While Shane Salerno’s passion project Salinger didn’t earn glowing reviews out of the Toronto International Film Festival, that doesn’t mean that the life of Catcher in the Rye author J.D. Salinger still wouldn't make a great narrative film. So, The Weinstein Company, which is distributing the documentary theatrically, announced today that it is working on a feature about Salinger’s life.
According to Entertainment weekly,, TWC said today that the version of Salinger that will be seen in more theaters this weekend will feature newly added footage. In addition, Salerno and TWC will work on a narrative film about Salinger’s life, covering his service in World War II and the writing of Catcher in the Rye.
This is easily the most interesting period of Salinger’s life, who died in 2010 a recluse, having not published anything since the 1960s. During the war, Salinger took part in storming the beaches of Normandy in June 1944. His experiences are said to have been a major influence on his work, especially Catcher.
“I’m beyond excited to share more of the fascinating material we discovered in its new special edition, and look forward to continuing my relationship with Harvey and TWC in developing a narrative film about this brilliant, intriguing man,” Salerno said in a statement. Salerno, an experienced writer of hit action films, will write the screenplay.
As previously reported, the film didn’t wow critics at TIFF, but TWC is clearly confident in the film. Salerno also co-authored Salinger, a book based on his research.
image: TWC