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Mark Romanek Taking On Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go

by Alex Billington
December 6, 2008
Source: SlashFilm, Ain't It Cool News

Music video director Mark Romanek's only actual feature films are Static and One Hour Photo, the latter of which came out in 2002. At one point, Romanek (seen above) was signed on to helm The Wolf Man remake, but eventually dropped out due to reported "creative differences." Now he's apparently found his next project, as first reported by SlashFilm and later confirmed by Ain't It Cool News, an adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's sci-fi novel titled Never Let Me Go. "My experience on The Wolf Man confirmed for me that I need to be making smaller, more personal films, working with like-minded people, who will provide me with a greater degree of creative autonomy," Romanek admitted to AICN.

Ishiguro described it to Romanek as "our world, but seen through a distorted filter." Never Let Me Go is an alternate history piece, more of a "what if" story, and a very subtle sci-fi film. It takes place over three different times: an alternate 70's, an alternate 80's, and an alternate present day. A now 31-years-old Kathy begins to dwell on her past where she and two friends attended a private school in the scenic English countryside. Not only does she recall her adolescent crush on Tommy, but she describes other more odd occurrences that hint at a dark secret behind the school. And now she and her friends are compelled to face the truth about their childhood and their lives. You can pick up a copy on Amazon if you're interested.

It actually sounds very interesting, and quite personal, and I'm curious to find out more myself. Alex Garland, of Danny Boyle's 28 Days Later and Sunshine, is adapting for Romanek, which means the themes and integrity of Ishiguro's novel should be well preserved in adaptation. Fox Searchlight and DNA Films are developing the project, which will start shooting in England in March. No other word on casting just yet, but we'll certainly be keeping our eye on this project as it develops.

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Ivy

I loved the book, but I feel that it's the kind of story that, on the silver screen, could be really bad.
sleepykid

I too loved the book - it's the sort that stays with you a long time after you've finished. Can't see it being translated to the big screen though. I always pictured it as a very classy mini-series from the BBC or HBO or something. The small screen would perhaps be better suited for the book's intense intimacy and nuance, plus its lengthy, flashback structure. Then again, though I didn't much care for One Hour Photo, I'll say Romanek is an intriguing choice to take it on.