Stars: Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, Mickey Rourke, Winona Ryder, Jon Foster, Amber Heard
Director: Gregor Jordan
Writer: Bret Easton Ellis
Scheduled Release Date: Release: May 1, 2009
The Informers is based on a book of short stories by Brett Easton Ellis originally published in 1994, appropriately titled: The informers.
Having not read the book all I have to go on is the trailer and synopsis I have read here and there.
Synopsis courtesy of Fandango.com:
A collection of Bret Easton Ellis’ short stories are adapted for the screen by Ellis and Nicholas Jarecki and helmed by Gregor Jordan in The Informers, a Senator Entertainment ensemble film featuring Billy Bob Thornton, Kim Basinger, and Winona Ryder. The film observes the goings-on during a week in Los Angeles in 1983, with many intersecting characters including a kidnapper, movie executives, rock stars, and other freewheeling, morally loose individuals. Austin Nichols, Jon Foster, and Amber Heard co-star.
The idea behind the movie really intrigues me, but I must say, the trailer is very, very lacking. It seemed very poorly produced and just kind of “slopped” together. However, I am very excited to see Mickey Rourke’s performance along side Billy Bob. I really think that with the cast, and the story we have the potential for a really powerful film.
One of the ideas behind the story that I really like, is that it covers the darker side of LA. Sure, we all already know of the crime and whatnot in LA, but the darker side of the Entertainment industry is normally overlooked. However, lately the topic has become a growing popularity in films, such as The Wrestler. I am hoping that we are not starting a trend, but at the same time, I am intrigued by the freshness of the topic. I know, contradicitng words, but I hope you understand whatI am saying.
I would also have liked to have seen the film set in a more present day timeframe rather than the 80’s. But, I am sure that most of you can understand why it is set in the 80’s. Think about it, knowing how Hollywood works I am fairly certain if it were set in present day America we would have nothing more than a “Gansta and Hoes” story. Maybe not, but I personally think that the chances of the film failing would have been much greater if it were present day. Yeah, I would like a more up-to-date film, but I completely understand why it just can’t be.
All of my gripes and contradictions asside I think that we are in for a very powerful film.
The Informers - Poster