Genius

About Genius

Released in 2016, Genius is an illustrious biographical drama film directed by Michael Grandage. It showcases the professional relationship and friendship between one of the 20th-century’s leading editor Max Perkins (played by Colin Firth) and the larger-than-life literary giant Thomas Wolfe (played by Jude Law). Exploring Perkins' perspective, the story reflects the turmoil and hardship involved in bringing Wolfe's novels to the public.

Making/Production

Genius is the cinematic directorial debut by Michael Grandage, with the screenplay by John Logan. It is based on the 1978 National Book Award-winner Max Perkins: Editor of Genius by A. Scott Berg. The film was produced by James Bierman, and its shooting took place in the UK and the US.

Actors

• Colin Firth as Max Perkins, the film's protagonist who manages to depict the stern yet compassionate character of the editor enduringly.
• Jude Law as Thomas Wolfe, provides an extraordinary performance portraying the passionate and chaotic nature of the audacious writer.
• Nicole Kidman as Aline Bernstein, brings to life Wolfe's theatrical designer lover with a complex, emotional layer.
• Laura Linney playing Louise Perkins, plays the character of Perkins' understanding wife with subtlety and grace.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• This is the first film directed by Michael Grandage.
• The screenplay is based on a biography by A. Scott Berg.
• Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman have appeared together in three films over four years.

Awards

The film was nominated in the 'Best Literary Adaptation' category at the International Cinematographers' Film Festival Manaki Brothers.

Quotes

• "Are we not the richest and the most depraved?" - Thomas Wolfe
• "We walk in the shadow of two giants." - Max Perkins

Music/Soundtrack

• The film incorporates the original music composed by Adam Cork, that encapsulates the essence of the dramatic story effectively.