Project Detail

Circus

Name: Circus
Director: Rob Walker
Released: 2000

Synopsis

After Quentin Tarantino set the precedent, working in a video store is fast becoming an established alternative route into the film business. David Logan dreamed up the screenplay of darkly comic thriller Circus while he was toiling away behind the counter of his local shop. Director Rob Walker, who shared an agent with Logan, read the script and responded immediately. "The story is such a rich mosaic filled with sharp funny references," enthuses Walker.

Producer Alan Latham, who came on board when Walker sent him the script, puts Logan's script squarely in Tarantino territory, describing it as "putting Miami into Brighton, giving it a European/US feel". But when Latham and producing partner James Gibb set out to find backers, they discovered this transatlantic slant was a double-edged sword. "Initially British companies said the story was too convoluted," says Gibb. "But the project soon generated heat with several US studios showing interest. In the end Columbia beat off the opposition."

The script's distinctive style also helped bring on board John Hannah to star as the lead Leo, a conman who masterminds one last scam. "When I first read it," says Hannah, "I had no idea what was going on, but it was brilliant." His early commitment to the film helped get it off the ground. Leo's glamorous wife, Lily, is Famke Janssen, whose international career took off with GoldenEye. Other casting decisions were more offbeat, including British entertainer Brian Conley as a vicious gangster and comedian Eddie Izzard at a sadistic loan shark.

Circus shot on location in Brighton and around London, and at Shepperton Studios in spring last year. It was released in the UK in May this year.

Details

Year: 2000
Type of project: Features
Director: Rob Walker
Composer: Simon Boswell.

Production Status

Complete

Production Company

FILM DEVELOPMENT CORP

14-17 Wells Street
London W1P 3FP
UK

T (44) 20 7323 6603

Sales Company

Columbia TriStar

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Conman Leo (John Hannah) and his glamorous wife, Lily (Famke Janssen), are the coolest of couples. They dream of an escape from the drudge of everyday crime in the seamy underbelly of Brighton. They want out. Leo and Lily are going for the dream, the one way boat trip to Cuba! The scam of a lifetime is about to begin with Leo wildly turning the tables to keep one step ahead in this web of deceit and intrigue. Drawn into the net is a sadistic bookie call Troy (Eddie Izzard) who is chasing Leo for repayment of his betting debts, while a simple-minded Goliath called Moose (Tiny Lister) is looking for his girlfriend and asks Leo to help. Added to this is Bruno (Brian Conley), Leo's father figure and fitness-freak gang boss who is out to play another game by another set of rules - and don't forget the eccentric convert to fashion, Julius (Peter Stormare) who along with Leo and Lily is caught up in the most dangerous game of all, the game of cross, double cross and triple cross. It's insane, but it's the only game in town.

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