Although she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress a couple of years ago for Up in the Air, it can be argued that 2012 has been a bigger year for Anna Kendrick. Putting aside What to Expect When You're Expecting, which put none of her talents on display, this season she has been at the heart of two films that have excelled beyond expectations. The first was David Ayer's cop drama, End of Watch, and most recently her vocal chops and leading lady cred were put to the test with Pitch Perfect. Now it looks like her next project will keep her on the musical route a bit longer.
Moviehole reports that Kendrick has signed on for an adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's stage musical, The Last Five Years, a romance that has a really nifty narrative structure. Based in part on Brown's personal life, the story follows the ups and downs of a relationship between Cathy(Kendrick), a struggling young actress; and Jamie, an up 'n coming novelist. The twist is that his side of the story unfolds chronologically, while hers unspools in reverse order. His begins as they first meet, while hers starts at the end of their marriage. Presumably their two stories will meet somewhere in the middle.
Richard LaGravenese will direct and write the script, and he's a guy who knows a thing or two about slightly unconventional romances as the guy behind P.S. I Love You and Water for Elephants. It sounds like a perfect match between his sensibilities and Kendrick's skills.
