The acting talents of Robin Williams are certainly an acquired taste, especially if you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy having their senses assaulted with performances that range from obnoxious humor in films like “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “RV” to overly sentimental Hollywood treacle like “Patch Adams." That said, Williams has taken some fine turns in dramas like “Dead Poets Society” and recently the Bobcat Goldthwaite dark comedy “World’s Greatest Dad,” so fortunately it looks like he has more in that vein in store for his next potential project.
Moviehole has word that Williams is eyeing Australian writer Daniel Taplitz’s “The Angriest Man in Brooklyn” as his next project, telling MH that “negotiations are currently underway.” The film is set to follow a man who finds out he’s suffering from a severe case of cancer that leaves him with only an hour-and-a-half of his life left to live. MH provides a spoiler-laden summary of the film that’s been e-mailed to them, which makes it sound sort of like “25th Hour” but with more humor, and it's based on the Israeli film, “Mar Baum,” by writer-director Assi Dayan. Landscape Entertainment and Overture Films are helping the project make its way to the screen, while the article goes on to say that “The Matador” director Richard Shepard was initially attached to this project that’s been kicking around for three years, but has since left the director’s chair.
This writer isn’t particularly a fan of Williams outside of “World’s Greatest Dad,” but it’s always nice to see one of Hollywood’s most beloved film stars earn his keep by putting in a winning performance every once and awhile. Though for Williams, it’s been quite some time, and with the family friendly “Happy Feet Two” currently floundering at the box office along with an upcoming role in the ensemble comedy "The Big Wedding," the actor could use something new to mix things up.
“The Angriest Man in Brooklyn” has no set date yet.