Julianne Moore is set to star in the live-action adaptation of the Ann Patchett novel, Bel Canto, with Ken Watanabe and Demian Bichir co-starring. Paul Weitz (Being Flynn) has adapted the screenplay, along with Anthony Weintraub. Weitz will also direct the film as his latest endeavor.
Roxane Coss (Moore) is an American soprano singer who journeys to Peru to give a birthday concert for a wealthy businessman (Watanabe). As the event begins, the tycoon's home is invaded by guerilla fighters led by General Benjamin (Bichir). The guests are detained as hostages while the captors insist on the release of fellow soldiers who are being held in prison. The drama unfolds over the period of a month and both captors and hostages work through their personal issues to come to a mutual understanding during the crisis. The film also contains elements of a love story that focuses upon the character played by Moore.
Julianne Moore with Oakes Fegley, filming Todd Haynes' Wonderstruck, also a film based on a novel.
Based on the Japanese embassy hostage crisis in Peru in 1996 and 1997, the novel was published in 2001 and became an international bestseller. The film is famed director Weitz's most recent project. Weitz is responsible for a line of great films and there are high expectations that this film will be no exception. The gripping story line and front running stars are sure to be a powerful combination with drama, action and depth, all tempered with a touch of humanity.
Moore fans can look forward to her villainous role in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, co-starring Colin Firth and Channing Tatum. Watanabe will be appearing in Michael Bay’s Transformers: The Last Knight, lending his voice to the Autobot, Drift.
