Taking a look at Larry Charles’ most recent films, such as Borat, Bruno and The Dictator, it’s an odd sight to see the filmaker signing up to direct veterans Nick Nolte and Robert Redford. Larry is set to direct a script written by Michael Arndt who was up until recently penning Star Wars: Episode VII. Not to be fooled by the appearance though, A Walk in the Woods is still set to be firmly planted in the realm of comedy, as much as the cast could at first fool you.
The story follows Bryson, an ageing travel writer who had been living in England for 20 years, who decides he wants to reconnect with his American homeland by hiking the 2,100 mile Appalachian trail. The journey is tough and full of pitfalls, only made worse by his hiking partner Katz, a formerly forgotten and neglected high school friend and previous substance abuser. At first the plot seems like more of a journey of discovery or a somewhat cultural film, but we’re reassured it’ll be a hilarious/heart warming comedy of sorts. The film is based on Bill Bryson’s comedic travel book of the same name.
Larry Charles is a comedy veteran but his last few films weren’t well received. It’s certainly worth pondering if he’ll be able to manage the much more gentle tone, contrasting to the the likes of his previously directed outrageous comedies e.g. Bruno and pals. Charles had this to say about the film, “an epic, intense, absurd journey through our collective past, present and future. A journey outward and inward. A journey into darkness but also into the light. And I am honored and humbled to take that walk with Robert Redford and Nick Nolte. Two true bonafide icons of American cinema. Does anyone have bug spray?”
This project’s a rather odd one, but hopefully the mass amount of experience involved should provide in quite an amusing ride. More news as it comes.
Originally published November 2, 2013. Updated April 11, 2018.
