HBO has released the first Nightingale image today from director Elliott Lester’s fascinating upcoming drama film. The entire movie features only one character, played by David Oyelowo, as it “probes the darkest corners of a disturbed mind.” The Selma actor plays a war veteran who begins to unravel in this story of solitude and isolation, which was executive produced by Brad Pitt through his Plan B entertainment banner, and who had this to say:
“We are thrilled and honored to help bring Nightingale to an audience. Sincere props to our friends at HBO for giving this extraordinary and courageous film its day.”
The project marks the first screenplay for writer Frederick Mensch, and HBO Films has slated a May 29th premiere date exclusively on HBO for the drama. As a huge fan of Oyelowo's, I’m incredibly curious to see him literally carry an entire movie on his shoulders.
Check out the first Nightingale image below, followed by HBO's full press release.
LOS ANGELES, March 18, 2015 – The HBO Films single-character drama NIGHTINGALE, starring Golden Globe nominee David Oyelowo (“Selma”), will debut FRIDAY, MAY 29, it was announced today by Michael Lombardo, president, HBO Programming.
Directed by Elliott Lester from a screenplay by Frederick Mensch, NIGHTINGALE is a provocative drama that probes the darkest corners of a disturbed mind, as a war veteran begins to unravel thread by thread. This searing story of solitude and isolation offers a poignant look at how life has failed one man.
“We are proud to be partnered with Plan B on this bold and powerful film,” said Lombardo. “This extraordinary solo performance by the incomparably talented David Oyelowo clearly demonstrates why he is one of the most gifted actors today.”
“We are thrilled and honored to help bring NIGHTINGALE to an audience,” says executive producer Brad Pitt. “Sincere props to our friends at HBO for giving this extraordinary and courageous film its day.”
NIGHTINGALE is a Cinderella story for first-time writer Frederick Mensch, whose screenplay was submitted on The Blacklist.com and caught the eye of executive producer Josh Weinstock, who brought it to the attention of director Elliott Lester. The two took the material to Katrina Wolfe of BN Films, which came on board to produce and finance the film.
With a production design by Richard Lassalle and lensing by Pieter Vermeer, Lester uses vivid and imaginative imagery to explore the character’s traumatized psyche.
NIGHTINGALE is an HBO Films presentation in association with Plan B Entertainment; a BN Films production in association with Sea Smoke Entertainment and Yoruba Saxon Productions. Directed by Elliott Lester from a screenplay by Frederick Mensch, it is executive produced by Josh Weinstock, Katrina Wolfe and Elliott Lester, as well as Plan B’s Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner. David Oyelowo also serves as executive producer. Co-executive producers are BN’s Lucas Akoskin and Jonathan Gray, in addition to Alex Garcia of BN/AG Studios.