Soloist Slot Needs Filling

So what major Oscar-worthy feature will be chosen to open the AFI Film Fest on 10.30, now that The Soloist has been withdrawn from that slot? An announcement will be forthcoming later this afternoon, I'm hearing. If I were running the AFI show, I would get either Doubt or Nothing But The Truth. Or I'd shift the already-scheduled The Wrestler or Slumdog Millionaire into the opening-night position.

The Soloist was yanked due to stars Robert Downey, Jr. and Jamie Foxx not being interested in doing the red carpet due to the general atmosphere of humiliation and embarassment stemming from Paramount's decision to bump the Joe Wright-directed drama into Match 2009.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on October 23, 2008 at 9:50 AM

comment #1

Sabina E Author Profile Page says ...

what a huge mistake, but maybe it;s really a wise move.

Many people here didnt even know that Robert Downey Jr or Jamie Foxx has a new movie coming out. Paramount has done a POOR job of marketing the film so far. Moving it to spring 2009 should give them more time to market it aggressively.

Posted by Sabina E Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 10:21 AM

comment #2

actionman Author Profile Page says ...

It won't be Australia as I read that reportedly the film will be delivered to Fox "reel by reel" and that Lurhman still has a lot of work to finish.

Posted by actionman Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 10:22 AM

comment #3

ASD Author Profile Page says ...

Slumdog Millionaire is already playing the festival as part of Danny Boyle tribute. As is The Wrestler. AFI is in a bind as the opening night slot is expected to be a world premiere and anything less would be considered a disappointment I'd expect. The way I see it, Paramount owes the festival big right now, no matter how pleasantly they spin it. I say give them Benjamin Button or Revolutionary Road.

Posted by ASD Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 10:25 AM

comment #4

p.Vice Author Profile Page says ...

That terrible ghost of film culture has cleaved a vengeful path of retribution yet again. If only it would strike with this kind of embarassment and ridicule every time some moderately talented people got together with the sole purpose of propagating the social myths Hollywood makes its living exploiting with yet another two hours of phony melodramatic abuse .

Posted by p.Vice Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 10:54 AM

comment #5

Adviltablet Author Profile Page says ...

Paramount is putting all the Oscar eggs in the Ben Buttons basket. Sucks for the Soloist. Go Gran Torino!

Posted by Adviltablet Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 12:08 PM

comment #6

clancy Author Profile Page says ...

Given the two films you recommended to replace "The Soloist" I would go with "Nothing but the Truth". based on its reviews from Toronto (and what you have said) and its subject matter, its just more my kind of film than "Doubt" which looks pretentious and boring. But, as I understand it, that festival only wants world premieres - so that would seem to knock out "Nothing".

Posted by clancy Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 1:10 PM

comment #7

romeoisbleeding Author Profile Page says ...

From what I read, Downey was never planning to do the red carpet since he is in London filming Sherlock Holmes. I am sure when it comes out in March both he and Jamie will promote it. This sounds like the kind of movie that Oprah could do a show for so that might be something they need to look into. It never hurts to have her seal of approval.

Posted by romeoisbleeding Author Profile Page at October 23, 2008 1:13 PM

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