Jan 6, 2007 - Sony Pictures Classics has signed on to distribute the 2007 remake of the 1972 mystery thriller, Sleuth. The star of the original film, Michael Caine, will return for the remake. Joining Caine will be Jude Law who will also produce the film with his production company, Riff Raff Productions.
Sleuth is based on the award-winning play by Anthony Shaffer and was adapted for the big screen by Harold Pinter (The French Lieutenant's Woman). The original film earned four Oscar nominations including one for Caine as Best Actor in a Leading Role.
In a statement announcing the deal Sony Pictures Classics representatives were quoted as saying, "This is exciting: Kenneth Branagh directing Jude Law and Michael Caine in spectacular roles reconfigured in a vibrantly current screenplay by the great Harold Pinter. This has come together due to the tenacity of producers Jude Law, our friends at Castle Rock, and MRC. We could not wish for better partners in what will surely be a major film in 2007. It is a privilege to be involved."
Actor/producer Law added, "I'm thrilled to have Sony Pictures Classics distribute this movie in the US. Their record speaks for itself and they are the perfect partner for us."
The press release also included a statement by director/producer Kenneth Branagh: "Jude Law and Harold Pinter had developed this exceptional screenplay when I joined them. Harold Pinter’s freedom with the material made it a new film, not a remake, and the enthusiasm of these two great actors was very exciting."
Additional personnel behind the scenes include Simon Halfon, Simon Moseley, and Marion Pilowski as producers. Ben Jackson, Law's Riff Raff Productions partner, will co-produce Sleuth. Haris Zambarloukos has come on board as cinematographer. Tim Harvey will be the production designer and Neil Farrell will edit the film, which will be shot at Twickenham Studios in London beginning later this month.
Sleuth Official Movie Synopsis
A dramatic study of sexual conflict, jealousy, power and manipulation handled with both lacerating wit and humor, Sleuth tells the story of a wealthy writer of detective stories (Caine) and an aspiring yet out-of-work actor (Law) who is having an affair with the writer's wife. The writer's exquisitely modernized Georgian manor becomes the backdrop for a cat and mouse game that pits one creative mind against another.
Source: Sony Pictures Classics
