Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s feature directorial debut, Don Jon’s Addiction, was naturally one of the most anticipated films heading to Sundance this month, and the early reactions have not disappointed.
Gordon-Levitt has had a fantastic few years in front of the camera, and we can’t wait to see what he’s like behind it. And it looks like we won’t have long to wait, either.
Deadline report that Relativity have acquired the film out in Park City for an impressive $4m. upfront, and have committed an enormous $25m. for the P&A for a release this summer on 2,000 screens. Immense!
There are very, very few indie films that get a deal coming out of a festival like this, and it’s a bold show of confidence from Relativity to give Don Jon’s Addiction a commitment like this.
We got our first look at Gordon-Levitt in the titular lead late last year, alongside co-star Scarlett Johansson, and I can’t wait to see more.
“Jon Martello objectifies everything in his life: his apartment, his car, his family, his church, and, of course, women. His buddies even call him Don Jon because of his ability to pull “10s” every weekend without fail. Yet even the finest flings don’t compare to the transcendent bliss he achieves alone in front of the computer watching pornography. Dissatisfied, he embarks on a journey to find a more gratifying sex life, but ends up learning larger lessons of life and love through relationships with two very different women.”
Gordon-Levitt and Johansson are joined by Julianne Moore, Tony Danza, Glenne Headly, and Rob Brown.
Gordon-Levitt is directing from his own script, making his feature debut as both a writer and a director. Past collaborator Ram Bergman (Looper, Brick) has returned to work with him once more, producing the film alongside Voltage’s Nicholas Chartier (The Hurt Locker, The Company You Keep).
And whilst it’s still early days yet, I have a feeling this will be making the rounds at plenty of awards ceremonies by the end of the year. And I’d be willing to bet a very tidy sum that Gordon-Levitt and Don Jon’s Addiction will both be making their presence felt at the Independent Spirit Awards early next year.
Don Jon’s Addiction will be heading for a very wide release in the US this summer, and we couldn’t be happier for Gordon-Levitt and co. coming out of the festival. No word yet on a UK release, but given how brilliant these early reactions have been, we imagine that it won’t find trouble getting a UK distributor on board.
Relativity Media announced today the acquisition of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s daring, hotly pursued directorial debut Don Jon’s Addiction at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival. Relativity has acquired U.S. distribution rights to the film written, directed and starring Gordon-Levitt alongside Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore. The studio plans a wide-release and further distribution details including a release date will be announced at a later time. Don Jon’s Addiction is a Voltage Pictures presentation of a HitRecord Films, Ram Bergman production. It was produced by Ram Bergman with Nicolas Chartier serving as Executive Producer. This marks the third collaboration between producer Ram Bergman (BRICK, LOOPER) and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
Joseph Gordon-Levitt said, “I always intended this to be a movie for a mass popular audience. Everyone told me it was a long shot. Now Relativity is making it happen. Tucker and Robbie told me they believe that, more than anything, audiences want something unique. I couldn’t agree with them more. I admire them for putting their money where their mouth is. And I couldn’t possibly be more grateful.”
Tucker Tooley, President, Relativity added, “Joseph Gordon-Levitt is an incredibly talented filmmaker and he has created a bold, funny and moving story and we are proud to work with him, Ram Bergman and the rest of their team on bringing his vision to audiences across the country.”
Jon Martello objectifies everything in his life: his apartment, his car, his family, his church, and, of course, women. His buddies even call him Don Jon because of his ability to pull “10s” every weekend without fail. Yet even the finest flings don’t compare to the transcendent bliss he achieves alone in front of the computer watching pornography. Dissatisfied, he embarks on a journey to find a more gratifying sex life, but ends up learning larger lessons of life and love through relationships with two very different women.
CAA and WME negotiated the deal on behalf of the filmmakers. International sales are being handled by Voltage Pictures.
Relativity previously acquired the documentary film Catfish at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival which not only spawned a successful theatrical release, but a hit MTV show which debuted No. 1 in its timeslot and was picked up for a second season.
Up next, Relativity will release the outrageous Movie 43 (in theatres January 25, 2013), the film adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ best-selling Safe Haven (in theatres February 14, 2013), the comedy 21 and Over (in theatres March 1, 2013) and the corporate espionage thriller Paranoia (in theatres October 4, 2013). Relativity is currently in post-production on Scott Cooper’s gritty dramatic thriller currently-titled Out of the Furnace and Luc Besson’s comedic action film Malavita (October 18, 2013) with EuropaCorp. Relativity recently announced Jimmy Hayward’s upcoming animated, hilarious buddy comedy Turkeys (November 14, 2014).
