This is the kind of news that keeps me excited about movies.  Lake Bell, who directed and starred in In a World last year (along with a litany of other impressive acting appearances) is set to direct Emperor's Children from a script by Greenberg and Frances Ha writer/director, Noah Baumbach.  I love Baumbach's work and was quite impressed with In a World, so this project is already one of my most anticipated of next year.

The story, adapted from the Claire Messud novel of the same name, sounds like it is very much in Baumbach's wheelhouse of smart, damaged characters.  It takes place in the literary world in the months before and after 9/11.  Baumbach spoke to us about the project a few months back, and I'm glad its finally moving forward.  Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins from Imagine are producing.  Hit the jump for more on Emperor's Children.

emperors-children-book

Here's the official synopsis for the book:

The Emperor’s Children is a richly drawn, brilliantly observed novel of fate and fortune—about the intersections in the lives of three friends, now on the cusp of their thirties, making their way--and not-- in New York City. In this tour de force, the celebrated author Claire Messud brings to life a city, a generation, and the way we live in this moment.

More specifically, the book is about spoiled 20-somethings not getting quite what they want out of their privileged lives.  Which is actually the kind of stuff I like to see examined, if not for the cringe-worthiness of it all.  Baumbach is excellent at getting inside these characters, perhaps Bell's compassionate eye will render this film a bit warmer than something like Greenberg (which I loved anyway).

Lake Bell Directing Emperor's Children