When I think of Miles Teller, the first thing I think of is definitely not world-champion, Italian-American boxer Vinny Pazienza, or more commonly known as Vinny Paz. I am not saying he is wrong for the part. It just makes me do a double take at my computer screen when I read it. However, the guy is extremely talented, so I look forward to seeing it.
And I will see it because Bleed for This, the Ben Younger directed film that features this performance, was picked up by Open Road for a whopping $4 million. That’s a lot of doughnuts. You might have to freeze some so they don’t go bad. This purchase comes after studios were shown a mere twelve minute sizzle reel at Cannes, as the film is still in post-production. Open Road’s big pickup at last year’s Cannes was Nightcrawler, so here’s hoping they are two-for-two with quality.
Younger does not give me a lot of confidence in this film, though. Boiler Room is pretty mediocre, and the Meryl Streep-starring rom-com Prime is — well — unfortunate. Although, Teller along with Aaron Eckhart, who plays Vinny Paz’s trainer, make for an interesting duo I am keen to see. As it was just acquired, there is no word yet on a release date, but I am certain this will be in a prime Oscar slot. Oscars love them boxing movies.
Katey Sagal, Ciaran Hinds and Ted Levine co-star. [Deadline]
