FREAKY TALES: Filmmakers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden Return to Their Roots with Intriguing New Project

Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden Set to Make Freaky Tales

Acclaimed filmmakers Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden will return back to their independent film roots with a new movie in development called Freaky Tales.

Picture it: Four connected dramatic tales set in Oakland, California in 1987 that will explore themes such as entertainment, sports and politics. Sounds pretty good, right? Now picture filmmaking geniuses Ryan Fleck and Anna Boden writing, producing and directing those stories as a new upcoming film called Freaky Tales. If you’ve seen these genius filmmakers at work, you definitely know you’re going to be in for a treat. Perhaps, you’ve only heard of this couple when they made the hit action movie, Captain Marvel. Well. that’s the film that is actually on the bottom of their resume when one considers the quality of their other pictures.

It all started for me (and most other film watchers) in 2006 when the duo’s hit indie movie, Half Nelson (which starred Ryan Gosling) came out. That movie was a master class in filmmaking and even though it was a little unique in its style of movie making, it managed to land the acclaimed Gosling an Oscar nomination for Best Actor as a drug addicted teacher who befriends a troubled young girl from the neighborhood. That movie also showcased the brilliant indie music of Broken Social Scene.

Fleck and Boden won accolades for their terrific 2008 film, Sugar, but when the pair made 2010’s It’s Kind of a Funny Story based on the book by the late writer Ned Vizzini, the two filmmakers proved themselves as an unbeatable duo. Granted that picture from Focus Features was not a huge box-office success but it won may fans and stands as a portrait of mental instability that is accessible to many mainstream audience’s tastes. The movie is known for its great scene of Zach Galifianakis, Emma Roberts and the film’s other stars rocking to the beat of Queen’s song, “Under Pressure” in an imaginary scene. That 2010 picture also included music by the phenomenal Broken Social Scene. I actually asked the filmmakers a couple of questions after a screening of It’s Kind of a Funny Story back when it was originally released in New York City. Fleck’s humor and confidence, in particular, stood out. It was a pleasure to meet them back then and, of course, Captain Marvel, was more than several years away for the pair at the time.

2015’s Mississippi Grind featuring Ryan Reynolds was another independent film project by the movie makers that stood out significantly for its unique premise and fine acting. Fleck and Boden received an Emmy nomination for their work on “Mrs. America” as well.

Freaky Tales is being made for eOne and Macro, and it has the potential to be a hit on the art house movie circuits for sure. While not much news has been revealed as far as what, exactly, is going to be on the movie’s soundtrack, it’s easy to suspect that there will be a nice selection of songs to keep the pace of the film flowing smoothly throughout. Hip hop’s own Todd Shaw (Too $hort)’s music should be on display in some shape or form though, according to sources. This is one project you should be on the lookout for!

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