Focus Features negotiating to land Paul Thomas Anderson’s next feature

Paul Thomas Anderson, director of such riveting features as BOOGIE NIGHTS, MAGNOLIA, PUNCH-DRUNK LOVE, THERE WILL BE BLOOD, THE MASTER, and PHANTOM THREAD, has announced that he's once again partnering with Focus Features for his untitled 1970s High School film. Set amidst Anderson's own San Fernando Valley stomping ground, the project is said to revolve around  a high school student who is also a successful child actor. Additionally, the plot is said to be woven together by way of intersecting storylines, an approach that proved quite compelling when crafting Anderson's 1999 drama MAGNOLIA. JoAnne Sellar and Daniel Lupi, who've collaborated with Anderson time and again, will produce the pic alongside the acclaimed director.

“There is simply no other filmmaker like Paul Thomas Anderson.  He is a true original who consistently mesmerizes fans with unparalleled vision and storytelling.  We are beyond thrilled to be teaming up once again with Paul, JoAnne and Daniel,” said Focus chairman Peter Kujawski.

While I shutter at the thought of recreating my own high school years for mass consumption on the big screen, I'm certain that fans of Anderson's work will be eager to arrive before the sound of the first period bell to see what's in session for this new and intriguing project. If film history has taught me anything, it's that the 1970s were a hell of a time to be alive, let alone a teen on the verge of adulthood who's made to obey educational authorities. Let your freak flag fly, Mr. Anderson, and give us yet another film to remember. Please and thank you.