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Lennon Gives Birth to 'Coin Locker Babies'

A strange coming-of-age tale based on Ryu Marakami's bestselling Japanese book.

Mar 9 2005

Sean 'son of John' Lennon has co-written a script that is set to go into production later this year.

This isn't just any ordinary script, but rather the most insane story we've heard in a while: a surreal odyssey that takes place in the weird and wonderful world of late 20th-century Japan.

'Coin Locker Babies' (which is based on the Japanese bestseller of the same name by Ryu Murakami) tells the tale of two unwanted infants abandoned in adjacent train station lockers at birth.

Following a stint in an orphanage and some serious hypnotherapy, the pair are then raised as brothers before moving to Toxitown, a polluted city full of freaks and hustlers.

Once there, one of the brothers becomes a transvestite rocker looking for fame and love, the other a pole vaulter whose girlfriend encourages him to destroy Tokyo.

So it's safe to say this one won't exactly be mainstream...

Lennon has co-written the screenplay with Jordan Galland, Peter Kline and Michele Civetta, who will also direct the film.

There is no word on cast as yet, but Liv Tyler, Vincent Gallo, Asia Argento and Val Kilmer are all currently in talks to star in the film.

User comments on this story

ryujin said...

I accidentally picked up this book in Osaka before returning to the States. It was riveting and complex. I fail to see how any movie could do it justice...and as for Hollywood making it with a bunch of high paid losers...you're better off buying the book and staying home. Posted on Aug 17 2009 23:48

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Xiaochang said...

How thrilling, another Asian narrative remade with white people. Coin-locker Babies was my favorite book when I was 15, but Vincent Gallo is the plague. And isn't Val Kilmer a little old to be in this? Posted on Jan 21 2009 04:07

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Wilimena said...

Jordan Galland is an amazing director who is going places!!!!!!!! Posted on Jul 31 2007 20:33

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datura said...

For all i care they can be mexican or even african actors as long as they portray what murakami originally intended, sad to see that the first attempt by tkashi miike did not make it but we will see how this one goes. Posted on Feb 12 2007 21:08

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Anata said...

I'm a bit worried about how the movie is going to turn out. I mean I have no problem if America is going to produce the film and all, but they should do it in Japan with actual Japanese actors. I don't want to seem like a purist here, but I just want to say that Coin Locker Babies captures more of Japan's unique tokyo life. Infants being abondoned in coin lockers are actually taking place and is a bit more revelant to the Japanese way of life. To many fans of the novel, it would just seem weird and inapropriate if one is not portrayed as the race he/she is.
Shoot the film in actual Japan, with actual Japanese actors then I'd be a lot more positive about this. And I'm sure many will agree. Posted on Feb 08 2007 23:31

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nobie said...

I read the movie is gonna happen in france and us ??? what thw f#### ? I hope they wont massacre the novel... Posted on Dec 19 2006 15:07

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Kigan said...

Yes. This movie has potential, if the book is any indication, and I for one am really looking forward to it. However, the plot as it is given above is... not right. The story itself is so much more intricate... Posted on Jul 12 2006 06:45

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ac said...

you should get the plot right if you write an article about it... Posted on Feb 27 2006 00:22

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