Dennis Lee arrives for the Tribeca Film Festival Premiere of "Jesus Henry Christ" at the BMCC Tribeca PAC in New York on April 23, 2011. UPI /Laura Cavanaugh |
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NEW YORK, May 15 (UPI) -- Mulberry Films said Wednesday it has hired Dennis Lee to direct a big-screen adaptation of Rick Moody's novel, "Purple America."
Daniel Ragussis signed on to co-write the Long Island, N.Y.-set, dysfunctional family drama with Lee, the director of "Jesus Henry Christ."
While this is the first venture for Mulberry Films, it will be Moody's second novel to be made into a movie. Ang Lee directed a feature version of his book, "The Ice Storm."
"Daniel and I are thrilled to be working with Mulberry Films on the adaptation of Rick Moody's beautiful and moving novel," Lee said in a statement. "Like 'The Ice Storm,' 'Purple America's' poignant themes, stunning imagery, emotional honesty, and unforgettable characters make it perfectly suited for the big screen. Already a great novel, 'Purple America' is going to be an unforgettable film."
"We feel that Dennis is an immensely gifted storyteller that has the right pulse to tell this particular story -- he knows drama, humor, tragedy and emotional journeys," said Mulberry Films Chief Executive Officer Gopi Sait. "Together with Daniel Ragussis, who is also a brilliant writer and a director in his own right, we could not ask for a better combination of talent working together to bring 'Purple America' to life on the big screen. We really believe this is going to be a special, timeless story made even more brilliant with both of them at the helm."