Sunday, October 20, 2013

Susan B. Anthony project gains a bit of steam

A couple of months ago I posted a "wish list" entry about Meryl portraying 19th-centrury suffragist Susan B. Anthony in a feature film.  In it I included a link to an online screenplay by writer Helise Flickstein about the lives and work of Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  At the time, the script had no backing or buzz to speak of.  This week I've learned from Flickstein that the script has caught the attention of a couple of producers with Circa Productions and that they're going to pitch it at the American Film Market in early November.  In addition, Roseanne Barr has evidently shown interest in participating.  She-Devil reunion, anyone?

Despite this all being very preliminary, I'm so thrilled at the idea of this even being considered for production.  So many other things would certainly have to fall into place for Meryl to be involved, but remember that Streep herself stated last year that she wanted to do a film about Anthony and Stanton with Kathy Bates.  That chance just took one important step closer to reality.  Were this project to get financing, Streep could likely be sent the script (maybe Roseanne could give her a call to nudge her participation), deals could be worked out, directors sought, and we could be on track for filming by 2015.  Just in time for a possible 2016 release where our first viable female candidate for U.S. president may be in the grips of her campaign. 

This project has been a 10-year journey for Flickstein.  Best wishes in the coming weeks that The Revolutionists continues to move forward. 

8 comments:

  1. Jeff, August Osage County has been pushed into Comedy/Musical for Golden Globes by Harvey Weinstein. Meryl Would be fav to win since all other major contenders are in drama including now Judi Dench . Philomena is now in drama category. Things have got more exciting. Ken

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    1. Saw that on Gold Derby. A:OC should be able to pass as a dark comedy. You're right about it opening up for Meryl at the Globes, considering both Blue Jasmine and Philomena could likely be perceived as comedy.

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  2. Is saving mr. banks going drama at the globes as well? Seems like a toss up
    Looms between cate & sandy at the globes with emma the dark horse in drama...

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    1. From what I've learned Banks will be going drama. I imagine that could change, however. Meryl seems too alone in Comedy if she ends up there .

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  3. Ultimately I am glad that Meryl will be in this category and Blanchett will not but I do feel that Blue Jasmine should be in the comedy section as well.
    Maybe things will change. I just hope Bullock doesn't have an ace campaign as I couldn't bear her eventually becoming a double winner when it took Meryl and others so long for a further win...

    I would really welcome Meryl winning her ninth though, evens: 3 drama, 3 comedy!

    I also love how a lot of people not as far into their career as Meryl is (36 years on the screen) have already got a Cecil DeMille lifetime achievement globe whilst Meryl is still breaking the records and constantly on the stage!

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    1. The thing about the Cecil B. DeMille award is that Meryl is still a contender for acting awards. It would seem overkill if she's up for the award while in an actress category as well.

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    2. I wonder about Philomena ---gold derby had it in comedy for months and just
      Changed it to drama in the last few days. Is Harvey really pushing this film
      Drama? Seems lots of movies are walking the fine line between comedy &
      Drama...

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    3. Harvey isn't going to push Dench and Streep in the same category if he can help it. Dench is possibly the stronger candidate in Drama.

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