Based on the interviews he’s given for Blue Valentine, we knew that writer-director Derek Cianfrance‘s next project, The Place Beyond the Pines, would be a striking departure. And in a recent interview with The Playlist, he discussed some of the film’s details, most of which confirm the fact that it will indeed be a departure. He will re-team, though, with Blue Valentine‘s Ryan Gosling, who will play “Luke, a motorcycle stunt rider who finds out he has a baby and he tries to become a father.”
Aside from Gosling‘s involvement, the obvious comparisons are found with the familial dynamics. Indeed, Cianfrance mentions that he started writing the film about “four years ago, right before [his] son Cody was born.” He goes on to cite inspirations for the story, which include American author Jack London, as well as Charles Darwin. The filmmaker also says that the project has been compared to a pair of indelible classics, which should go a long way towards raising expectations even higher:
…[it’s] kind of an epic movie. It takes place over a couple of generations and it’s kind of a crime story, kind of a mystery. I’ve had people tell me they feel like its The Deer Hunter meets The Godfather.”
That’s the entirely of the plot information that is detailed in the report, but tidbits about Gosling‘s preparation for the role should excite many. “He’ll take circus motorcycle lessons,” said Jamie Patricof. “I can guarantee you he’ll want to do his own stunts in the cages. I’m waiting for that call from him going, ‘I’m going to take my motorcycle lessons now.'”
Right now, the safe money thinks that Gosling will be back in the Oscar race for this one.
Did you see Blue Valentine? What do you think about Cianfrance’s future?