David O. Russell is set to direct pool hustler feature “Shutout,” starring Robert De Niro and Jenna Ortega.
The film will follow Jake Kejeune (De Niro), one of the last masters of a dying craft—the pool hustler. Jake and Mia (Ortega), a youthful prodigy whose raw, electric ability rekindles a fire he thought long gone, have lived and lost by the roll of a ball in smoky backroom halls. Perceiving a unique chance to mold a legend, Jake mentors Mia, refining her intuition and enhancing her innate talent. Together, they enter the brutal world of high-stakes pool, where there is a very thin line separating unthinkable success from disastrous disaster.
Russell, Joe Roth and Jeff Kirschenbaum of RK Films, and Mark Bomback will produce “Shutout,” which is based on a script by Alejandro Adams. At the next Cannes Film Market, Black Bear will present the project to buyers from around the world. The U.S. rights are handled by CAA Media Finance.
Source: Deadline