Paul Schrader had originally been asked to direct David Mamet’s JFK assassination film. Mamet was originally supposed to direct it. Regardless, Schrader seems to have passed on the offer.
Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson is stepping in to direct the film, reuniting with Al Pacino for their fourth collaboration together, after “You Don’t Know Jack,” “Paterno,” and “The Humbling.” Shia LaBoeuf also remains attached to star.
This is a drama about how notorious Chicago mobster Sam Giancana arranged the assassination of President John F. Kennedy as revenge for trying to bring down organized crime, this after the mob helped put JFK in the White House.
I’m not entirely sure what the deal is with the rest of the originally-announced cast, which included Viggo Mortensen, John Travolta and Courtney Love. Too bad Mamet isn’t directing, he hasn’t helmed a film since 2008’s underrated “Red Belt.”
The cinematographer is also none other than the ultra-talented Robert Elswitt (“There Will Be Blood,” “Punch Drunk-Love,” “Magnolia,” “Michael Clayton,” “Nightcrawler”).
Levinson, 80, was all the rage in the ‘80s and ‘90s, a go-to filmmaker for smart, adult-oriented Oscar contenders. His résumé is honestly one of the more underrated in Hollywood: “Diner”, “The Natural”, “Good Morning Vietnam”, “Bugsy”, “Sleepers”, “Rain Man”, “Wag the Dog” and many more.
Levinson also has “Wise Guys,” starring Robert De Niro, in post-production.
The ‘Smile’ franchise has a new director. David Bruckner, who made “The Night House” and the 2022 “Hellraiser” reboot, has been hired to direct “Smile 3” for Paramount.