Ferrara takes on Italian noir

Film will revisit cult pic 'Bad Lieutenant'

By NICK VIVARELLI

U.S. helmer Abel Ferrara will shoot an Italo noir set in Naples, based on Italian novel "Pericle il nero" (Pericles the Black Man).

Pic will revisit Ferrara's cult cop pic "Bad Lieutenant," according to producer Umberto Massa, who is shepherding the $4 million feature.

Italian author Giuseppe Farrandino's "Pericle il nero" made Italy's bestseller list in 1999 and was also well-received in France.

Cast is being finalized but will feature Italian and U.S. stars, according to Massa. Pic's language is still being decided.

Bronx-born Ferrara has been living in Rome, where he recently wrapped screwball comedy "Go-Go Tales," starring Willem Dafoe, Bob Hoskins, Matthew Modine and Asia Argento.