I don’t like zombies. Never have – never will. However, I love “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen, so now I’m at war with myself. I’ve not read the book for the obvious reason, but I’m toying with the idea of giving it a chance. I love the supernatural and paranormal (ghosts, vampires, werewolves, witches, and things of that nature) but I draw the line at zombies. After being subjected to Night of the Living Dead in 1986 by my annoying demented brother, my loathing for zombies and big brothers was born.
The cover, by Doogie Horner - a zombie-fied painting of Marcia Fox by William Beechey.
Seth Grahame-Smith’s novel “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” is set to be directed by Lars and the Real Girl (starring Ryan Gosling and Emily Mortimer) director Craig Gillespie, said Lionsgate in an announcement on Monday. If you haven’t seen Lars and the Real Girl, rent it. It’s quirky and strange and Gosling is fantastic as an introvert, unable to form emotional attachments due to a traumatic childhood experience. But when he brings his new “girlfriend” Bianca, an anatomically correct life size doll, to meet everyone, things change with a surprising twist.
What I found interesting about the Pride and Prejudice and Zombie film is Natalie Portman starring in and producing the film through her handsomecharlie company with Annette Savitch. Savitch, a producer, arranged for Darko Entertainment to attain the rights to Smith’s book via Quirk Books. Darko’s Richard Kelly, Sean McKittrick, and Ted Hamm will also produce.
David O. Russell, director of The Fighter, was initially attached to direct the film but due to budget disputes with Lionsgate backed out. Gillespie will direct using the screenplay Russell wrote based on the novel, after a few polishes of course.
