IFC Films has acquired the North American rights for “The Canyons,” the Lindsay Lohan film written by Bret Easton Ellis. “The Canyons,” set in Los Angeles, follows young dreamers trying to make it in Hollywood.
Bret Easton Ellis (‘Less Than Zero,” “American Psycho,” “The Rules of Attraction”) brings an intriguing voice to what might otherwise be yet another ho-hum story about Hollywood wannabes.
Bret Easton Ellis’ film “Less Than Zero” helped capture the existential struggles of young wealthy high school graduates in 80s Los Angeles.
“The Rules of Attraction” offered a window into the social and emotional trials, and hedonistic shenanigans, of East coast liberal arts college coeds in the 80s.
“American Psycho” showcased the transgressive nature of a Wall Street businessman struggling to fit in with a circle of superficial peers in 80s Manhattan.
Each story recreates the sensibilities of the 80s with refreshing naturalism.
“I am delighted our film has found an enthusiastic home at IFC,” director Paul Schrader said in a statement about the acquisition. “We envisioned “The Canyons” as a multi-platform release from the beginning and no company knows that world better than IFC.” The film will get a digital release the same day it hits theaters, and Schrader will host a presentation for the film at the Film Society of Lincoln Center early this summer.
“The Canyons” has in recent months struggled to find film festival favor. South By Southwest (SXSW) declined to showcase the film citing quality concerns. But producer Braxton Pope said in defense of the film, “[t]he content of the film is incompatible with provincial film sensibilities. When the film is released, audiences will decide whether it is successful or not.”
Bret Easton Ellis also weighed in. “Finally the movie will be able to be seen and viewers can judge for themselves rather than relying on the undeservedly snarky press ‘The Canyons’ has received so far. This distribution model is the future for a certain kind of adult drama that is now officially non-existent within the old-school studio system. ‘The Canyons,’ regardless of what you think of it, is an example of the next step in what will now be the future of post-theatrical feature-length content.”
“The Canyons,” a phoenix from the flames, is slated for a summer theatrical release date.