This week, Michael B. Jordan, star of HBO Films’ adaptation of the Ray Bradbury novel Fahrenheit 451, posted a promotional photo to his Instagram.
HBO Films is developing Farenheit 451 into a film with Michael B. Jordan and Michael Shannon set to star. The novel is a staple of high school English classes. Now the upcoming film will allow even more kids to get away with not doing their homework.
On Thursday, Jordan posted a still from the film on Instagram depicting him and Shannon in the process of firing a flame thrower. No doubt burning a pile of books and art. Jordan plays Montag, the young “fireman” who rebels against the dystopian authority and his mentor, Beaty (Shannon).
The photo reveals a lot about the mood and look of the film. The dystopia vibe is spread pretty thick with lots of dark colors and leather uniforms. This won’t be the first adaptation of the novel, but is likely to be the best. Jordan is signed on as executive producer which means there’s an emotional commitment to the project. That’s very good news in today’s film world where directors and producers sign on and drop films in a week.
I’m excited about it to be sure. From what we know and what we’ve seen, the film looks great. HBO has always made some great television and produced some great movies, but a lot more projects have been underwhelming. Just this year, they released a very high profile film starring Oprah Winfrey called The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. That film currently has a 66% on rotten tomatoes, which isn’t bad. It’s not good, but it’s not bad.
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If a 66% winds up being a simple false start, however, then once the studio gets its feet under it, we can expect some good work. Hopefully Fahrenheit 451 will be more than neither good nor bad.