Hey, it's Ellen Page. What About "Freeheld"?

Is Zimbio trying to tell us something with that headline? I don't know why the actresses are hanging out in Montreal together but it's adorbs that they have matching pants and shoes. Clea's mostly been doing TV guest spots lately (The Event, CSI: Miami). Meanwhile Ellen Page heads off to Rome soon to join the huge ensemble of Woody Allen's Bop DeCameron (2012). 

But hey... FREEHELD. That previously announced movie popped right into my head.

Unfortunately there's been very little word on what's happening with Ellen's most-promising sounding future film. Freeheld would be the story of New Jersey mechanic Stacie Andree's (Page) and her girlfriend Laurel Hester's (as yet uncast) legal battle to save pension benefits when Laurel was diagnosed with a terminal illness. It sounds like such a promising direction for Ellen (Oscar nom #2?) who should challenge herself as an actress real soon; It's not like expository roles in green screen epics are pushing her gift.

Freeheld (2007), Best Documentary Short WinnerThe documentary short Freeheld, which first told this story, won an Oscar three years ago. And given the hot topic of gay marriage (just passed in New York but New Jersey's Republican governor vows to fight against it.) the time seems ripe for more social dramas that passionately deal with contemporary fights. I don't know about you but I firmly believe that the reason the whole subgenre of films dealing with social issues, civil rights, and prejudice have such a middlebrow rep and always feel safe and weaksauce is because, generally speaking, they set them so far back in the past that they're all cushioned from the world as we know it. Hollywood needs to deliver more Do The Right Things and less Driving Miss Daisys, is the point even though that reference itself is itself cushioned with rosy nostalgia. Oops!

The starry gay dramas that do get made (Milk, Brokeback Mountain) are also set in the past. Not that we don't need the reminders but contemporary balance would be great. Catherine Hardwicke (Red Riding Hood) was originally attached to Freeheld but it doesn't have to be her. Actually, and though it pains me to say this since I was a huge fan of her debut thirteen (2003), it might be better if it wasn't her. Somebody needs to is the point. 

Comments

[Blinking Cursor]

How appropriate that a canadian is featured in today's posting - it is Canada Day after all. And to feature Montreal - my hometown - to boot. It's hard to tell from the pics, but it looks like they're in Vieux Montreal (Old Montreal) a popular destination for native montrealers and tourists alike.

Have no idea what's going on with Freeheld, but Page was rumoured for a lot of projects, some of which never materialized. I think her post oscar nom heat died a bit when she opted to take roles in smaller films afterwards (Inception being the exception). Also, as you've noted in a previous post, Ellen's got a bit of a "butch" vibe and it's long been rumoured that she's gay. From what is known of her character, being rather forthright...etc, I think she'd be out if she wasn't in the industry. As it is, it seems like an open secret. Personally, I think she's not out because it's so very very competitive in Hollywood, and being petite, unglamorous, and gay would be tatamount to career suicide. Though she's quite talented, her petiteness and youthful looks work against her - it's not likely that she'll ever be considered for the female romantic lead opposite the likes of the generic hot leading men types.

Oh, if Freeheld ever gets made, it's oscar baityness could potentailly nab Page her second nom and win (playing courageous lesbian fighting the system, losing partner to disease...etc; plus on a practical level, it'd be her second nom - she'll be seen to have paid her dues in the industry).

[Jason H.]

Interesting that you mention Do the Right Thing and Driving Miss Daisy on the same day a Spike Lee interview with The Hollywood Reporter finds him railing against Oscar for choosing the latter over the former for nomination + win. But I agree: more contemporary civil rights movies, please.

Also: more Ellen, please. Particularly Freeheld. That sounds like an amazing part for her. She does need more challenging roles, and though I enjoyed Midnight in Paris, I don't think Woody Allen is going to really push her acting-wise. But at least she's out and about. *squee*