Seven weeks of principal photography begins in Budapest, Hungary, today on Good, based on the Tony Award wining stage play by CP Taylor, starring Viggo Mortensen (The Lord of the Rings trilogy, A History of Violence) in the lead role of John Halder.
Mortensen will star alongside British actors Jason Isaacs (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire), Jodie Whittaker (Venus) and Mark Strong (Syriana).
The screenplay is adapted by John Wrathall, and will be helmed by award-winning director Vicente Amorim. Produced by Good Films Ltd, finance provided by the Aramid Entertainment, specialists in the provision of entertainment finance.
Good examines the life of everyman John Halder (Mortensen), a 'good' and decent individual with family problems: a neurotic wife, two demanding children and a mother suffering from senile dementia. A literary professor, Halder explores his personal circumstances in a novel advocating compassionate euthanasia.
When the book is unexpectedly enlisted by powerful political figures in support of government propaganda, Halder finds his career rising in an optimistic current of nationalism and prosperity.
Seemingly inconsequential decisions lead to choices, which lead to more choicesâ€|with eventually devastating effect.
Director Vincente Amorim said: "Good is everything you don't expect from a period film set against such a calamitous moment in history.
"It's colourful, exciting, funny and utterly relevant. This film involves us in the buzz of a nation on the rise where anything is possible and 'good' people get caught up in a stampede that is heading over a cliff."
Odd Lot International will be handling foreign sales for the film beginning at the 2007 Cannes International Film Festival.
Head of Odd Lot International Brian O'Shea said: "We are thrilled to be associated with a project of this caliber and to bring it to the international marketplace.
"The script is first-rate and the director has genuine vision that we know will translate well to the screen, especially with the presence of Viggo and the rest of the cast."The film has already pre-sold to a number of key markets including the UK with Lionsgate/BBC. Domestic sales will be repped by Stuart Manashil of CAA and Graham Taylor of Endeavor.
Good is made in collaboration with Laurin Entertainment, Hungary.
