Warner Bros. moves up 'Blood Diamond' release

By M&C News Oct 29, 2006, 3:23 GMT

BURBANK, Ca. (M&C) -- In response to strong reactions from early screening audiences, Warner Bros. has moved the release date for its action drama ‘Blood Diamond’ to December 8, 2006, one week earlier than previously slated. The announcement was made Oct 28 by Dan Fellman, President of Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In making the announcement, Fellman stated, “We have seen the positive buzz on the film building, so it made sense to put it up on screens as early as possible to take advantage of what promises to be excellent word-of-mouth. We also want to give Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences and guild members every opportunity to see ‘Blood Diamond’ on the big screen in anticipation of a very competitive awards season.”

‘Blood Diamond’ director Edward Zwick was also very supportive of the move to December 8, saying, “Everyone involved in ‘Blood Diamond,’ on both sides of the camera, believed in this movie and worked very hard to make it happen. On behalf of all of them, I am very pleased that the studio is demonstrating so much faith in our film.”

Set against the backdrop of the chaos and civil war that enveloped 1990s Sierra Leone, ‘Blood Diamond’ is the story of Danny Archer (Leonardo DiCaprio), a South African mercenary, and Solomon Vandy (Djimon Hounsou), a Mende fisherman. Both men are African, but their histories and their circumstances are as different as any can be—until their fates become joined in a common quest to recover a rare pink diamond that can transform their lives.

While in prison for smuggling, Archer learns that Solomon—who was taken from his family and forced to work in the diamond fields—has found and hidden the extraordinary rough stone. With the help of Maddy Bowen (Jennifer Connelly), an American journalist whose idealism is tempered by a deepening connection with Archer, the two men embark on a trek through rebel territory. More than a search for a valuable diamond, the journey could save Solomon’s family and give Archer the second chance he thought he would never have.

Directed by Edward Zwick, ‘Blood Diamond’ stars Academy Award nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (‘The Aviator’), Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly (‘A Beautiful Mind’) and Academy Award nominee Djimon Hounsou (‘In America’). The screenplay was written by Charles Leavitt, from a story by Leavitt and C. Gaby Mitchell.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Virtual Studios, ‘Blood Diamond,’ a Spring Creek/Bedford Falls production, in association with Initial Entertainment Group, an Edward Zwick film. The film is produced by Paula Weinstein, Edward Zwick, Marshall Herskovitz, Graham King and Gillian Gorfil. Len Amato and Benjamin Waisbren served as executive producers, with Kevin De La Noy co-producing. ‘Blood Diamond’ also stars Michael Sheen and Arnold Vosloo.

Collaborating with Zwick behind the scenes were director of photography Eduardo Serra, production designer Dan Weil, editor Steven Rosenblum and costume designer Ngila Dickson. James Newton Howard composed the score.

This film has been rated “R” by the MPAA for “strong violence and language.”