Vanessa Redgrave is in negotiations to star alongside her daughter Joely Richardson in “Aspern Papers.”
The adaptation of the Henry James novel of the same name will be helmed by Julien Landais, marking his feature film directorial debut. The film centers on a young writer who tries to get his hands on letters that the romantic poet Jeffrey Aspern penned to his mistress, Juliana Bordereau (Redgrave). Richardson will play Bordereau’s niece, who lives with her aunt in a Venetian palazzo.
Jean Pavas and Hannah Bhuiya adapted the screenplay with Landais. Film House Germany’s Gabriela Bacher will produce with Landais under his Princeps Films label. James Ivory, Charles S. Cohen, Joely Richardson, Francois Sarkozy and Film House Germany’s Christian Angermayer and Klemens Hallmann are executive producing. Gary Rubin, EVP of Cohen Media Group, will serve as an associate producer.
Carnaby International will handle the international rights and introduce the movie to foreign buyers in Cannes, with Cohen Media releasing the picture in the U.S.
Redgrave has etched a number of memorable stage and screen performances since coming to prominence in the 1960s. Her work includes an Oscar win for “Julia,” as well as roles in “Camelot,” “Howard’s End” and “The Bostonians.”
Richardson can next be seen in Oliver Stone’s drama “Snowden” and is best known for starring in the FX series “Nip/Tuck.” Redgrave guest-starred on the series.
Landais is represented by Artmedia. Redgrave is repped by CAA and Gavin Barker Associates. Richardson by ICM Partners and The Artists Partnership.
