Fans of Terrence Malick know that his career has seen him put on his producer’s hat every now and again, putting him name to David Gordon Green‘s “Undertow,” Michael Apted‘s “Amazing Grace,” Zhang Yimou‘s “Happy Time” and a handful more. They’ve mostly all resulted in respectable, even acclaimed films, but it appears that the Malick touch doesn’t always work.
You may have forgotten but last year it quietly cropped up he’d be producing “Red Wing,” with this stepson/actor Will Wallace directing. And the result? Well, Wallace isn’t exactly Malick… Luke Perry (yes, really) leads the cast in the story which looks mix romance, farming and uh, banking. Here’s the official synopsis:
“Red Wing” is a socially thought-provoking and stirring love story based on the French novella, “François le Champi” by George Sand. It is set in a small Texas town in present day. It reminds us of how love can be found in the most unusual places. “Red Wing” follows the troubled journey of an orphan boy into manhood. Despite all odds, when confronted with the ill-will of others, he maintains honor and integrity. We learn that if we let it, love takes over and finds its way.
The first trailer does deliver what you might expect from a movie starring Luke Perry, though Bill Paxton is always a reason to watch anything. But overall, it looks like the kind of movie you might stumble across cable one day, reminding you that does involve Malick in some capacity, and thus capturing your attention. But otherwise, it doesn’t look like one fans will have to breathlessly try and track down. Perhaps the Malick produced Abraham Lincoln story “The Green Blade Rises” will fare better? The talent is certainly leaps and bounds ahead of this.
Anyway, watch below. No release date yet. [The Film Stage]
