A J.J. Abrams-esque level of secrecy has never been fully associated with “Curb Your Enthusiasm” mastermind Larry David, but as details on both his series and upcoming HBO feature have heretofore remained under wraps, the comparison could hold more weight than initially thought. However, it seems the comic has relented a little on that front, as the storyline for his improv-comedy has been revealed to much delight for those anticipating the return of David's unique brand of humor. Minor spoilers below!
After the decision was made last month by HBO to distribute the Greg Mottola-directed film, LA Times recently came upon a 40-page draft of the project, which exists somewhere in-between a script and a treatment. It was previously known that the format would echo 'Curb' in its technique, but according to the narrative within, the parallels won't stop there. The film will center on Lenny (David), a marketing executive helping to market a new electric car but who objects to the vehicle's moniker, named after Howard Roark from Ayn Rand's novel “The Fountainhead.” When Lenny butts heads with the creator, a workmate named Haney (Jon Hamm, in the villain role described when he was cast), he storms off the project and leaves his financial stake in the car to his nemesis.
Of course, once the deal is struck, the car goes on to huge success and profit, making Haney insanely wealthy and leaving Lenny to lose his wife, house and, as befitting David's humor, his hair. After Lenny then moves to Martha's Vineyard under the name Rolly, picking up work as an elderly woman's assistant, his life is shaken up once more when Haney, unable to recognize his former co-worker, re-enters his life, and prompts Lenny to hatch a revenge plan for the ages. Written by David alongside frequent collaborators Alec Berg, David Mandel and Michael Schaffer, the film also promises a keen commentary on society similar to 'Curb,' a doomed romance between Larry and a woman, and features what is bound to be a slew of cameos as well, with one peculiar instance being a running off-color joke centered around the classic-rock band The Eagles.
With Hamm and Michael Keaton promising some fine comedic work, consider the as-yet-untitled film firmly on our radar for its eventual release, and while word on a ninth season of 'Curb' has yet to be decided, fans should be more than satiated with this new effort from the talents of David and Mottola. [LA Times]