George Clooney has asked that his “Monuments Men” be delayed until Spring 2014 according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The all star film was supposed to be ready for release at Christmas and was primed for Oscar season. There was an even an extensive plan for international premieres all to be underwritten by art dealer Larry Gagosian.
But Clooney says the movie was not yet scored, and that composer Alexander Desplat was just getting under way with an orchestra. Plus, many of the special effects weren’t finished. “Monuments Men” is thus postponed. I wouldn’t be surprised if it opened in Cannes given its global nature. That, or a premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February. (That might be a little awkward as the movie is about finding art stolen by or hidden from the Nazis.)
Sony may be relieved. They’ve got the very solid “Captain Phillips” in Oscar contention now. David O. Russell’s “American Hustle” will also be in the mix. Sony Pictures Classics has a sure thing in Woody Allen’s “Blue Jasmine.” Given the company’s calamitous summer, these films are enough. Bennett Miller’s “Foxcatcher” was also postponed for release until next year, although I am told that one is ready.
This leaves Clooney as “just” the producer of “August: Osage County” and a supporting actor in “Gravity.” I wouldn’t be surprised if there isn’t an Oscar campaign for his role in the Alfonso Cuaron movie now.
