The Death and Life of John F. Donovan
| The Death and Life of John F. Donovan | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Xavier Dolan |
| Produced by |
|
| Written by |
|
| Starring | |
| Music by | Gabriel Yared |
| Cinematography | André Turpin |
| Edited by | Xavier Dolan |
Production company |
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| Distributed by | Les Films Séville |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
The Death and Life of John F. Donovan is an upcoming Canadian drama film, co-written, co-produced and directed by Xavier Dolan in his English-language debut. It stars Kit Harington, Jessica Chastain, Natalie Portman, Bella Thorne, Kathy Bates and Susan Sarandon.
Plot
A decade after the death of an American TV star, a young actor reminisces the written correspondence he once shared with the former, as well as the impact those letters had on both their lives.
Cast
- Kit Harington as John F. Donovan
- Jessica Chastain as Moira McAllister-King
- Natalie Portman as Sam Turner
- Bella Thorne as Jeanette
- Kathy Bates as Barbara Haggermaker
- Susan Sarandon as Grace Donovan
- Jared Keeso as James Donovan
- Thandie Newton as Audrey Newhouse
- Ben Schnetzer as Rupert Turner (Adult)
- Jacob Tremblay as Rupert Turner (Child)
- Chris Zylka as Will Jefford Jr.
- Dakota Taylor as Connor Jefford
- Emily Hampshire as Amy Bosworth
- Michael Gambon as Narrator
- Sarah Gadon as Liz Jones
- Ari Millen as Big Billy
- Leni Parker as Bonnie
- Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse as Moira's assistant
- Amara Karan as Mrs. Kureishi
Production
In December 2014, it was announced that Kit Harington and Jessica Chastain would star in the film, with Xavier Dolan directing the film from a screenplay he wrote with Jacob Tierney. Harington would portray the titular character while Chastain would portray a journalist.[1] That same month, it was announced Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates had joined the cast of the film. Sarandon would portray the role of Donovan's mother, while Bates would portray the role of his manager.[2][3] In November 2015, it was announced that Adele was in talks to appear in a cameo role.[4] That same month, Michael Gambon, Bella Thorne, Chris Zylka, Emily Hampshire, and Jared Keeso joined the cast of the film.[5] In February 2016, Natalie Portman, Nicholas Hoult and Thandie Newton joined the cast.[6] In July 2016, it was announced Ben Schnetzer joined the cast of the film, replacing Hoult.[7] In February 2017, it was announced Jacob Tremblay had been cast in the film.[8] In June 2017, Amara Karan joined the cast of the film.[9]
Gabriel Yared composed the film's score,[10] which was recorded in July 2017.[11]
Filming
Principal photography began on July 9, 2016, in Montreal.[12][13][14] Principal photography on Unit 1 concluded on September 3, 2016.[15] In February 2017, production resumed in Montreal, and will continue in London and Prague.[16][17]
References
- ↑ Yamato, Jen (December 4, 2014). "‘Game Of Thrones’ Star Joins Jessica Chastain In Xavier Dolan Celebrity Satire". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ Myles, Sarah. "Sarandon And Bates Join The Death And Life Of John F. Donovan". We Got This Covered. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ O'Felt, Chris (December 9, 2014). "Susan Sarandon and Kathy Bates Board 'Mommy' Director's First English-Language Project (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ Jafaar, Ali (November 11, 2015). "Adele In Talks To Take Cameo In Xavier Dolan’s ‘The Death And Life Of John F. Donovan’". Deadline.com. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ Seetoodeh, Ramin (November 18, 2015). "Bella Thorne, Chris Zylka and Michael Gambon Join ‘The Death and Life of John F. Donovan’ (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ McNary, Dave (February 9, 2016). "Natalie Portman, Nicholas Hoult Join ‘Death and Life of John F. Donovan’". Variety. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ Erbland, Kate (July 29, 2016). "'The Death and Life of John F. Donovan’: Ben Schnetzer Replaces Nicholas Hoult In Xavier Dolan’s Next'". Indiewire.com. Retrieved July 30, 2016.
- ↑ Kit, Borys (February 8, 2017). "Jacob Tremblay to Star in Xavier Dolan's 'The Death and Life of John F. Donovan' (Exclusive)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
- ↑ N'Duka, Amanda (June 19, 2017). "Amara Karan Joins ‘The Death And Life Of John F. Donovan’; Luke Tennie To Star In Indie Drama ‘Vengeance’". Deadline. Retrieved June 19, 2017.
- ↑ "Gabriel Yared to score Xavier Dolan's 'The Death and Life of John F. Donovan'". Film Music Reporter. October 6, 2016. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
- ↑ https://www.facebook.com/gabriel.yared.5/photos/a.1552067898338000.1073741829.1541428479401942/1975232146021571/?type=3
- ↑ Roxborough, Scott (May 17, 2016). "Cannes: Xavier Dolan on His Competition Entry and His Love of 'Home Alone'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ "Xavier Dolan Talks Louis Vuitton, Movies & Adele". Daman. June 20, 2016. Retrieved July 11, 2016.
- ↑ Evry, Max (July 27, 2016). "Xavier Dolan’s The Death and Life of John F. Donovan Begins Filming". Coming Soon. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
- ↑ Dolan, Xavier (September 1, 2016). "Off to NY for last 2 days of shooting on first unit of #deathandlifeofjohnfdonovan Gonna sleep it off for the next months after though. Happy but exhausted.". Instagram.com. Retrieved September 3, 2016.
- ↑ Kelly, Brendan (September 13, 2016). "Xavier Dolan still smarting from scathing reviews of Juste la fin du monde". Montreal Gazette. Retrieved September 18, 2016.
- ↑ McNary, Dave (February 8, 2017). "'Room’ Star Jacob Tremblay Joins Xavier Dolan’s ‘Death and Life of John F. Donovan’". Variety. Retrieved February 8, 2017.