In the works is an Argentinian-led remake of The Immortal Story – the Karen Blixen short story previously filmed by Orson Welles for French television in 1968.
Argentina’s Daniel Rosenfeld and director Luca Puenzo will write the screenplay for the big screen effort. Argentine-French actor Nahuel Parez Biscayart (BPM) and Leonardo Sbaraglia (Pain and Glory, Wild Tales) have signed letters of intent to head up the cast, along with an international actor and actress, which have yet to be confirmed, Rosenfeld told Variety on July 6.
Blixen’s story centers on a wealthy, aging merchant, Mr. Clay, who tries to make a fable told to him become reality. It was included in her final story collection, Anecdotes of Destiny in 1958.
Rosenfeld told the trade paper that the film will adapt Blixen’s original text – not Welles’ script.
Welles starred as Clay in his version with Jeanne Moreau and Norman Eshley.
Set in 19th century Macao, much of the film was shot in Welles’ home, located outside of Madrid. His 1968 version is available on DVD and Blu-ray from The Criterion Collection.
According to Variety, a screenplay for the remake will be ready for delivery by year’s end.
Chilean film composer Jorge Arriagada, who has worked with Raul Ruíz and Barbet Shroeder, will compose the film’s score.
Arriegada wrote the music for the reconstructed Four Men on a Raft segment of the 1993 documentary It’s All True: Based on an Unfinished Film By Orson Welles.
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