Producer Buys Film Rights To Faulkner Novel

This year would have marked William Faulkner’s 100th birthday, so veteran producer Elliott Kastner picked a suitable time to pay tribute to the novelist. He did so by paying what he confirmed was $1 million to option the film rights to the classic 1932 novel “Light in August.”

Kastner, whose long career includes such films as “Harper” (1966), “Where Eagles Dare” (1968), “The Long Goodbye” (1973) and “Angel Heart” (1987), confirmed the book deal.

“‘Light in August’ is an extremely timely classic,” he said. “It’s one of the best novels ever written.” Kastner was hesitant to describe how a “Light in August”-based screenplay would turn out.

Faulkner’s novels involve shifting time periods and characters.

They also encompass sweeping issues and themes such as racism, poverty, incest, rape, teen pregnancy, impotence, murder, family ties, the Civil War and the decay of the Old South.

Hollywood treasure hunt

John Sayles has inked a deal to adapt Howard Blum’s book “The Gold of Exodus” for Castle Rock Entertainment. Sayles, who wrote and directed the critically acclaimed “Lone Star” for Castle Rock, recently wrapped shooting of his latest feature, “Hombres Armados,” in Mexico.