01/09/2008

Acclaimed British artist turned filmmaker Sam Taylor-Wood is all set to make her feature debut with Nowhere Boy. The film will explore the early years of music icon John Lennon and his formative influences that led to the creation of the most popular music band of all time – The Beatles.

Taylor-Wood was nominated for a Best Short Film Golden Palm at Cannes this year for Love You More, produced by her mentor, the late Anthony Minghella. Earlier, she directed the Death Valley segment of portmanteau porn film Destricted.

Taylor-Wood said, “I knew as I closed the final page that this was the film I had been looking to direct following Love You More. The story spoke to me on so many levels – both personal and artistic; from the heightened emotional content to the colour and animation that I want to bring to the story. The women in John’s early life truly shaped who he became and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film. It’s a passionate, alive and tender film; full of love, anger and rock’n’roll.”

Matt Greenhalgh, BAFTA winner for Control [+see also:
trailer
film profile], has written the film. Ecosse Films’ Robert Bernstein and Douglas Rae will produce with Hanway Films looking after international sales. The film will shoot on location in Liverpool in Spring 2009.

Bernstein said, “I’m truly excited at the prospect of Sam Taylor-Wood bringing her singular artistic vision to the story. Combined with the genius of John Lennon, I think that’s a very arresting and dynamic combination.”