09.23.08
Bookworms? Hell No. Harvey Weinstein And Scott Rudin May Kill Each Other Over The Release Of ‘The Reader’
Two of Hollywood’s biggest psychopaths, err heavyweights, Harvey Weinstein and Scott Rudin (once named one of New York’s most insane bosses by Gawker) are at odds over the release date of the film, “The Reader.”
According to the Hollywood Reporter the two titans of film distribution (Weinstein obviously runs the Weinstein Company and ex of Miramax, Rudin is an uber-producer who won the Academy Award last year for producing, “No Country For Old Men”) are at a “intense back-and-forth,” which means both men have at least put in tentative calls to hitmen to see how much it will cost to off one another and to determine the chances of being caught/traced back to.
A romance set in postwar Germany starring Ralph Fiennes, Kate Winslet, our fave Alexandra Maria Lara, 
directed by Stephen Daldry and currently in post-production, test screenings have apparently gone really well and so Weinstein wants it out in December. However, Rudin is lobbying hard for a 2009 release, probably because he already has, “Revolutionary Road,” and “Doubt” both coming out in December and he doesn’t want to have to work against himself.
But Weinstein could give a fuck as he’s thinking that ‘Reader’ is his only hope for an Oscar this year, aside from maybe Penelope Cruz in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” and “The Road” which could be a tough sell; the ‘Reader’ has more of the sweeping, Anthony Minghella-like elements that the Academy members love — the late director was one of the original producers, naturally.
Rudin and Weinstein had a similar Daldry clash over “The Hours.” Both producers declined to comment for the THR stories and insiders are undecided who which of the immovable objects will budge. Though one person quoted anonymously says, “Harvey is probably going to win this one, but Scott isn’t going to go down without a fight.” We’re not so sure, you’d probably need to start a marketing awareness campaign soon and so far, most people haven’t heard about “The Reader,” or have it anywhere on their radar for the late-fall schedule.
Lawyers are apparently gathering their weaponry as we speak. Could be an interesting public battle. Nicole Kidman was once attached to star in the film, but dropped out because she became pregnant.
This post is courtesy of our friends at The Playlist.
Dave said,
September 23, 2008 at 6:23 pm
What freaks. I wonder who shall win. Either way, I am looking forward to all those films, so they better get it right soon.
Kerry said,
September 23, 2008 at 6:25 pm
The Reader is going to be the best of that bunch, I can tell you that right now.
Nick Plowman said,
September 23, 2008 at 7:18 pm
If they fuck up any of these film’s releases because their egos are as big as their fat faces, I’ll come over there and kill them myself.
I am with you there Dave, they are all on my list. The list. The really, really long one, but they are near the top, especially The Reader.
Fox said,
September 23, 2008 at 8:08 pm
Hmmm…. you just made me think morbid thoughts, Nick.
After reading the headline I thought, “Well, that might be a good thing.”
J.D. said,
September 23, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I hate Harvey so. FUCKING. much.
I really hope this gets released not in the last 3 days of December and they end up going with next fall. ‘Cuz it’s way too late now, and there’s almost no chance it can succeed.
*sigh*
Daniel said,
September 23, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Whoops, I’m getting confused between The Reader and The Wrestler. Kind of like Reservation Road and Revolution Road. Is that hard to come up with more original titles!
Fox said,
September 23, 2008 at 9:58 pm
Daniel you are so confused that you left off the “ary” in Revolition-ary Road.
The funny thing about this, folks, is that Mr. Daniel had to correct me getting Reservation Road and Revolitionary Road confused on his own blog. They are like the Bill Pullman and Bill Paxton of movie titles.
The Reader. Is that that the movie by the guy that directed Requiem for a Dream… what’s his name… ah! Darren Aronofsky? It’s like about Mickey Rourke battling illteracy, right???
Nick Plowman said,
September 23, 2008 at 11:43 pm
The titles completely confuse me too. And as for their releases, whatever will make each of them respectively successful, that’s what I want. Whether or not that will happen, well, its probably reaching for the stars.
LOL on that last part Fox :)
GoshWatcher said,
September 24, 2008 at 12:04 pm
The Reader looks the best, but if it ain’t ready, I hope they don’t force it.