The Weinstein Company announced today that they have acquired US rights to The Company Men, the first feature film by acclaimed writer/director John Wells. The Company Men is a powerful and heartwrenching portrayal of corporate downsizing with acclaimed performances by Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper, Kevin Costner and Tommy Lee Jones. The film is written and directed by Wells and produced by Claire Rudnick Polstein, Paula Weinstein and John Wells. The Company Men premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival to positive audience and critical response. The deal was announced by Harvey and Bob Weinstein, Co-chairmen of The Weinstein Company. The Weinstein Company plans to release the film later this year.
The Company Men centers on Bobby Walker (Affleck) who is living the American dream: great job, beautiful family, shiny Porsche in the garage. When corporate downsizing leaves him and co-workers Phil Woodward (Cooper) and Gene McClary (Lee Jones) jobless, the three men are forced to re-define their lives as men, husbands, and fathers. With humor, pathos, and keen observation, writer/director John Wells (“ER,” “The West Wing”) introduces us to the new realities of American life.
“‘The Company Men’ was a real labor of love for all of us involved,” said John Wells. “I’m particularly proud of the film’s honest and moving performances. We’re thrilled Harvey and his extraordinarily talented team will help us bring those performances to light.”
“I am thrilled to be in business with John Wells and my old friend Ben Affleck. John has put together a tremendous cast to tell this timely story and I look forward to bringing it to audiences,” said Harvey Weinstein.
