Will Smith Buying Flowers for Algernon?
Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on November 9, 2009
It wouldn’t be Monday without a rumor or two. We kick off today’s spinning of the rumor-mill with a story from the folks at Pajiba, who seem to be more than on top of Hollywood lately. According to their “inside source,” multi-hyphenate Will Smith is developing an adaptation of the classic Daniel Keyes story Flowers for Algernon, in which he will star as well as produce.
For those who missed the fifth grade, Algernon follows the story of Charlie, a mentally handicapped man who is the first human test subject in an experimental surgery that artificially increases intelligence. After seeing his IQ go from 68 to 185 following the surgery, Charlie loses the ability to socialize normally and becomes alienated from those around him. As Charlie begins to learn the truth behind the effects of the surgery — as seen through the reaction of a mouse test subject named Algernon — he is struck with the weight of how this sketchy procedure may ruin is life.
The story has been adapted many times in the past for television, radio and film — including the Academy Award winning 1969 release Charly, starring Cliff Robertson. If anything, this would appear to be Smith looking for that ever-elusive Oscar. He’s been nominated twice, but has never come home with the gold.
If this holds up to be true, it is certainly disappointing news. I for one, would rather see Smith pursue action and comedy such as Bad Boys 3, or the planned sequels to Hancock and I, Robot (or even the prequel to I Am Legend) rather than take another listless stab at Oscar gold. His last attempt, Seven Pounds, was painful to watch. For someone like Smith, I would imagine that there’s plenty else out there. No need to rehash the story of Algernon. Also — did he not see Tropic Thunder? You never go full… Ah, nevermind.
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