Word is that Greengrass has now teamed up with Apple TV for his next feature film, titled “Lost Bus.” The film is said to be based on the infamous 2018 California wildfire known as “Camp Fire”. Here’s the synopsis:
On November 8, 2018, the people of Paradise, California, awoke to a mottled gray sky and gusty winds. Soon the Camp Fire was upon them, gobbling an acre a second. Less than two hours after the fire ignited, the town was engulfed in flames, the residents trapped in their homes and cars. By the next morning, eighty-five people were dead. The story centers on bus driver Kevin McKay and school teacher Mary Ludwig who helped navigate a bus full of children through a deadly wildfire.
The 2018 Camp Fire was the subject of Netflix’s 2019 documentary “Fire in Paradise”. Greengrass’ film is based on a screenplay written by screenwriter Brad Ingelsby, best known for his work on HBO’s ‘Mare of Easttown.’ and the Ben Affleck sports drama ‘The Way Back.’
Greengrass’ last film was 2020’s “News of the World,” which received good reviews, but nowhere near the accolades Greengrass was used to getting.
Greengrass made the use of handheld camera “hip” in Hollywood with his 'Bourne' movies and, by all accounts, he should most definitely be put on a list of the most influential action filmmakers of the 21st century.
His films make you feel like you are really there, in the thick of the action. His very best work —"Captain Phillips," "United 93," "Blood Sunday”—are these heroic stories of unimaginable horror mixed with edge of your seat thrills. He reinforced the importance of the handheld camera, as a way to bring realism in big studio film.
Is his style of filmmaking now dated? I guess. There have been numerous copycats ever since his incendiary 2002 debut “Bloody Sunday,” but a new project from him is always worth keeping an eye out for.
I can confirm that Joel Coen’s “Jack of Spades” is based on Frances Frederica Montrésor’s 1901 novel “The Alien: A Story of Middle Age.” It’s a ghost story. A gothic mystery.