With his new film Rampart (which ranked #4 on my Top 10 of 2011 list), writer-director Oren Moverman took the corrupt-cop genre and twisted it just like he did with The Messenger‘s soldier-PTSD story.  He’s one of the more exciting filmmakers working today because of his ability to play against expectations and come out with a more powerful, realistic story as a result.

I got the chance to interview Moverman about the film and we talked about where the real Rampart scandal came into the story, re-teaming with Woody Harrelson, shooting the movie as if it were two different films, and more.  Moverman also spoke about his collaboration with Ben Stiller for a David O. Selznic biopic for HBO, and we discussed his script for Steve Buscemi‘s upcoming film, Queer.  Hit the jump to check out the interview.  Rampart opens in select cities this Friday.  Click here to read my full review.

David O. Selznick was one of the great superproducers of the studio era.  He was responsible for some of Hollywood’s biggest hits in the 1930s, peaking at the end of the decade with back-to-back Best Picture wins for Gone with the Wind and Rebecca.  With a life and career as grand as the movies he produced, Selznick is due for a biopic.  Enter Ben Stiller and writer/director Oren Moverman (The Messenger).  Show Tracker hears Moverman is developing a film about based on Selznick’s life at HBO.  At the current stage, Moverman has rewritten the first draft of the script by Donald Marguiles.  Stiller is on board as executive producer, and has reportedly met with Moverman and the network multiple times with keen interest to play the movie mogul.

HBO declined to comment, so it’s unclear how far along the project is, or if Moverman has any intention to direct.  I’m already sold, though.  I romanticize few eras moreso than Old Hollywood, a period which looks especially ravishing on screen.  And I’d like to see Stiller try his hand at a role like this.  I hope they push this one through as soon as Stiller has a hole in his schedule.