In a somewhat odd pairing, Oscar winnersAngelina JolieandChristoph Waltzare in talks to star in the music-driven dramaEvery Note Playedfor STXfilms, the studio announced Friday.
The film is based on the acclaimed book of the same name byStill AliceauthorLisa Genova.Monet ClaytonandDavid Mandelloptioned the novel and adapted the screenplay, and Clayton will produce withRichard Barton LewisandGabrielle Jerouvia Lewis' Southpaw Entertainment banner.
Michael Sucsy(Grey Gardens) will directEvery Note Played, which follows a world-renowned concert pianist and composer (Waltz) on the verge of creating his magnum opus. When he receives a life-changing diagnosis, his estranged ex-wife (Jolie) takes up the cross of caring for him, and he is forced to balance reconciling his failed relationships with redefining his pursuit of greatness.
“We’re thrilled to be bringing this exceptional filmmaking team together for this emotional, powerful, and ultimately uplifting story," STX chairmanAdam Fogelsonsaid in a statement.
This seems like a great role for Waltz, who has been relegated to playing mostly villains ever since his breakout turn inInglourious Basterds. However, I’m not sure I’m buying him and Jolie as a couple, ex or otherwise, nor am I sure I want to see such a dynamic actress stuck playing caretaker. But maybe this one will surprise me, as it’s always dangerous to underestimate two great actors.
Jolie won her Oscars forGirl, Interrupted, and she has since gone on to star in box office hits such asWanted,Saltand theMaleficentmovies. She’ll soon be seen in Marvel’s upcoming superhero movieThe Eternals.
Waltz won a pair of Oscars for his supporting turns in theQuentin TarantinofilmsInglourious BasterdsandDjango Unchained. He will reprise his role as Blofeld in the next James Bond movieNo Time to Die, and he’ll also soon be seen inWes Anderson’sThe French Dispatch. Waltz will next star inCharlie McDowell’sGilded Rage, and he was recently nominated for an Emmy for his work in Quibi’sThe Most Dangerous Game.
Sucsy directed the HBO movieGrey GardensstarringJessica LangeandDrew Barrymorebefore going on to direct the hit dramaThe VowstarringChanning TatumandRachel McAdams. He also directed episodes of the popular Netflix series13 Reasons Why.
Lewis recently produced the upcoming sexually charged thrillerEvery Breath You TakestarringCasey Affleck,Michelle MonaghanandSam Claflin. For more onThe Eternals, including a description of the first footage from the star-studded film,click here.
