Ron Bass (who’s wrote both Rain Man and Entrapment, so there’s that) has written an Albert Einstein biopic, and the hit-or-miss Wayne Wang (Chan Is Missing, Last Holiday) will direct it. The project’s titled Einstein for now. Because, you know, it’s about the German mathematician.
Paul Schiff will produce the film for Hollywood Studios International while HSI CEO Steven Saxton will executive produce, as will Eric Christenson, the HSI Films President. Koldo Eguren of Hero Pictures is executive producing also, as well as Golan Ramras of Go Long Productions, who’s on as producer.
Here’s the film’s trajectory via press release [Deadline]:
“[Einstein] chronicles the true inspirational story of the trials, tragedies and vindication of the single-most celebrated scientist of the 20th century. Torn between the burdens of a family and his restless pursuit of unlocking the mysteries of the universe, he not only achieved unparalleled stature as a genius but he also changed the world forever – at no small cost to himself and those around him.”
Wang’s had a strange career. What started as a passionate, culture-clashing filmography became an oddly-conformist Hollywood one (i.e. Maid in Manhattan). Bass’ career has been very similar, as demonstrated above. The only feature film Einstein we’ve had so far has been Walter Matthau in the extremely-underrated 1994 rom-com I.Q., starring Tim Robbins and Meg Ryan.
Here’s hoping we don’t get Walk the Pi, but rather something more indicative of these respective artists’ earlier work. That unoriginal title isn’t too promising.
Have you seen Chan is Missing? Is Wang the right choice for this type of project?