Bottle Shock - The Movie

Out of the 2 rival films being made on the Judgement of Paris wine tasting that caused waves in the wine world when California beat France, Bottle Shock has taken the lead. Its cast has been joined by Bill Pullman, Elisha Dushku, Chris Pine and Rachael Taylor.

Chris Pine will play the son of the vineyard owner portrayed by Bill Pullman who saves the failing Montelena Winery by entering it into the competition. Rachael Taylor will play a university student who interns at the winery and Elisha Dushku is a local bartender. Shooting begins on August 1st in Napa and Sonoma as well as Glen Ellen and Calistoga.

There will be some filming in downtown Sonoma around the Plaza on Aug. 22 and 27 that will close down portions of East Napa Street. Foot traffic will be minimally affected and traffic will be rerouted. Filming will include the Ledson Hotel, the Swiss Hotel and Toscano. Businesses impacted by the shooting schedule will be fairly compensated for any demonstrable losses. Numerous local extras will be hired to augment the 50-person cast. Some 10 to 20 actors will be hired from Sonoma and San Francisco.

Some 18 crew members are already in Sonoma, renting local lodging, and a production office has been set up on Eighth Street East. The release date for the film has not been set, but the Sundance Film Festival will be an early venue, along with other key festivals, to build interest in the film and drive distribution deals in 2008.

Unlike the other film on the Paris tasting Bottle Shock is not based on any book, but the project was commissioned by Jim and Bo Barrett, who own the Napa property Chateau Montelena. The original script for Bottle Shock, by Ross Schwartz, has been rewritten by Randall Miller and Jody Savin (Miller’s wife), and Miller will be directing the film.

Bill Pullman is well known for his role in Independence Day, Elisha Dushku played the part of Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Chris Pine’s first acting role was in a 2003 episode of ER but his latest appearance has been in the film Smokin’ Aces and Rachael Taylor played the lead role in Transformers.

Danny DeVito also stars in the film – but as whom I am not too sure. Alan Rickman has been cast as Steven Spurrier, the English wine merchant who organized the event, though his character could have a different name if the rival film’s producers Fowler and Peterson do in fact own all rights to the man's life story. They are currently seeking legal advice in an attempt to block Bottle Shock.

Nothing much has been publicised about the rival film – apart from Decanter.com’s updates. Spurrier is the Consulting Editor of Decanter magazine so they do have a certain bias. The film does not even have a name yet and it is in danger of being over shadowed by Bottle Shock, despite the fact that it is supposed to be the “official” film about the event and originally appeared to have the higher profile.

There are 2 sides to every story and Bottle Shock covers the event from the winery’s viewpoint. Bo and Jim Barrett are in trouble and the winery is in jeopardy and nearly bust – Bo’s stepfather has them pegged as feckless dreamers and wants to take over the winery. Bo saves they day by entering the Paris tasting. Their 1973 Chardonnay wins in the battle for the white wines and restaurants are besieged by customers asking for this wine that the waiters have never even heard of - and a new star is born.

Sounds a good story line to me – and looking at the casting notes there seems to be quite a bit of humour in there. Bottle Shock’s rivals had better get a move on!

Blogs relating to this story:

Freddy Rodriguez to Star in Ugly Betty and Bottle Shock!
Keanu Reeves, Jude Law and High Grant Tipped for Hollywood’s Next Wine Blockbuster
Alan Rickman Cast as Steven Spurrier in New Movie Bottle Shock.

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