At last, director Ang Lee has confirmed that the film adaptation for Life of Pi will go ahead having secured a budget and shooting plan from FOX. Lee has even found his leading man, casting Deli-born newcomer Suraj Sharma to play books protagonist, Pi Patel. Speculation around Ang Lee’s plans to direct the screen adaptation of Yann Martel’s bestselling novel have been rife since early 2009. The project was continually stifled by screenplay difficulties. Apparently, Martel’s zoological oddity had proved near impossible to decode into a story that is workable for the big screen.
This was not the first time the LIFE OF PI has been at loggerheads with Hollywood. Director Alfonso Cuaron was set to direct the movie for a release date as far back as 2007 but later stepped down as the schedule conflicted with filming for CHILDREN OF MEN. Cuaron was replaced by Jeann-Pierre Jeunet who then pulled out due to budget constraints. Finally, the gallant Ang Lee picked up the little Life of Pi pieces and put them back together again.
Unfortunately Ang Lee’s vision for Life of Pi includes the Hollywood gimmick that never dies: 3D. Lee reported in the USA Today that the novel contains the perfect visuals to accommodate the 3D genre- “The Ocean is perfect for 3-D. I think it will change the way people experience the sea.” Don’t say that too loud Lee, someone might decide to remake The Poseidon Adventure, AGAIN.
The original screenplay was drafted by FINDING NEVERLAND writer David Magee, however, details about whether or not this will be used for Ang Lee’s adaptation have not been confirmed. At present, the budget for the film is rumoured to be a hefty $50m which should cover at least an animatronics Tiger or two. As long as everyone is on their best behaviour, Life of Pi should be in theatres by Chrismas 2012. Here’s hoping.
