Barry Levinson has been pretty quiet lately (at least as a director), although he has some genuine masterpieces in his back catalogue (no, not “Sphere”, we’re talking Rain Man, Good Morning Vietnam). Although they were both some time ago, any new project of his should still engage our attention, even if it is unusually (for him) genre-oriented.
Slashfilm reported a while ago on very scant details of a new project of Levinson’s, known at that point as “Isopod”. Now, they have updated their story with further details (from Screen Daily), including the new title for the film, “The Bay”. The film is about a virus outbreak on the eastern seaboard of the United States and how it impacts the town of Claridge, Maryland.
The interesting element, at least in terms of style and scale, is that the story will be pieced together from camera-phone recordings, 911 calls and other video footage. Obviously this is far from the first time this style has been employed, but nonetheless it does sound intriguing, especially given the news that the producers of Paranormal Activity are on board as well.
How the original title of “Isopods” fits in with the plot and how those creatures might be incorporated into the story is just one of many things that Slashfilm speculates about. They also share the rumour that the film is already secretly shooting, making this a “below the radar” effort worthy of JJ Abrams. Certainly something of the quality and impact of Cloverfield would be thoroughly welcome.
At the moment this is all a bit rumour and speculation oriented, but we will bring you more concrete news just as soon as we can. Distribution rights are apparently due to go on sale at the Toronto Film Festival, so that should bring forth a bit more detail. In the meantime, here is a picture of an isopod. Make of it what you will.
