Alchemist Plan

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Harvey Weinstein announced this morning that he'll produce a $60 million adaptation of Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, the worldwide best-seller (over 30 million copies) which was first published in 1988. Laurence Fishburne will direct, star and also produce.

Harvey Weinstein during this morning's announcement at the Majestic Beach.

Fishburne has produced several films (Five Fingers, Akeelah and the Bee, The Beltway) but directed only one -- Once in the Life, which came out in 2000.

The Weinstein Co. is "currently in negotiations with an Academy Award-winning screenwriter to adapt the novel into a screenplay," the press release says. Harvey said on the mike that he's read all the previous screenplay adaptations and "hated them." This viewpoint, he said, gives him creative cred as it indicates high standards. He envisions The Alchemist movie as a "simple, spiritual tale" that won't be lathered up in typical Hollywood style.

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Posted by Jeffrey Wells on May 18, 2008 at 2:05 AM

comment #1

AH says ...

There's $60 million down the drain.

Posted by AH at May 18, 2008 2:48 AM

comment #2

Luke Y. Thompson says ...

Once in the Life was terrible, maybe the worst film Fishburne's starred in.

That right there makes me fear this project.

Posted by Luke Y. Thompson at May 18, 2008 2:48 AM

comment #3

PastePotPete says ...

How can they think this is a good idea?

Posted by PastePotPete at May 18, 2008 5:12 AM

comment #4

Mgmax, le Corbeau says ...

From the producers of Captain Corelli's Mandolin and All the Pretty Horses comes another great bestseller to the screen...

Posted by Mgmax, le Corbeau at May 18, 2008 5:21 AM

comment #5

rockne says ...

Doesn't Mr. Weinstein look....I don't know....less than his '90's self in every photo he is in now? Not physically...just in his stances and in his face...I know he's older...but he just looks like....I don't know...and yeah....

MGMAX: "From the producers of Captain Corelli's mandolin and All The Pretty Horses...."

Hilarious...I had forgotten about both those films...that must instill confidence in people...I guess if you like either of those it will...
I know Hollywood can be cruel...but I always thought the Weinsteins would rule like kings until they decided to retreat to some island somewhere...

Posted by rockne at May 18, 2008 6:31 AM

comment #6

ElstonGunnAICN says ...

I wonder if Ron Harwood is the Oscar-winning screenwriter in negotiations, hot off "The Diving Bell & The Butterfly."

Posted by ElstonGunnAICN at May 18, 2008 8:12 AM

comment #7

Wrecktum says ...

Larry Fishburne = $100m opening weekend. Excellent move by the Whinesteins.

Posted by Wrecktum at May 18, 2008 12:09 PM

comment #8

Spicer says ...

I am probably alone on this one, but I would love to see Billy Bob Thornton's cut of All the Pretty Horses.

Posted by Spicer at May 18, 2008 2:08 PM

comment #9

Spicer says ...

Hey rockne, in the photo I think Harvey looks like he is contemplating whom he will berate next.

Posted by Spicer at May 18, 2008 2:10 PM

comment #10

ElstonGunnAICN says ...

Gunn To Spicer: I'd also love to see Thornton's cut of "All The Pretty Horses" with the Daniel Lanois score in tact. When Matt Damon was promoting "The Good Shepherd" he said that cut of "Horses" was the best thing he's done.

Posted by ElstonGunnAICN at May 18, 2008 4:13 PM

comment #11

JBM... says ...

The Weinstein Co. is "currently in negotiations with an Academy Award-winning screenwriter to adapt the novel into a screenplay," the press release says.

Not Akiva Goldsman, I hope.

This reminds me of Bruckheimer paying David Benioff $2m to build characters in Gemini Man -- about an aging hitman who battles his younger, stronger clone. Oy...

Posted by JBM... at May 18, 2008 4:49 PM

comment #12

Roman says ...

This is going to be a wasted project based on an overrated book.

Posted by Roman at May 18, 2008 7:28 PM

comment #13

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emogurl12 says ...

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comment #18

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