by Dov Kornits
Robert Connolly will co-write and direct the adaptation of Harper’s international bestseller, and had this to say upon the announcement: “Jane Harper’s The Dry is a powerful contemporary story with big mythic themes driven by a thrilling crime story. I am delighted to be collaborating with Eric again, along with working with Bruna and the team at Made Up Stories on this adaptation for the screen of such an incredibly cinematic and emotionally charged work.”
Connolly started off working as a producer alongside John Maynard, and one of the projects that they brought to the screen was Romulus, My Father, marking Bana’s return to our shores.
Now, Connolly is working with another expat who has returned to our shores in producer Bruna Papandrea, who, after working with Reese Witherspoon on a number of projects, recently started the company Made Up Stories, which is behind Jennifer Kent’s The Nightingale and Abe Forsythe’s Little Monsters, alongside her partners Jodi Matterson and Steve Hutensky. Coming up, Papandrea and co. have The Undoing, written by David E. Kelly, directed by Susanne Bier, starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant; the TNT series Tell Me Your Secrets, and recently premiered Meaghan Oppenheimer’s Queen America, starring Catherine Zeta-Jones and directed by Alethea Jones, on Facebook Watch.
“I am thrilled that Eric Bana has been cast in the lead role of Aaron Falk,” said Jane Harper. “It is very important to me that the nature and depth of Falk shines through and I feel Eric Bana will fully capture that. Director Robert Connolly has done an excellent job in writing a script that captures the essence and tone of the novel and its characters. Producer Bruna Papandrea has an outstanding track record and I’m very excited that she will be spearheading this film.”
The Dry follows Aaron Falk, who returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of a childhood friend who committed a horrific act due to the long running drought that has affected the community. Or has he….?
“I am incredibly excited to be part of the team bringing this thrilling and evocative novel to life,” said Bana. “I love the journey of Falk, and can’t wait to bring him to life, along with my dear friend Rob Connolly.”
The Dry will shoot from February 25 – April 12 in Victoria, Australia.
Photos credit: Eric Bana with Director Robert Connolly by Rebecca Bana; Jane Harper by Eugene Hyland
Hello, could anyone tell me where to find a copy of The Dry screenplay transcript? Many thanks, Liz