Last month, The Wrap reported that Sony Pictures Classics was close to picking up the distribution rights to James Ponsoldt’s Smashed, the Sundance dramedy starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead as an alcoholic schoolteacher trying to come to terms with her drinking problems. Today, Sony Pictures Classics has confirmed the deal, including a new plot synopsis:
In Smashed, Kate and Charlie like to have a good time. Their marriage thrives on a shared fondness for music, laughter . . . and getting smashed. When Kates partying spirals into hard-core asocial behavior, compromising her job as an elementary schoolteacher, somethings got to give. But change isnt exactly a cakewalk. Sobriety means she will have to confront the lies shes been spinning at work, her troubling relationship with her mother, and the nature of her bond with Charlie.
Co-produced by Jonathan Schwartz and Andrea Sperling of Super Crispy Entertainment, who were honored with a Special Jury Prize at this year’s Sundance, the film also stars Aaron Paul (“Breaking Bad”), Oscar-nominee Octavia Spencer, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) and Megan Mullaly as the people trying to help her get sober.
You can read more about the movie in our Sundance wrap-up where it was the #4 in our “Best of the Fest” list, and here is the official press release from Sony Pictures Classics, as promised:
Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired all worldwide rights to SMASHED. The film, directed by James Ponsoldt (OFF THE BLACK), is produced by Jonathan Schwartz (Like Crazy) and Andrea Sperling (Like Crazy) of Super Crispy Entertainment, who were honored at Sundance this year with a Special Jury Prize for Excellence in Independent Film Producing, as well as Jennifer Cochis. The film is executive produced by Audrey and Zygi Wilf. SPC previously worked with Sperling on the 2005 feature, THE QUIET.
SMASHED premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival to positive reviews and stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD), Emmy Award® winner Aaron Paul (BREAKING BAD), Academy Award® winner Octavia Spencer (THE HELP), Nick Offerman (PARKS & RECREATION), Emmy Award® winner Megan Mullally (WILL & GRACE) and Emmy Award® winner Mary Kay Place (BIG LOVE; MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN).
In SMASHED, Kate and Charlie like to have a good time. Their marriage thrives on a shared fondness for music, laughter . . . and getting smashed. When Kates partying spirals into hard-core asocial behavior, compromising her job as an elementary schoolteacher, somethings got to give. But change isnt exactly a cakewalk. Sobriety means she will have to confront the lies shes been spinning at work, her troubling relationship with her mother, and the nature of her bond with Charlie.
“This is quite a remarkable and rare human drama, achieved through superb filmmaking by director James Ponsoldt and his entire cast, especially Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who gives one of the finest performances of the year. We are so pleased to be able to bring this film to audiences all over the world and to be working with producers Jonathan Schwartz and Andrea Sperling as well as our friends at UTA.” states Sony Pictures Classics.
Adds Producer Jonathan Schwartz, “We are all are thrilled to be working with Sony Pictures Classics on the release of SMASHED. We are in love this movie, and could think of no better home for the film than with Michael and Tom. Their track record speaks for itself. ”
The deal was negotiated by UTA and CAA, on behalf of Super Crispy Entertainment, as well as, attorneys Lawrence Kopeikin and Elsa Ramo.
