Blake Draper to star in “A. Rimbaud”: A poetic journey on screen

A fresh face for a legendary poet

Blake Draper, known for his roles in Disney+’s “Prom Pact” and Netflix’s “Clickbait,” is set to take on a challenging new role as the sole actor in the upcoming biopic “A. Rimbaud”. This film, directed and written by Patrick Wang, delves into the life of the enigmatic French poet Arthur Rimbaud. Draper, who has also appeared in Australian series like “Bad Mothers” and “Neighbors,” will bring Rimbaud’s complex character to life.

From Charleville to Africa: A journey beyond traditional biopics

The film, which recently wrapped production in Winnipeg, traces Rimbaud’s life from his early days in Charleville to his final years in Africa. Rimbaud, known for his revolutionary approach to poetry, broke away from traditional forms, and the movie mirrors this by transcending the typical biopic format.

Patrick Wang, whose previous works “In the Family” and “A Bread Factory” earned him three Independent Spirit Award nominations, is no stranger to innovative storytelling. His films have been recognized as Critic’s Picks and have showcased his unique narrative style. Wang has also translated works of renowned poets like Ivan Bunin, Georg Trakl, and Julian Tuwim, making “A. Rimbaud” a natural extension of his poetic explorations.

A director’s vision: Playfulness and invention

Wang’s approach to the film is as unconventional as Rimbaud’s poetry. “The only way to keep up with Rimbaud is to be as playful and as inventive as Rimbaud,” Wang stated. “We have the team of rogues ready to do this. At the center of it all is a young actor who is lightning in a bottle.”

A collaborative effort: Behind the scenes

The film is produced by Wang, Daryl Freimark of Hardball Entertainment, and Fritzi Adelman and Evan Johnson of Thin Stuff Productions. The executive production team includes Draper, Victoria Sidebotham, Frank Barrera, Amy Williams, Michael Bevins, Galen Johnson, and Kyle Bornais.

Freimark expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “Creating its own language and visual looks, I can’t wait for the world to see what comes from the mind of Patrick Wang and this amazing team of creatives. Blake Draper brings an insatiable work ethic and bottomless talent in his astounding performance as Arthur Rimbaud.”

Thin Stuff Productions echoed this sentiment, stating, “We are enormous fans of Patrick’s incredible, unpredictable, soul-stirring work and are thrilled to have the chance to help him realize his new film in our home city. Blake Draper — our sole actor — is the discovery of a lifetime.”

Draper’s representation and future prospects

Blake Draper is represented by Gersh, BMEG in Australia, and Goodman, Genow, Schenkman, Smelkinson & Christopher. His role in “A. Rimbaud” is expected to be a significant milestone in his career, showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor.

The anticipation builds

As the film industry continues to evolve, projects like “A. Rimbaud” highlight the importance of innovative storytelling and the power of a single actor to carry an entire narrative. With Patrick Wang’s visionary direction and Blake Draper’s compelling performance, this film promises to be a unique cinematic experience.

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