UPDATED 3/12/03
(3/12/03) STEPHEN JOHNSTON TO WRITE SCREENPLAY
UPDATED 3/12/03
(3/12/03) STEPHEN JOHNSTON TO WRITE SCREENPLAY
Ellroy novel destined for big screen
"Two British film companies have joined forces to adapt a James Ellroy novel for the big screen.
"Film & Music Entertainment and Tartan Films will make the American author's book Killer on the Road into a movie, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"The story delves into the mind of serial killer Martin Plunkett whose descent into crime began while he was a teenager in 1960s LA and continued until he was caught decades later in New York.
"Nicknamed 'Sexecutioner,' Plunkett lives in a world of twisted fantasies. He is tormented by terrible dreams and finds relief only from the sight, taste and feel of fresh blood.
"After he kills his victims he dismembers their bodies and leaves them in grotesque positions.
"The film will follow Plunkett as he ends up developing a relationship with a rural policeman who arrests him but turns out to be a serial killer himself. He forces Plunkett to swap murder techniques in order to evade capture. The film will tell the story of the unlikely bond between the two men and will show what happens when two serial killers meet.
"No screenwriter is on board to adapt.
"'This is an edgy and exciting project from the acknowledged master of U.S. crime fiction,' F&ME head of production Sam Taylor said. 'It's a tale that, characteristically, is not only a taut and gripping thriller, but also an intricate and disturbing vision of America.'
"Tartan's Hamish McAlpine added that he is thrilled to collaborate with F&ME as 'both companies possess very different yet complementary skills which we are both bringing to the table for this project.'
"F&ME, the U.K.-based international production arm of FAME AG, makes its first foray into U.S. filmmaking with Killer, after having produced such films as the Macedonian feature Before the Rain, the German-U.K.-French co-production The Young Poisoner's Handbook and the Croatian feature Josephine.
"'We are proud to be working with material of this caliber,' F&ME managing director and producer Mike Downey said.
"The project is the latest Ellroy adaptation to hit the big screen, following such previous works as L.A. Confidential, Brown's Requiem, and Cop. Upcoming Ellroy projects include the Los Angeles riots fable Dark Blue, starring Kurt Russell and Ving Rhames, and the autobiographical My Dark Places, starring David Duchovny.
"F&ME principals Downey and Taylor negotiated the deal with Ellroy's Joel Gotler at AMG/Renaissance and attorney Nat Sobel.
"'Ellroy is the most important American crime writer of our time, and I'm excited to see Killer on the Road developed from a British point of view,' Gotler said.
"'Dig it,' added Ellroy."
A small portion of Killer on the Road has previously been adapted as a highly-regarded not-for-profit short film.
"Enter the horrifying world of a killer whose blood trail of carnage baffles police from coast to coast. There appears to be no motive...because Martin Plunkett kills just for pleasure. "Martin lives in a world of his own twisted fantasies, tormented by dreams too terrible to endure. Until he discovers the blessed relief that comes from the sight, the taste, and the feel of fresh warm blood... But Martin's quest for relief from the pain of his obsession is unquenchable. From secluded love nests in LA, to the snow-covered slopes of Aspen, to the lonely deserts of Utah, he follows his lust for blood, finding lone drivers or young lovers — leaving their dismembered bodies in grotesque positions of his own design. His next victim can be anyone...anywhere." —© Avon Books
Order the trade paperback edition of Killer on the Road
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