‘Lullaby’ Attracts a Killer Cast…and Garrett Hedlund

The last time a "fine artist" made the big transition to film, we watched Steve McQueen craft two great films ('Hunger' and 'Shame') with Michael Fassbender. If he can do it, why can't acclaimed painter, photographer and metal works artist Andrew Levitas? His directorial debut, 'Lullaby,' has already attracted a cast that screams "OSCAR!" at the tops of its lungs.

So, time for a 'Lullaby' roll call. Ahem. Academy Award nominee Richard Jenkins. Jessica Brown Findlay from 'Downton Abbey.' Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson. Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard. Academy Award nominee Amy Adams.

And, uh, Garrett Hedlund. You know, that guy from 'Tron: Legacy.'

In all fairness to Hedlund, he is at Cannes with Walter Salles' 'On the Road,' so maybe he has some genuine acting talent that was simply buried beneath that CGI Jeff Bridges and all of those light cycles. In any case, he's going to have to step up in a big way to headline a cast that includes all of those above-mentioned names. From The Hollywood Reporter, here's the basic premise of 'Lullaby':

"Lullaby explores the power of life and the reconnections between loved ones. Estranged from his family, Hedlund's character receives word that his father has chosen to take himself off of life support. What follows is an unexpected journey of love, laughter and forgiveness."

On the surface, that sounds like typical awards-bait, but considering that cast and a director from far outside the Hollywood system, something special must be going on here. The film is currently seeking a domestic distributor, but with that cast, how could it not find one?