Many films encounter trouble during their brief lifespans, but "Alpha Dog" seems bent on setting a record.
The movie, directed by
Nick Cassavetes, was inspired by the true story of an alleged drug dealer accused of masterminding a kidnap-murder.
Best of all, the real-life character is named
Jesse James Hollywood -- perfect grist for a movie.
But here's the problem: Hollywood got caught in Brazil and is due to go on trial, which changes the story. There might be legal problems if the film is released during his trial.
Moreover, a fight has erupted between
Sidney Kimmel, who financed the film, and its domestic distributor New Line, over who should pay to finish the film. Cassavetes has run out of money while trying to complete the project.
Kimmel says New Line should help him cover additional costs or it risks losing the film. New Line wants to see "Alpha Dog" in some form before it makes a decision.
The film features such prominent players as
Bruce Willis,
Sharon Stone,
Justin Timberlake and
Emile Hirsch, so it will by no means disappear into the shadows. And the surprise capture of Jesse James Hollywood has attracted much attention in the press.
But meanwhile some one has to come up with the rest of the money -- a great deal of money.
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