Remember a time when horror films used to be the preserve of young actresses, trying to break into the industry? Well, now it’s legitimised and is the genre of choice for respected name actresses trying to prove that they can scream with the best of them.
Nicole Kidman’s done a horror. Naomi Watts has done one. Jennifer Connelly, too. And now Kirsten Dunst has joined their ranks by signing on to star and produce A Jealous Ghost, based on the novel by Evening Standard columnist, A.N. Wilson.
The movie is described as a literary horror, and it’s not difficult to see why, as it’s inspired by Henry James’ The Turn Of The Screw. In fact, the 2005 novel is about a young American woman (Dunst) who travels to England to help her write a dissertation on The Turn Of The Screw – only to find her life beginning to echo elements of the story when she becomes a nanny to a rich landowner. We’re guessing that means apparitions and descents into insanity and such.
The movie will be directed by Spanish helmer, Gonzalo Lopez-Gallego, who impressed many with his work on the thriller, King Of The Hill (not to be confused with the Soderbergh movie of the same name or, indeed, the Fox animated comedy), with Paramount Vantage keen for shooting to begin soon.
Screenwriter Megan Holley is currently polishing the script.