movie titled 500 Days of Summer for Fox Searchlight.
In this “anti-romantic comedy” we’ll follow a young man played by Gordon-Levitt who falls hopelessly in love with a young girl (Deschanel) who just doesn’t believe in true love. Of course, he’ll attempt to change her mind and prove to her that love is all that really matters. That’s all that’s known – but what more do we need to know besides the fact that these two are starring? And it’s a scenario that plenty of guys can relate to, no?
Marc Webb, who has directed tons of music videos, will be making his feature film debut from a script from Michael H. Weber and Scott Neustadter – two dudes that have written only the unfilmed sequel to the Steve Martin starring The Pink Pather.
I’m always all about first-time directors and it’s always interesting to see music video directors make the transition to feature films – some finding insane amounts of success such as David Fincher and Michel Gondry. Of course, the big deal here is the fact that we have two of the most interesting and talented young stars starring in this movie together. Zooey is making a real name for herself – she’s on the verge of REALLY taking off in popularity – and not to mention she is just plain adorable. As for Gordon-Levitt, he’s one of the finest young actors working today. I like to categorize everything in my mind and in these categorizations of mine I have Gordon-Levitt on the “most talented actors under 30 list” behind only Ryan Gosling (and if given the material, I think JGL could give him a run for his money… truly). As far as acting and filmmaking go, he just really seems to “get it” completely (see: Mysterious Skin, Manic, Brick, The Lookout for further evidence).
Filming on this will begin in the spring. Can’t wait to find out more.
“if given the material”, good god man! what are you talking about?!
JGL was in Brick and Mysterious Skin. His upcoming film is directed by Kimberly Pierce which at the very least means he’s making a point to work with interesting directors. Gosling was in some Andy Hopkins “thriller” and then followed it up with Lars and the Real Doll; that last one alone buys three GI JOE movies. That was some rancid shit.
Gosling’s just another actor using an Oscar nomination as an excuse to shill. Just once I’d like to see someone decline to be nominated, that little statue is the kiss of death.
What am I talking about? I’m talking about the fact that as much as I love Brick and Mysterious Skin, JGL hasn’t been given a role even close to that of Gosling’s in Half Nelson. Or The Believer for that matter.
Hey Jonathan, check out Mysterious Skin to really see what JGL is about.
As noted twice already, I have seen Mysterious Skin and loved it. And I said the feller is the second most talented actor under 30! Why are others defending him from me?
I hear you brother. People should try reading. I know exactly what you mean. JGL is terrific, but he hasn’t been given a real meaty (or very high profile) role as of yet.
I think Jonathan is saying that if JGL can get a bigger budget, more accessable role (like “Lars and the Real Girl” or “The Notebook” for example) he’ll give Gosling a run for his money so to speak.
I quote Jonathan (Twice):
“(see: Mysterious Skin, Manic, Brick, The Looktout [sic] for further evidence).”
“I’m talking about the fact that as much as I love Brick and Mysterious Skin”
I saw Ryan Gosling in Lars and the Real Girl and The Believer and I have no idea why anybody who consider him more than an average, serviceable actor. He’s fine, but hardly the wonder of the ages he’s been made out to be on the internet.
Half-Nelson, The Notebook, the only good thing about Fracture and even pretty good (but little screen time) in Stay.
The man is awesomeness defined.
In a story related note, I think Zooey and JGL together is a great mix. Sounds like kind of a generic story, but I guess we’ll see.
This really IS the JGL support site and I agree. I’ve liked everything he’s done to date but he’s still missing that big blockbuster appeal type of film. That said, I’m not sure he needs to go that route to keep his so far great career moving ahead and this movie certainly doesn’t sound like it’s going to be the one (not sure how I feel about the GI Joe bit yet). As for “Stop-Loss”…I had great expectations for that film but it doesn’t sound like it lives up to the expectation. We’ll have to wait and see.
As for Gosling…I have a soft spot for the guy for a number of reasons but I don’t think it’s fair to say he’s just serviceable. He’s proven he can act but I will admit I haven’t seen too much great stuff coming from his camp since “Half Nelson” (though I did think Lars was fun). What’s been most interesting about Gosling has been his transitions from child comedy star to adult dramatic performer. I’m curious to see what his comedic timing is like now.
Okay, Henrik. Go watch Half Nelson. Then we can talk.
As far as this being a generic story, all we have been given is the basic, BASIC plot outline to the point of a one sentence description. I have a feeling that this is going to be anything BUT a conventional story. Either way, I’ll reserve my judgment until I know more. I’m sure these two are attracted to the project because it IS different though, especially JGL who since departing 3rd Rock has been attracted to anything BUT the conventional (okay, besides this whole GI Joe thing – but everybody needs a paycheck).
Also, anyone see April’s GQ with the photoshoot of JGL and Claudia Schiffer? I post it because has a little excerpt of JGL talking about Stop Loss… but mostly because Claudia Schiffer is still BANGIN’ at almost 40. Sheesh. And JGL has style.
I’m depressingly behind on Levitt’s work, but enjoyed his performance in The Lookout. I still have yet to see either Brick or Mysterious Skin. As for Gosling, he was excellent in Half Nelson.
This one should be interesting…like most, I love Zooey!
Jeux D’Enfants: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0364517/
For the record I never accused you of not seeing Mysterious Skin. And I haven’t seen The Believer, I hear great things about it. I would definitely say that Mysterious Skin is a better role than Half Nelson though.
And seriously Lars and the Real Doll is worth like negative points.
@ “if JGL can get a bigger budget, more accessable role (like “Lars and the Real Girl” or “The Notebook” for example) he’ll give Gosling a run for his money”
wtf?