News > Pride & Glory Director Up in Arms Against New Line

Written by David Morgan

Gavin O'Connor, the director of cop drama Pride and Glory, is digging his heels in and lashing out at New Line chairman Bob Shaye. Pride had originally been set up for release on March 14th, but was shelved late last year by the studio. O'Connor has threatened to withhold a script he is writing for New Line called Warrior until he gets answers regarding the fate of his film. According to Variety, O'Connor has also been investigating ways to take the film away from the company ever since he was told that it may not be released until 2009.

So who or what is the actual culprit in all of this? Apparently, New Line is in the midst of a deal with Time Warner that could result in the downsizing of New Line. But O'Connor and his stars are worried that this business will tarnish their film, making it appear unreleasable.

O'Connor: 

It was a joy making the movie, but then something happened internally at that company. I don't think Bob Shaye believes in it, and he's decided he'll only release (sure bet) films. He never had the decency to call me. We've delivered something special and unique, a film that's not for everybody but has something to say. We're all heartbroken.

Star Ed Norton:  

Gavin was able to tease out themes that are relevant to my generation and to what this country is going through. This isn't about New Line not knowing the film is strong; I just think there is a paralysis right now that has to do with much bigger issues than any particular film. We're a victim of the moment, and I just hope they will either find a way to give the film its due or graciously let us do it with someone else.

Colin Farrell:

This is the first time it's happened to me, where a film I believed in so strongly, not only as entertainment but for its pertinent message and great performances, sits on a shelf. This is bizarre.

And the more experienced Jon Voight:

It ain't over till it's over. Obviously, things are going on over there, and I've seen this situation before, where a studio dilemma created hardship for a film of quality. You don't want to put it aside for long, though, because you can lose your momentum.

Indeed, trailers for the film had already been running before major critically acclaimed films such as American Gangster, Atonement, and No Country for Old Men. It'd be rather awkward to have to promote the film all over again with a new release date.

O'Connor wrote the film with his brother Greg and Joe Carnahan (Narc).