Source:Variety

September 3, 2009

Irish production company Parallel Pictures is bringing together the cream of Irish film talent for a couple of project, reports Variety.

First up is an adaptation of Irish author Flann O'Brien's seminal metaphysical novel "At Swim-Two-Birds." Irish actor Brendan Gleeson will make his directorial debut with the film, a coming-of-age tale about a 19-year-old student who sees the fictional characters in the play he's writing intertwining with the people in his life.

Colin Farrell, Cillian Murphy and Gabriel Byrne have all boarded the $11 million project. Gleeson adapted the book for the screen and will also co-star.

The company's Alan Moloney is also producing The Virgin of Las Vegas with U2's Bono. Liam Neeson is attached to star in the $14 million project, which affectionately recalls the Irish pop culture phenomenon of show bands. Neeson will play an aging show band singer, prone to drink and living in Vegas, who finds his life turned on its head following the arrival of a mysterious stranger. Barry Devlin is writing the script.