Dustin Hoffman directorial debut ‘Quartet’ acquired by Weinstein
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The Weinstein Co. announced Friday morning that it had acquired the U.S. and Latin American rights to ‘Quartet,’ which marks the official feature directorial debut of two-time Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman (‘Kramer vs. Kramer,’ ‘Rain Man’).
Though ‘Quartet’ is his directorial debut, it is not his first time behind the camera. Hoffman was the first director on the gritty 1978 drama ‘Straight Time,’ in which he also starred. But after some difficulties on set at Folsom Prison, he had Ulu Grosbard step in and take over the directorial reins.
(Hoffman also directed the 1974 Broadway play ‘All Over Town,’ which ran for 233 performances.)
Similar to ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,’ which opened Friday, ‘Quartet’ is geared to an older audience. The comedy stars Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Michael Gambon and Pauline Collins. It revolves around a home for retired opera singers. Each year, the home puts on a concert to celebrate Verdi’s birthday.
Ronald Harwood (‘The Dresser’), who won an Oscar for 2002’s ‘The Pianist,’ penned the script.
There is no release date set.
Related:
‘Big screen or small, Dustin Hoffman feels ‘Luck’-y’
— Susan King
