‘American Pastoral’ Adds Dakota Fanning to Cast
The adaptation of the Pulitzer prize winning novel American Pastoral is coming together quickly, as Dakota Fanning has been added to the cast that currently has Ewan McGregor and Jennifer Connolly in the lead, this according to Variety.
The book, written by Philip Roth, is about the turmoil that comes to a family when a former big-time high school athlete (married to a high school beauty queen) has a daughter who becomes a revolutionary during the Vietnam war. The film looks to be set in this on-the-surface perfect but actually turbulent post WW2 America and the breakdown and challenges to the family during the late 60’s (you can see more about the synopsis ; it also features Roth’s oft-used character Nathan Zuckerman, who was played in a previous Roth adaptation, The Human Stain, by Gary Sinise).
It seems most likely looking at the three cast that McGregor and Connolly would play the parents, and Fanning as the daughter. No other cast has been announced at this time. The film will be directed by Philip Noyce, who has a new film out this week, The Giver, also based on a widely acclaimed book (other credits include Salt and Clear and Present Danger). Screenplay will be by John Romano (mostly a TV writer, his last screenwriting credit was for The Lincoln Lawyer).
From the looks of the story and the cast, this is prime for an awards season release likely next year. Fanning has also been going for more independent fare; her last film, Night Moves, was a moody, slow-burn drama that was far removed from the likes of the Twilight franchise.
