Adaptation of the novel lands director…
‘Divergent’ and ‘Limitless’ helmer Neil Burger has signed on to direct an adaptation of Olen Steinhauer’s upcoming spy thriller novel ‘All The Old Knives’ for Chockstone Pictures.
The thriller takes place in the idyllic town of Carmel-by-the-Sea, California, and follows two ex-lovers as they meet for dinner and to reminisce. Celia retired from the CIA five years ago in order to raise a family, while Henry has never left Vienna station, still mired in that world of secrets and duplicity. Among their memories is the disastrous hijacking of Royal Jordanian Flight 127, which ended in the deaths of all passengers and crew, as well as the hijackers. It is a failure that haunts Vienna station to this day. As the night progresses, it becomes clear that one of them is not going to survive the meal.
“Olen Steinhauer has written a fantastic, suspenseful, sophisticated drama set in the world of the CIA,” Burger told Deadline. “As a director, I love that it’s a tightly woven puzzle, a mystery involving counter-terrorism and also a mystery of the human heart. Best of all are the two very clever and calculating characters at the center of the story who are dealing with issues of loyalty, sacrifice and a lot of sexual tension. I can’t wait to start casting them.”
Steinhauer (‘The Cairo Affair,’ ‘The Tourist’) adapted the screenplay himself, with Chockstone partners Paula Mae Schwartz, Steve Schwartz and Nick Wechsler attached to produce.