Here’s The Wrap confirming what I broke a week ago, except their lede isn’t that Paul Schrader is shooting a new film, “The Basics of Philosophy,” but rather that production is set to begin two months after he was accused of sexual harassment by his former assistant.
I honestly have no idea if the accusations against Schrader will impede the film from gaining U.S. distribution, but that certainly hasn’t stopped producers from financing is, which is in itself a notable development.
With that said, the trade does drop some casting news concerning ‘Basics of Philosophy.’ The film is set to star Jack Huston and Sofia Boutella.
Huston recently made the jump to directing with “Day of the Fight,” prior to that he was known for his roles in “Boardwalk Empire,” “American Hustle” and “The Longest Ride.” He is part of the famed Huston family, with his grandfather being director John Huston and his aunt, actress Anjelica Huston.
Boutella is an Algerian-French actress, and former dancer, who transitioned into acting with breakout roles in “Kingsman: The Secret Service,” “Star Trek Beyond.”
“The Basics of Philosophy” is about a university philosophy professor, and will be made in the style Schrader’s ‘Man in a Room’ trilogy — “First Reformed,” “The Card Counter” and “Master Gardener.” So, after Ethan Hawke, Oscar Isaac and Joel Edgerton, it is now Huston’s turn to write in the diary.
A few years ago, Schrader hinted that he might have just “one more” film left in him following a series of health setbacks. Fast forward to 2025, and not only did “Oh, Canada” premiere at Cannes last year, but he’s now shooting another film.
Hopefully, ‘Basics of Philosophy’ will be a worthy addition to the Schrader canon which includes “Blue Collar,” “Mishima,” “Affliction,” “Auto Focus,” and “First Reformed.”