Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris didn’t come anywhere close to replicating the success of their debut, Little Miss Sunshine, when, seven years later, Ruby Sparks arrived in theaters — we received it positively, if not with any ecstatic edge — but should the following story be at all indicative of a rejuvenated career, count their efforts worthwhile. Closing the gap on project development by more than a few years, the duo are now tapped to move forward with their third effort: I’m Proud of You, telling the story of one man whose troubled personal life was changed by none other than Mister Rogers.
The world’s most-beloved television host extended his warmth and kindness offscreen when journalist Tim Madigan, only tasked with a celebrity profile, was invited invited into the man’s life and made a rather important figure: in addition to providing simple company, Rogers is noted to have both saved Madigan’s life amidst severe bouts of depression and, no less, repair a broken father-son relationship. The journalist chronicled his experience in a book of the same title, which Dayton and Faris are now adapting (thanks to a script by Noah Harpster and Micah Fitzerman-Blue) for Big Beach Films and producer Youree Henley (The Bling Ring).
Word on any production schedule has yet to be made public, while matters of casting — something that should be fascinating to see play out; how do you “find” Mister Rogers? — also remain mum for the time being. As one who finds their voice a worthwhile one in the independent American cinema, this writer likes the sound of things thus far; coming off their flatlined sophomore title, the evidently heartwarming nature of I’m Proud of You might be just what’s needed.
Does I’m Proud of You sound like ample material for film? How do you feel about Dayton and Faris making the adaptation?