Alan Rickman is the talented actor perhaps best known for his dark role as the Potions Professor in the Harry Potter films. Now his Defense Against The Dark Arts skills may come in handy. Decanter.com reports Rickman is part of the storm brewing between two rival film companies. The gloves-off fray is over who gets to produce the movie version of the famed 1976 Paris Tasting - where California wines beat the best of France (Whoops! Sorry, I just gave away the ending!!)
Rickman has been signed by the producers of the film "Bottle Shock", commissioned by the owners of Chateau Montelena, a participant in the famed tasting. Rickman will play the lead role of Steven Spurrier, the wine merchant who conceived and held the Paris Tasting. Of the two competing productions this one seems farther along, if the completeness of its profile on the IMDB database is anything to go by.
And in the other corner...
The "Official" movie of the Paris Tasting - "The Judgment of Paris" - is rumored to be suing the producers of "Bottle Shock" for infringement. They own the rights to the book "The Judgment of Paris" by George M. Taber (the only journalist to cover the event, and the writer responsible for recording the results before the all-French panel could alter their votes). (An interesting side note, I parked the URLs a year ago, and am hoping they won't sue me too! DC)
Rumors about who will play Wine Merchant Steven Spurrier in their production include names such as Hugh Grant and Jude Law. But if their IMDB database is up to date, no actors are yet on board. Their screenplay is by Robert Kamen, who also did "A Walk In The Clouds" - one of the wine world's most forgettable movies. Let's hope Taber's talented writing is enough to keep this story from becoming sappy.
So where does all this rancor leave wine lovers? Your tell me. Is the niche of "wine-loving-movie-goers" sufficiently large to support both movies? If not, which would be most fun to watch? The best for our wine industry? Cast your vote...
(Click HERE if you can't see this poll and would like to vote)
Cheers!
Dave Chambers, Wine Merchant
Dave@SidewaysWineClub.com
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