George Clooney to 'Stare at Goats'

Grant Heslov to direct Jon Ronson adaptation
By SHARON SWART

Posted: Thurs., May 15, 2008, 8:59pm PT

• MORE FESTIVAL ARTICLES

Stephenson takes legal fight to U.K.
Lawsuit addresses dismissal from Dubai fest
12/1/08 7:50pm

'Bashir' wins big at Tokyo Filmex
Animated pic wins top prize at festival
12/1/08 3:37pm

Is it 3rd time lucky for Asia fest?
'08 edition canceled due to poor attendance
12/1/08 2:48pm

'Liverpool' wins at Gijon festival
Event closes with 'Midnight Kiss'
12/1/08 1:17pm

'Frozen River' wins Stockholm prize
'Hunger,' 'Involuntary' take two awards
12/1/08 11:17am

All News >>

George Clooney will topline, and his Smoke House partner Grant Heslov will helm, "Men Who Stare at Goats."

Pic is an adaptation of British journalist Jon Ronson's book about the U.S. Army's First Earth Battalion, a unit that was to use paranormal powers. Title refers to the notion that one can kill a goat by staring at it.

Script was penned by Brit Peter Straughan ("How to Lose Friends and Alienate People"). The project has been around for some time, but international buyers only just received the script this week as the Cannes fest and market got started. Script topped the 2007 Brit List of best unproduced screenplays.

Financing and producing mix, which is still in flux, is expected to include Winchester, BBC Films and Mandate Pictures.

Links posted in this story:

BBC Films,

George Clooney,

Grant Heslov,

How to Lose Friends and Alienate People,

Mamma Mia!,

Mandate Pictures,

Peter Straughan

• THESSALONIKI FILM FESTIVAL / GREEK CINEMA

Local talent drives Thessaloniki lineup
For most industry pros, Thessaloniki represents a deep breath at the end of the festival year.

• STOCKHOLM INTL. FILM FESTIVAL

Stockholm fest unearths new talent
Now in its 19th year, the Stockholm Fest (Nov. 20-30) remains true to its roots of discovering new, exciting talent.

• SPOTLIGHT: MOROCCO / FEST TRAVELER: MARRAKECH

Morocco fends off alternative locations
Driven by cheap costs, stunning terrain and highly skilled crews, Morocco long has been a preferred location for big-budget drama.

• FILM REVIEWS

Dominick Dunne: After the Party
The observer becomes the observed, and is a joy to behold, in "Dominick Dunne: After the Party," a straightforward but gripping docu about the titular writer.

Zack and Miri Make a Porno

Appaloosa

The Wrestler