For well over a year, actor Mark Ruffalo has been on what he calls "a rollercoaster ride." After surviving a brain tumor in 2002, Ruffalo had spent much of the decade prepping his directorial debut, “Sympathy for Delicious,” a comedic drama about a paraplegic DJ-turned-faith healer, when his brother Scott was killed during its preproduction.
Ruffalo forged ahead to honor his brother's memory and real-life paraplegic friend -- Christopher Thornton, who wrote and stars in the film -- until the production ran out of money last summer. He took a few weeks to co-star in Lisa Cholodenko's moving comedy "The Kids Are All Right," then spent the hiatus with his wife and three children, even contemplating a break from acting. Then in December, Sundance saved the day by giving "Sympathy" a prime opening weekend slot in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Audiences responded with hefty applause, and after some mixed...
Ruffalo forged ahead to honor his brother's memory and real-life paraplegic friend -- Christopher Thornton, who wrote and stars in the film -- until the production ran out of money last summer. He took a few weeks to co-star in Lisa Cholodenko's moving comedy "The Kids Are All Right," then spent the hiatus with his wife and three children, even contemplating a break from acting. Then in December, Sundance saved the day by giving "Sympathy" a prime opening weekend slot in the U.S. Dramatic Competition. Audiences responded with hefty applause, and after some mixed...
- 2/4/2010
- by By Gregg Goldstein
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Mark Ruffalo's "Sympathy for Delicious" is coming back together.
The indie feature, which is serving as Ruffalo's directorial debut and was to have had James Franco in the cast, fell into limbo after the December death of Ruffalo's brother, Scott.
The project is now back on track, with Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney among the leads. Production begins next week in Los Angeles.
The story, written by Christopher Thornton, follows a paralyzed DJ, struggling to survive on the streets of L.A., who turns to faith healing and mysteriously develops the ability to cure the sick -- although not himself. The DJ then decides to cash in on his gift in exchange for his rock 'n' roll dreams.
Bloom, taking over for Franco, will play the frontman of a tough-as-nails rock band. Linney plays as the band's manager working hard to stay relevant in a 21st century musical world.
The indie feature, which is serving as Ruffalo's directorial debut and was to have had James Franco in the cast, fell into limbo after the December death of Ruffalo's brother, Scott.
The project is now back on track, with Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney among the leads. Production begins next week in Los Angeles.
The story, written by Christopher Thornton, follows a paralyzed DJ, struggling to survive on the streets of L.A., who turns to faith healing and mysteriously develops the ability to cure the sick -- although not himself. The DJ then decides to cash in on his gift in exchange for his rock 'n' roll dreams.
Bloom, taking over for Franco, will play the frontman of a tough-as-nails rock band. Linney plays as the band's manager working hard to stay relevant in a 21st century musical world.
- 1/22/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
- Zodiac actor Mark Ruffalo is set to add the almighty coveted "slash director" to his credentials when he helms Sympathy for Delicious this fall.The film centers on a paralyzed DJ (Chris Thornton) who becomes a faith-healer. Unfortunately, he cannot heal himself. Thornton himself was paralyzed by a climbing accident at the age of 25; he and Ruffalo have been best friends since they attended school together.Ruffalo will play a priest who helps the DJ cope with his injury and his new gift. James Franco also stars as an evil rock'n'roller out to exploit the DJ's healing powers. Andrea Sperling, Matthew Weaver, Scott Prissand, Ruffalo and Thornton are producing, with Robert Stein and Joanne Jacobson as executive producers. The film is being financed entirely by Corner Stone Entertainment, a new venture from Weaver and Prissand....
- 8/5/2008
- IONCINEMA.com
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