Mark Romanek To Direct ‘Norco’
Mark Romanekhas been plenty busy in the past few years, but he hasn’t actually released a movie since 2010’sNever Let Me Go. Happily, he looks ready to get back into the feature filmmaking game withNorco, a bank robbery thriller based on true events. More on the Mark RomanekNorcoproject after the jump.THRreports Romanek is in final talks with MadRiver Pictures to directNorco, which has a script byAdair Cole. The picture is inspired by the 1980 Norco bank robbery shootout. Five perpetrators, armed with shotguns, assault rifles, and homemade bombs, led police on a 25-mile chase. In the end, one sheriff’s deputy and two of the five robbers were killed. Over 30 cop cars and one helicopter were damaged by gunfire.
SaidMarc Butan, who’s producing withMason Novik:
Adair wrote a script that tells this story with a raw, almost matter-of-fact intensity that makes you feel like you are there. Adding Mark to the mix brings it all home, as he is one of the few filmmakers out there who provides the visual style this piece calls for but also gets the performances from actors.
Following the gorgeous and heartbreaking Kazuo Ishiguro adaptationNever Let Me Go, Romanek was set to direct Disney’s live-actionCinderella. However, hedropped outwhen his dark vision clashed with Disney’s more upbeat one, and Kenneth Branagh stepped in to replace him (withpretty excellent results).
Romanek’s recent efforts include the first episode of ABC’sThe Whispers, the failedLocke & Keypilot for Fox, and Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off” video. In addition, he is currentlyattachedto helmThe ShiningprequelThe Overlook Hotel.
MadRiver will produce and finance the film. The company launched this year at Cannes, with the intention of putting out three to four wide releases per year in the $15-50 million budget range. BesidesNorco, their upcoming films includePride and Prejudice and Zombies,The Lost City of Z,Triple 9, andA Willing Patriot.
