Leonard Bernstein was many things. A legendary composer, conductor and pianist. A respected academic. An outspoken social activist and dedicated philanthropist. But above all, he was a very handsome bloke with good hair and even better eyebrows.
So who would be more perfect to play him on-screen than Jake Gyllenhaal? It was announced at Cannes yesterday that the actor would star in the upcoming biopic The American, based on the biography 'Leonard Bernstein' by Humphrey Burton.
The project, written by Michael Mitnick, will follow his storied path to worldwide fame from the beginning of his career, when he became the New York Philharmonic’s youngest ever conductor at age 25. Cary Joji Fukunaga, the man behind True Detective, is set to direct.
Like many people, Leonard Bernstein found his way into my life and heart through West Side Story when I was a kid,” Gyllenhaal said in a statement. “But as I got older and started to learn about the scope of his work, I began to understand the extent of his unparalleled contribution and the debt of gratitude modern American culture owes him.
“As a man, Bernstein was a fascinating figure—full of genius and contradiction—and it will be an incredible honor to tell his story with a talent and friend like Cary.”
Fukunaga also paid tribute to the composer’s legacy, saying: “Bernstein’s artistic passions changed the way generations understood and appreciated music.
“It’s been wonderful collaborating with Michael and Jake on Bernstein’s story as we endeavor to capture both the iconic person and artist. Jake is the perfect partner to help bring this story to life and to play this legend.”
