Scott Frank, the visionary behind critically acclaimed films like Out of Sight and Logan, and successful television series such as The Queen’s Gambit and Dept. Q, is embarking on an exciting new chapter by translating his literary passions onto the screen.
Speaking recently about his creative pipeline on the Team Deakins podcast, Frank unveiled a slate of ambitious projects based on classic and compelling novels, promising fans a deep dive into worlds waiting to be visualized.
One of the immediate collaborations is with fellow writer Megan Abbott, who will be co-writing limited series adaptations of Dashiell Hammett’s “Red Harvest” and Vladimir Nabokov’s 1932 novel, “Laughter in the Dark.” These stories offer stark contrasts: “Red Harvest” plunges viewers into a hard-boiled detective narrative set in a corrupt mining town where criminal factions turn ruthlessly against each other. Meanwhile, “Laughter in the Dark” explores the darker side of wealth and romance, detailing a wealthy married man who shatters his comfortable life through an obsessive affair with a manipulative young woman. Frank and Abbott thoroughly enjoyed exploring the depths of these narratives during the co-writing process.
Beyond these collaborations, Frank is also planning to adapt Robin Jenkins’ 1955 novel, “The Cone Gatherers.” This story transports characters across the Scottish estate during World War II, exploring the complex entanglement of two brothers with a gamekeeper consumed by deep hatred and resentment. While further details on this project remain under wraps, the potential for cinematic exploration is palpable.
Adding another layer to his literary portfolio, Netflix has already acquired the rights to Frank’s novel “Shaker,” planning to adapt it into a limited series. This story follows a hitman who finds himself unexpectedly caught in the middle of Los Angeles following a devastating earthquake, promising high-stakes action and complex character drama.
Whether through adapting classic crime fiction or delving into historical drama, Scott Frank’s next endeavors demonstrate a remarkable knack for finding compelling narratives within literary structures, signaling an exciting trajectory for his filmmaking career.
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Credit: Dark Horizons
