The Scene

Two Separate Lovelace Biopics Compete for Hollywood Buzz

Published on Thursday, December 22 2011
Written by Super User

Linda Lovelace was infamously known for starring in the 1972 controversial and groundbreaking adult film, Deep Throat, which sparked plenty of uproar as well as the brief trend of “porno chic.” There are currently a couple of films about her life in the works. One, Inferno, is known for casting Lindsay Lohan as Linda; the other, Lovelace, is also getting a lot of attention for its casting, but considerably more hot buzz than Inferno ever had. Is Lindsay’s association with Inferno to blame for the not very positive reaction to the film? Many wondered if Inferno was going to be the final nail on Lindsay’s career, which was and still seems to be on a steady downward spiral. Her ongoing personal problems made it virtually impossible for the film to continue on schedule, so in November of last year, director and screenwriter Matthew Wilder revealed that Lindsay had been dismissed and replaced by Watchmen star, Malin Ackerman.

Now, Lovelace is a whole different story. Co-directors Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman have been piquing positive interest in their film by casting Amanda Seyfried, Lindsay’s former co-star in Mean Girls and whose star is fast on the rise, as Linda Lovelace. Also cast -- Peter Sarsgaard, Hank Azaria, Juno Temple, and Sharon Stone. There are even rumors of James Franco making a cameo appearance as Hugh Hefner!

The difference in the way the films are viewed can very well be due to the casting, but also who is behind the camera. While Lovelace is filled with well-respected and known actors, Inferno has lesser known actors, including former porn star herself, Sasha Grey. Matthew Wilder also doesn’t have a huge repertoire of films to boost this project’s credentials. Lovelace, on the other hand, is being co-directed by two men who previously worked on the 2010 film, Howl, which was nominated for the Sundance Film Festival’s Grand Jury Prize. Epstein and Friedman also have three Academy Awards between them. 

We’ll have to see when the films come out if having a more well-respected director and cast makes for the best biopic. Lovelace will have a jump on the game since it is due out in 2012, while Inferno will be released in 2013. 

 

- Cynthia Garcia, YH Staff