First Look: William Monahan's 'London Boulevard'

From this angle, doesn't Colin Farrell look a bit like Brad Pitt? It's the first shot of the Irishman in London Boulevard, the directorial debut of The Departed screenwriter William Monahan. I've not read Ken Bruen's novel, so all I really know about this flick is that Farrell plays a London criminal recently released from prison who gets romantically involved with a reclusive actress, played by Keira Knightley (who's in the background in the shot above). Because of Monahan's reputation (and very possibly the quality of this script), he's been able to attract both of those stars plus Ray Winston, Anna Friel, and David Thewlis. I like it already. Thewlis and Friel, of course, have been married for several years, so they're like the William H. Macy and Felicity Huffman of the UK. Kind of. But I hope this is another good role for Farrell, who got famous too quickly, bought into it, and then realized he'd have to reestablish himself as an actor. For the record, he's pretty damn good when he wants to be (Cassandra's Dream and the fabulous In Bruges). So maybe with Monahan pulling the strings, he can take one more step back. There's no release date or distributor for London Boulevard yet. I suppose it could be on the market at Cannes, but I've not heard anything about that one way or the other. It's been in post-production for a while, though, so if that process doesn't start on the Riviera, it shouldn't be too long after that.

Comments

[Jeremy H]

I agree that he got famous too quickly. I didn't really see why he was pegged as the golden boy he was for a long time....then I saw In Bruges. WOW! Based solely on that movie I am genuinely interested in most of Farrell's stuff these days. On a side note, I spelled his name wrong @ first (Ferrell), and I am not so interested in that man's work these days. But that' neither here or there.

[Mr.K]

I thought it was Pitt until I read your post.

[Lisa]

Actually, Monahan doesnt have any reputation Except as a writer, so I assume that was the only reason he got Farrell. He is a first time director. Some writers make good directors, some don't. We'll have to see. However, this is the type of role I'd like to see Colin in.