The website for Ang Lee’s latest feature LIFE OF PI is now up and running. It contains a number of striking images, a ten second teaser, and even an extract from the score. LIFE OF PI is based on the phenomenally popular best-selling novel written by Yann Martel.
The story focuses on a young boy named Pi, who must survive aboard a lifeboat alongside an orangutan, an injured zebra, a dangerous hyena, and a tiger called Richard Parker. The novel won The Man Booker Prize back in 2002, and has had a long and difficult journey to the screen. Directors such as Jean Pierre Jeunet, Alfonso Cuaran, and even M. Night Shyamalan were attached to direct at one point.
It’s no surprise it has taken awhile to get this book on screen, as it is certainly a tough sell. A boy and some animals stuck on a lifeboat doesn’t exactly scream of excitement. Having studied the book myself, I can assure all that this is a fascinating story and will certainly generate some in-depth discussions. I’m so glad that Ang Lee ended up helming this project as I’m confident in his ability to bring such a story to life. After all the man has handled everything from british period dramas and wuxia action, to not so jolly green giants.
The material on the newly-launched website shows a number of images in the form of watercolour paintings. There’s also a beautiful piece of the score that plays in the background. However, like myself, I’m sure most people wanted to see Richard Parker in action, and I have to say those 10 seconds made me giddier than anything from this year’s line-up of usual blockbusters. I love the look of the CGI as it looks realistic, but also has a dreamlike quality to it, which fits the theme of the book perfectly.
Click here to visit the LIFE OF PI website for yourself.
LIFE OF PI stars Suraj Sharma, Tobery Maguire, Gerard Depardieu, and Irrfan Khan. It will be released on 21st December.
Source: Collider
