Janusz Kaminski has built a solid reputation as a director of photography, namely for having worked frequently with Steven Spielberg since 1993 and earning some Oscars in the process — both for their first collaboration together, “Schindler’s List,” and then for “Saving Private Ryan” just a mere few years later. And though they’re still in the thick of it together, as they worked together on Spielberg’s Cannes-premiering “The BFG” and are soon set to reunite for his upcoming sci-fi blockbuster adaptation “Ready Player One,” Kaminski feels he’s ready to call the shots himself for his third feature film.
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The respected cinematographer has geared up his own directorial project, “The Rabbit Garden,” a biopic of the talented-but-troubled Jerzy Kosinski, the Polish-American novelist behind “The Painted Bird” and “Being There,” just to name a few. Under a screenplay by first-time screenwriter Jamie Dawson, the film will tell the story of the Holocaust survivor, whose life was plagued with accusations of plagiarism and sex addiction. Kosinki killed himself at the age of 57, leaving a note that said: “I am going to put myself to sleep now for a bit longer than usual. Call it Eternity.” Needless to say, that sounds like some fertile dramatic territory.
Hopefully, however, Kaminski can avoid some of Spielberg’s schmaltzy tendencies and give this true-life story the diligence and respect it deserves. But that remains to be seen. Production on Kosinski’s new film will begin sometime next year, presumably after Kaminski finishes up work on Spielberg’s newest film, and it’ll be one to keep an eye on. [Deadline]