The first trailer and poster have been released for Gus Van Sant’s (Good Will Hunting) upcoming film Promised Land, written by and starring Matt Damon and John Krasinski based on a story by Dave Eggers.
The film is being primed for an Oscar push with a release date through Focus Features beginning December 28. Take a look at the trailer below, via Apple.
The film was originally set up to be Damon’s directorial debut, although he eventually stepped away from that role and was replaced by Van Sant, who he last collaborated with on Good Will Hunting. Oscar pundits have added this film to their radar ever since the release date was announced last month, but it will be interesting to see how this trailer affects the buzz of the film, as up until now very little was known about the project oustide the synopsis and pedigree of those involved.
Promised Land is the new contemporary drama directed by Gus Van Sant (Good Will Hunting, Milk). Matt Damon plays Steve Butler, an ace corporate salesman who is sent along with his partner, Sue Thomason (Frances McDormand), to close a key rural town in his company’s expansion plans. With the town having been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, the two outsiders see the local citizens as likely to accept their company’s offer, for drilling rights to their properties, as much-needed relief. What seems like an easy job for the duo becomes complicated by the objection of a respected schoolteacher (Hal Holbrook) with support from a grassroots campaign led by another man (John Krasinski), as well as the interest of a local woman (Rosemarie DeWitt). Promised Land explores America at the crossroads where big business and the strength of small-town community converge.
The poster for the film can be viewed below.
