Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have picked up the distribution rights for Paul Haggis’ ensemble anthology drama Third Person, starring Liam Neeson, Kim Basinger, Adrien Brody, James Franco, Olivia Wilde, Mila Kunis and Maria Bello. They will distribute the film in the United States, Germany and Scandinavia, although no release date has been announced as of yet.
The new film from the writer/director of the Oscar-winning Crash premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in early September. It takes place in Paris, Rome and New York, telling three seemingly separate stories about three men caught up in various “romantic entanglements.”
You can read the official press release for the announcement including quotes from the principal players below:
Sony Pictures Classics announced today that they have acquired US, German and Scandinavian rights to Paul Haggis THIRD PERSON. Written and directed by Haggis, the film had its world premiere at the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival and features an all-star cast including Academy Award®-nominee Liam Neeson, Academy Award®-winner Kim Basinger, Academy Award®-winner Adrien Brody, Academy Award®-nominee James Franco, Olivia Wilde, Mila Kunis, and Maria Bello. Michael Nozik of Hwy61 and Haggis produced the film along with Paul Breuls of Corsan, who also provided the financing.
Third Person wends its way through three cities and three tales. The various stories, situated in Paris, Rome, and New York, are, at first glance, all separate, but Haggis effortlessly makes connections among them as the film unwinds, concentrating on three men and their romantic entanglements. Gradually, each one of these stories unveils its secrets, testifying to the whims and complexities of life. Surfaces are deceptive in the Haggis universe, but as each story is explored we discover untold pleasures and pains. Life is never easy: it can be deceptive, inhabited by anger and jealousy, but it can also be surprisingly joyous.
The opportunity to work with the master himself – Paul Haggis – on creating an intelligent and intriguing relationship movie was an exceptional and fulfilling challenge for me. To see how this group of brilliant actors interpret the characters from the film, was an experience that far exceeded my expectations. I am thrilled to have Sony Pictures Classics as a partner and look forward to the continuation of a search for excellence, and the opportunity to work with the best in the business,” said Paul Breuls.
“Michael and Tom have great instincts and all the right experience releasing smart, challenging films — I’m thrilled Third Person found a home at Sony Pictures Classics,” added Haggis.
Sony Pictures Classics added, Paul Haggis is one of our great movie storytellers and Third Person is one of his best works featuring an exceptional cast led by Liam Neeson (also at his best). We are excited to bring Third Person to American audiences.
Sony Pictures Classics, CAA and Paradigm negotiated the deal.
