'Mysteries of Pittsburgh' no longer a secret

Following the premiere of writer-director Rawson Marshall Thurber's "The Mysteries of Pittsburgh" on Sunday, the only mystery now is who will buy and distribute the coming-of-age story set in a lusciously photographed Steel City.

Thurber's careful adaptation of Michael Chabon's illustrious novel coupled with rooted performances he elicits from Jon Foster (Art Beckstein), Mena Suvari (Phlox) Sienna Miller (Jane) and Peter Saarsgard (Cleveland) caused one acquisition executive to phone a colleague after the screening with the word that "Mysteries" is a "real director's movie."

Before the screening, we talked with Groundswell's Michael London -- who brought "Smart People," "The Visitor" and "Mysteries" to Sundance this year. He describes what differentiates the 2008 festival from prior years.

We also spoke with Thurber who said Chabon had already seen the film and given it his seal of approval. (The author declined to be interviewed in a Los Angeles Times story about Thurber earlier this week.) And, we spoke with Suvari who clearly has a great time performing the role of randy Book Barn manager Phlox in the film. -- Sheigh Crabtree

Comments

[Isabella Clark]

I am so glad that you are at Sundance! I love your work and your writing. I will be reading your every word. Your fan, Isabella

[Bufftuff]

I have been waiting patiently for the movie to be made about the coming of age tale, told so beautifully by Michael Chabon.
Glad to see that the flick got the attention it truly deserved at Sundance.

[Melissa]

How close does the film stick to the novel? Why would he chose to have Phlox as the manager of the book store instead of the caged girl in the library? Also, who is playing Arthur?

[mike]

Melissa, the character of Arthur isn't even in the movie. Does that answer your first question? Yeah, I was baffled, too.