Fans of Patricia Highsmith novels and their related movie adaptations may be interested to know that her 1954 tome, The Blunderer, will be directed by Andy Goddard (Downton Abbey). Highsmith wrote the novel between Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. The story centers on the young, handsome and successful Walter Stackhouse, whose perfect life unravels when his wife is found dead at the bottom of a cliff - and he's the prime suspect. From the look of the book cover, Goddard better check and see if Jon Hamm is available. Hit the jump for the press release.
The full press release follows below:
Los Angeles, CA February 22, 2013 – Andy Goddard, who most recently directed the 2-hour season finale of “Downton Abbey,” has been attached to direct THE BLUNDERER. Ted Hope and Killer Films' Christine Vachon will produce the psychological thriller along with Sierra Pictures. Sierra Pictures will finance the film which was adapted by Susan Boyd from Patricia Highsmith’s novel by the same name published in 1954. Susan optioned the novel with her husband, novelist and screenwriter William Boyd, who is the project’s Executive Producer.
“THE BLUNDERER is one of those extremely special projects, complete with complicated Highsmithian characters and edge-of-your-seat tension. We are thrilled to have Andy at the helm of this one. He's a unique and skilled director with a great vision for the film,” said Sierra/Affinity CEO Nick Meyer.
Ted Hope added, “THE BLUNDERER is a modern day Hitchcock doled out with a healthy dose of today’s sexuality and violence, but told with the wit, cunning, and drama that makes Andy the perfect choice for his feature film debut.”
The Blunderer was written by Highsmith in between Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr Ripley. The novel follows the young, successful and handsome, Walter Stackhouse who seems to have it all, that is, until the day his wife’s body is found at the bottom of a cliff. Under the intense scrutiny of the investigation he commits one mistake, then another, until - in true Highsmithian fashion - Walter finds his perfect life derailed. Now Walter is running from the obsessions of the murderer, and the suspicions of the lead cop, not to mention his own increasingly life-threatening blunders.
Andy Goddard is a British director who has directed multiple episodes of "Downton Abbey" including the recent 2-hour season finale. His short film, LITTLE SISTERS was nominated for a BAFTA and won the Gold Hugo Award. In addition, he has directed for shows such as "Dr. Who", "Law and Order: UK", and "Torchwood.”
Kelly McCormick, Sierra/Affinity’s Senior Vice President of Development and Production, will oversee the production for the company.
Goddard is represented by Resolution, United Agents, and attorney Michael Schenkman. Susan Boyd is represented by Stephen Durbridge at The Agency.