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J.D. Salinger will be the subject of a biopic

Following the release of a documentary and book, both titled 'Salinger,' the documentary's director will write the screenplay for a biopic of the 'Catcher in the Rye' author.

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Paul Fitzgerald/The Story Factory/AP
J.D. Salinger plays with his dog, Benny.
  • By Molly Driscoll Staff Writer

“Catcher in the Rye” author J.D. Salinger was all over the headlines recently with the release of the documentary “Salinger,” directed by Shane Salerno, and the book of the same name by David Shields and Salerno.

And now The Weinstein Company, which was behind the film documentary, has announced a biopic about the author is coming soon.

According to the film company, the movie will focus on the time in Salinger’s life between World War II and the publication of “Rye,” which came out in 1951. Salerno will write the screenplay for the movie, which will focus on “the effects war can have on an artist,” The Weinstein Company said in a statement.

In addition to the biopic, more footage will be added to the documentary “Salinger” when it gets a wide release in theaters on Sept. 20.

“This documentary has been an incredible journey and truly epitomizes what it means to be a passion project,” Salerno said in a statement. “I’m beyond excited to share more of the fascinating material we discovered in its new special edition, and look forward to continuing my relationship with Harvey and TWC in developing a narrative film about this brilliant, intriguing man.”

Co-chairman of The Weinstein Company Harvey Weinstein said in a statement, “Shane has created an amazing documentary about one of the most beloved but enigmatic literary figures of our time. The material will make for an incredible live action narrative.”

No news yet on a release date or what actor will take on the role of the writer, but Los Angeles Times staff suggested such candidates for the part as Ryan Gosling, Vincent Kartheiser, and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

The documentary “Salinger” currently has a 38 (out of 100) critics score on movie review aggregator site Metacritic, while The Christian Science Monitor reviewer Peter Rainer said it is “by turns fascinating and infuriating… [Salerno] treats Salinger’s life in exposé fashion.”

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