Now this is an interesting looking project. Start with a novel by Dennis Lehane, whose work has inspired ‘Shutter Island,’ ‘Mystic River’ and ‘Gone Baby Gone.’ Put Michael Roskam, the Oscar-nominated director of the incredible ‘Bullhead,’ in the director’s seat. Finally, headline it with Tom Hardy, easily one of the most interesting and talented actors working today. Yep, that’s all you need to get us interested in ‘Animal Rescue.’
The project was originally in the hands of Neil Burger, but he stepped away to pursue other endeavors. The current line-up of talent is not a sure thing yet, but according to Variety, gears are turning. With luck, we could be getting a Roskam-directed, Boston-based crime drama starring Hardy, which sounds incredible. Hardy is a born leading man (and he’s had one helluva year with ‘The Dark Knight Rises’ and ‘Lawless’) and Roskam’s ‘Bullhead’ is one of the most unique and audacious crime films in recent memory. This is a dream team.
As for the film itself, the story “…follows a lonely Boston bartender who rescues a puppy from a garbage can and becomes the target of the dog’s abusive and mentally unstable former owner, while simultaneously getting caught in the middle of a criminal conspiracy playing out in his mob-controlled bar.”
Of course, things could always change. Both Roskam and Hardy are in high demand, with the former planning to direct ‘The Tiger’ and an HBO pilot called ‘Buda Bridge’ and the latter signed on for a series of other projects, including Doug Liman’s ‘Everest.’ Still, we can only hope this all comes together — everything about this one feels right.