Rinko Kikuchi Starring In Film Adaptation Of Haruki Murakami’s Norwegian Wood
I’m not sure how I missed the news thatHaruki Murakami’stremendous novelNorwegian Woodwas being adapted to film, or that one of my favorite little-known directors,Tran Anh Hung(Cyclo, The Scent of Green Papaya), was helming the project. If so, my mind would have beenslightlymore prepared to absorb the casting news we’ve received today.
Kenichi Matsuyama, best known as L in the live actionDeath Notefilms, has been cast as Toru Watanabe, the main character in the film. More interesting to me (and I assume all of you) is the addition ofRinko Kikuchi, who has made her mark withBabelandThe Brother’s Bloom, has been cast as Naoko, the emotionally trouble love interest who causes all sorts of heartache for Toru. The book is essentially a tale of Toru’s love life in his younger days, but as with everything Murakami it’s alsoso much more.
The notion of Tran Anh Hung adapting Murakami is sort of mind blowingly perfect. Both are famous for presenting vivid images to their audiences via their respective mediums, and both also love to incorporate Western pop culture into their work. I know Hung may not exactly be a household name, even for cinephiles, but all you have to do is check out his filmCycloto recognize his talent.
If you want a quick example, check out this iconic scene from Cyclo (which remains my favorite use ofRadioheadeverin a film):
Take a look at thetrailer for Cycloto get a better sense what the film is about, andrent it on Netflix! Anh has also been working on an international thriller starringJosh HartnettandElias Koteas, which is unfortunately titledI Come with the Rain. You can find a rough trailer of the film (meant for distributors)here.
Tran Anh Hung’s Norwegian Wood adaptation is currently scheduled for a fall 2010 release.
