Where Is The Movie

At Fairfield Hills?

By Kendra Bobowick

His phrase, “So far so good, but it’s still early,” turned out to be apt words. Location manager Michael Hartel said as much in late November regarding The Madman’s Tale, a book-turned-screenplay slated for filming at Fairfield Hills, but no activity has taken place. An October letter from co-producer Jon S. Furay outlined filming dates from “on or about November 26” through the end of January 2008.

None of the noise and activity associated with the 100-plus people involved in the film has arrived on campus, however, despite the tight time schedule negotiated between producers and the Fairfield Hills Authority. Unfortunately, no one is able to elaborate.

“I can’t talk about it,” was all Mr Hartel said Monday, December 10. Fairfield Hills Authority member and liaison with producers, Moira Rodgers, could not be reached for comment.

A quick news search revealed national headlines that leave a clue.

Jonathan Rhys Meyers, who had been named as the lead to play Francis Petrel, a former state hospital patient, has experienced both family and legal troubles in recent weeks.

An online search about Jonathan Rhys Meyers led to reports of his mother’s death, and his bout with alcohol — early December news documents his arrest in a Dublin airport for drunken behavior in November. Most recently, he is tagged as “homeless” by reports of a split with his girlfriend, forcing him from their shared address.

In a turn of better luck, prosecutors dropped charges of public drunkenness and breach of peace on December 5.

Still, no signs of the anticipated 43-day shoot have emerged at Fairfield Hills. November 26 is in the past and the town’s plans to redevelop the campus are moving ahead. As partial demolition and improvements take place at Bridgeport Hall to make way for municipal and education department offices, for example, the timeframe for film use is squeezing shut.

Although the October letter to the authority from Mr Furay notes that he intends to finish at the end of January 2008, a Letter of Intent from October 11 states essentially that permission to use the interior of certain buildings will be granted under certain terms. One stipulation asks that parties agree the license will terminate on or about December 31.