There were a number of notable Oscar snubs last year that rubbed me the wrong way, but the one that bothered me most that wasn't about Selma or The Lego Movie had to do with Force Majeure. The brilliant Swedish film from director Ruben Ostlund took a subtle, insightful, and funny look at gender dynamics. It ended up on a number of "Best of" lists last year after winning the Grand Jury prize at Cannes along with earning a Golden Globe nomination. But it's an acclaimed foreign film which means U.S. audiences didn't really bother to turn out to see it, which means an American remake is in order.
Yep, an English-language remake of Force Majeure is on the way, and while it's too early to have a writer or director attached, Julia Louis-Dreyfus is circling the female lead. That the Veep star is in the running is definitely some good news to brighten a bad situation because she could totally nail that particular role. The film centers on the deep rift that forms between a husband and wife vacationing in the French Alps after he cowardly ditches his family during an avalanche. When the avalanche is over and everyone has survived...let's just say he's got a lot of explaining to do.Dreyfus may be known best for her comedic gifts she showed in Enough Said a great talent for drama, as well. My fear is that this version of Force Majeure will aim to be a broad, mainstream comedy and lose what made it so smart in the first place. I guess we'll know if they get somebody like Vince Vaughn to play her husband. [THR]
