The Weinsteins have always been known for taking chances on long-shots. Most of the time these pay off (like Kevin Smith), although some of the more recent selections of the brothers have spelled worry for The Weinstein Company, which has sorely lacked a solid hit in recent memory. That hasn’t ended the risk-taking, however, as the company makes the first major American distributor purchase of Sundance with an eccentric pick of a film.
The Hollywood Reporter reports The Weinstein Company has acquired the international distribution rights to Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired. The movie is a documentary about the controversial trial over statutory rape and argues that another look needs to be taken at the details of the case. The Weinstein Company didn’t pick up domestic rights for the documentary, which are reportedly still up for grabs.
Although documentaries have increased in popularity in the last few years, this seems like an odd pick for the Weinsteins, who really need to focus their assets on picking up some solid hits. Although the Sundance showing was met with a positive reception, documentaries as a whole tend to have limited appeal, especially one like this about a decades-old trial. To that end, the Weinsteins have been seen perusing several other movies that would be more accessible to mainstream audiences, although no other deals have been announced.
