Ryan Gosling Lines Up Directorial Debut 'How To Catch A Monster,' Christina Hendricks Will Star

News

by Kevin Jagernauth
August 29, 2012 1:53 PM
11 Comments

That Ryan Gosling has had ambitions to direct is hardly a surprise. He once kicked the tires on a remake of the 1980 Taylor Hackford film “The Idolmaker," and at TIFF last year he plainly stated his intentions. “I wanted to work with George Clooney [on 'Ides Of March'] because he’s an actor turned director and I wanted to see that in action, and I’m learning a lot from Nicolas [Winding Refn] and Derek [Cianfrance] ...I’m just basically trying to treat it as a film school for myself right now before I start making my own films -- not to undervalue the movies themselves, I want to see those movies so I’m making them -- but I’m also trying to get as much out of them as I can before I kind of transition out of this and into that,” he explained. And it looks like he's ready to add writer/director to his resume.

Gosling has written "How to Catch a Monster," which he will also direct, with his "Drive" co-star Christina Hendricks attached to the flick. And it definitely sounds ambitious for his first outing -- here's the official synopsis: Set against the surreal dreamscape of a vanishing city, Billy, a single mother of two, is swept into a macabre and dark fantasy underworld while her teenage son discovers a secret road leading to an underwater town. Both Billy and Bones must dive deep into the mystery, if their family is to survive.

The film is described as a "fantasy noir," "fairytale" and "modern suspense" picture, which sounds intriguing. The project is slated to shoot next spring, and at TIFF it will be up for grabs, so buyers get out your checkbooks. What can we say? You already know we're Gosling fans, and a step into directing is another interesting note in what is developing to be a fascinating career. So we'll be eager to see how this develops. Maybe a Dead Man's Bones soundtrack too? Seems fitting. [STYD]

News

More: Ryan Gosling, Christina Hendricks, How To Catch A Monster

11 Comments

| Reply
Evan | December 18, 2012 11:53 PMReply

I read the script today and it was great. Really solid writing with a very interesting and original (albeit weird) story. Can't wait to see the movie.
Casey | December 14, 2012 12:26 AMReply

This film sounds amazing! So amazing, in fact, that I actually made a video expressing my desire to work on the film as a production assistant. I ask that you please watch and share this video in hopes of it getting in front of Ryan Gosling's eyes. Thanks so much!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtvZL5r_hJA&list=HL1355457545&feature=mh_lolz
Brad | September 5, 2012 5:44 PMReply

If Gosling can make this movie and make it half as interesting as it sounds, I think he could definitely make a solid director. It will be difficult, but at least it sounds like something different, which he at least deserves some credit for. Also this flick sounds as far from hipster as it can get just my opinion.
LA2000 | August 30, 2012 7:13 AMReply

I guess he's imagining himself as (best case scenario) Tim Burton or (worst case scenario) Chris Columbus. The whole thing sounds a bit convoluted and not my cup of tea, but if he can pull it off, more power to him.
russ | August 30, 2012 1:33 AMReply

pseudo-hipster, so he's a faking being a hipster, awesome joe awesome.
Meh | August 29, 2012 3:46 PMReply

So sick of actors thinking they can direct. His acting is overrated and never interesting to me at all, so I highly doubt he has anything worthwhile to give as a director.
Carson Wells | August 29, 2012 11:39 PM

Well, actors see and experience what it's like working with quality directors more than anyone. As opposed to some kid growing up wanting to make movies. It doesn't mean actors will always succeed but they do have the edge over almost everyone else.
Joe | August 29, 2012 3:23 PMReply

Yawn. I'm sure it will be as pseudo-hipster as possible.
DG | August 29, 2012 3:04 PMReply

Woah I was not expecting 'underwater town' when I started reading this synopsis
DIANA | August 29, 2012 2:48 PMReply

counting the days...acting, singing, written and directing...way to go Gosling!
Christian | August 29, 2012 2:18 PMReply

Dead Man's Bones soundtrack that exactly what I'm hoping for. This sounds like an awesome movie though, and Gosling doesn't disappoint.