EXCLUSIVE: Radius-TWC has just closed what I’m told is a low 7-figure deal for Concussion, a drama about a fortysomething wealthy, married, lesbian housewife who gets beaned by a baseball and strangely reflects on a life that she realizes is wanting and leads her to lead a secret life on the side. It’ll get a multi-platform release in a deal brokered by Paradigm. IFC and Magnolia also chased.
Here is the official announcement from Radius-TWC, which just confirmed Deadline’s scoop.
RADiUS – TWC proudly announced tonight that it
has acquired North American rights to CONCUSSION, one of the most provocative
and well received films at this year’s Festival that is drawing endless
comparisons to BELLE DE JOUR.
Written and directed by Stacie Passon in an auspicious directing debut effort,
and produced by Rose Troche, CONCUSSION is a poignant sexual examination of Abby
(Robin Weigert in a star making breakout turn), a forty something married
wealthy, lesbian housewife who, after suffering a blow to the head from getting
smacked by her son’s baseball—walks around every corner of her suburban life to
confront a mounting desire for something else. She takes on a new project and
purchases a pied-à-terre in Manhattan. Walking around the city streets reminds
Abby what it feels like to be sexy, and her pent-up libido shakes off its
inhibitions. Her newfound desire though is not a take-home item, so Abby
inaugerates a double life as a high end escort. Palpably sensual and
deliciously contained, CONCUSSION is a keen observation of the complicated
contours of midlife crisis.According to RADiUS co-presidents Tom Quinn and Jason Janego: “We were
mesmorized by CONCUSSION and the job Stacie did in creating such rich, relatable
characters. This film made an indelible impression anchored by Robin’s
exceptional performance – - one of the best we’ve seen on screen in a very long
time.”Stacie Passon goes on to say: “RADiUS is continuing to define itself as a home
for artists. We are thrilled with the passion and dedication of Tom Quinn and
Jason Janego and their exceptional team. We know we are in excellent hands.”RADiUS has slated an early fall 2013 release.
In 2012, CONCUSSION was chosen for the Independent Feature Project’s narrative
lab. Additionally, CONCUSSION received the Adrienne Shelly Director’s Grant and
the Calvin Klein Spotlight on Women Filmmakers Live the Dream Grant at the
Gotham Awards.In addition to Riegert (DEADWOOD), CONCUSSION also stars Maggie Siff, Johnathan
Tchaikovsky, Julie Fain Lawrence, Emily Kinney and Laila Robins. The executive
producers are Anthony Cupo and Cliff Chenfeld. Rose Troche
Is the producer.Quinn and Janego negotiated the deal with Paradigm’s Ben Weiss and attorney
Andre Des Rochers both of whom brokered the deal on behalf of the film.
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