While it seems reasonable enough that Michael Caine might make a movie somewhat based on Shakespeare, how about Vinnie Jones? Well it appears it might happen, as Darclight Films has released the provisional cast for their film, Henry 5, which will star Caine, Jones, Ray Winstone, Gerard Depardieu and Derek Jacobi.
As the title suggests, the movie is based on Shakespeare’s Henry V, although rather than looking at the run up to the Battle of Agincourt, it’s taking the tale post-apocalyptic. Here’s the official synopsis for the action/sci-fi film: ‘In an age of apocalypse, in a land without a leader, a dissolute prince finds redemption when he crushes a rebellion that threatens to destroy his father’s kingdom. But upon assuming the throne himself, he immediately engineers a war against a neighboring state to slake his lust for power.’
Despite his enemy possessing weaponry rendering their forces almost invincible, the newly crowned king seizes a glorious victory from the jaws of defeat by ruthlessness and cunning. But for all his wiles there’s one thing the young monarch has overlooked. Just as he’s prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure victory, so is his enemy…’
With the tagline ‘How will they justify why they went to war’, it looks like it’s aiming for contemporary relevance. Indeed, I’ve half-wondered why no else has thought to make a Henry V film in the last few years, as with its talk of finding ways to legitimise wars and the difficulties of assuming power, it is very relevant to the modern world.
Michael Anderson, a cinematographer-turned-director who’s best known for his work on commercials for Ridley Scott Associates, will direct the flick. However, it should be noted that nothing is definite yet. The movie has no funding and the cast aren’t under contract. It’ll be shopped around at the upcoming American Film Market, where it hopes to secure financing. (Via The Playlist)