LOS ANGELES (AP) After long years of development and some
tricky Hollywood dealmaking, a movie version of the best-selling
novel ``Memoirs of a Geisha'' is headed into production.
The book became a sensation around the world when it was first
published in 1997. The story chronicles a young girl's rise from
poverty in a Japanese fishing village to life in high society.
The lead role of Sayuri will go to Zhang Ziyi, the Chinese
actress who starred in ``Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'' and
appeared in the comedy ``Rush Hour 2,'' her publicist said
Thursday.
For those unfamiliar with the story, a geisha is a Japanese
woman schooled in the art of dance, singing and conversation to be
a companion for wealthy men.
Zhang, 25, has been working to perfect her English for several
years and now speaks the language with little difficulty.
``This is the first time that I will play the lead in an
English-language movie. It will be a big challenge, but the
studios, producers and director have shown great confidence in me.
I will continue to do my utmost to make this the best role I've
ever played,'' she told The Associated Press.
Ken Watanabe, a recent Oscar-nominee for ``The Last Samurai,''
will portray the Chairman, a high-powered executive with whom the
young geisha, Sayuri, falls in love.
Another ``Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'' co-star,
Malaysian-born Michelle Yeoh, has signed to portray Mameha, the
elegant and experienced geisha who becomes Sayuri's mentor.
``Geisha'' will be directed by Rob Marshall, the Oscar-nominated
director of ``Chicago.''
Marshall has long wanted to make this his next project, but was
locked into a contract with Miramax Films, while Columbia Pictures
and DreamWorks SKG held the rights to ``Geisha.'' After lengthy
negotiations that threatened to block his participation, a deal was
eventually reached between the studios.
``We could not be more excited about the extraordinary cast that
we have in place for 'Memoirs of a Geisha,''' said Marshall, a
Pittsburgh native who is also a Tony-winning Broadway director and
choreographer. ``We are adapting a beloved piece of literature that
has become a worldwide sensation, which made it important to me to
assemble a cast with a prestigious international profile.''
For many years, director Steven Spielberg was interested in
directing the film. He will now serve as a producer on Marshall's
movie.
``From the time I first read Arthur Golden's novel, I wanted to
see this as a film,'' Spielberg said. ``It's a uniquely compelling
story rich with characters who take you into a world you have never
experienced before.''
Production is set to begin in the fall, but the release date has
not yet been specified.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)