Nichols’ film ‘Take Shelter’ picked up by Sony Pictures Classics

Writer/director Jeff Nichols’ second film, Take Shelter, premiers this Monday at Sundance. For a filmmaker there must be tons of emotions wrapped up in landing a film at such a prestigious institution. Pure elation and joy, I’m sure, are among them. But anxiety and stress over the film’s acceptance probably take up their fair share of mind space as well. But acceptance and accolades, fear and doubt have probably taken a temporary back seat to the news that Sony Pictures Classics have purchased the film in advance of this Monday’s screening.

Here is a synopsis of the film from Sundance’s website:

Following his acclaimed debut, Shotgun Stories, writer/director Jeff Nichols reteams with actor Michael Shannon to create a haunting tale that will creep under your skin and expose your darkest fears.
Curtis LaForche lives in a small town in Ohio with his wife, Samantha, and daughter, Hannah, a six-year-old deaf girl. When Curtis begins to have terrifying dreams, he keeps the visions to himself, channeling his anxiety into obsessively building a storm shelter in his backyard. His seemingly inexplicable behavior concerns and confounds those closest to him, but the resulting strain on his marriage and tension within his community can’t compare with Curtis’s privately held fear of what his dreams may truly signify.
Take Shelter features fully realized characters crumbling under the weight of real-life problems. Using tone and atmosphere to chilling effect, Nichols crafts a powerful psychological thriller that is a disturbing tale for our times.

Check out this link to the Sundance site and a video of the director talking about the film, the inspiration for the story, and some production info.

And thanks, Dad, for giving me the heads up on this little bit of news.

Kirk out.