Trying to Tie Up the Wachowski Brothers

In just two weeks Larry and Andy Wachowski, the Chicago-based former Marvel Comics writers, have become Hollywood’s latest Cinderella story after the breakout success of their film “The Matrix.”

The overnight success phenomenon has taken hold. But according to “Matrix” producer Joel Silver and Warner Bros. production chief Lorenzo di Bonaventura, it was just a fulfillment of the promise they’d seen in the brothers’ first script, the thriller “Assassins” that was turned into a rather indifferent Sylvester Stallone vehicle in 1995.

The “Assassins” script was so strong, says Di Bonaventura, that he signed the brothers to a multi-script deal. “Every year I read maybe one or two scripts that are singular and outstanding, scripts that make you say I have to be in business with these writers.”

The Wachowskis’ script for “Matrix” further confirmed Di Bonaventura’s instinct. Still, the studio was not about to take a serious leap of faith on letting them direct the film, “not unless they were willing to shoot it for a much lower budget, which they didn’t want to do,” says Silver.

So an escape plan was hatched. The Wachowskis were freed from their deal in order to shoot a $4-million script called “Bound” for Grammercy, a 1996 crime caper that takes place largely in the confines of two rooms. The film starred Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon and became a cult favorite for its neo-noir look and kinky sexual twist.

“ ‘Bound’ showed me their ability to elevate material,” says Di Bonaventura. “It was incredibly stylish and gripping and showed they could direct actors. It was very mature piece of work for a young director. It was even mature for a more experienced director.” (Larry Wachowski is 33, Andy is 31.)

Warners had held on to the “Matrix” script and tried to attach a cast to it. But the project was not offered to other directors. After “Bound” the studio decided to take the leap of faith--within limits. The $63-million film was shot entirely in Australia to keep down costs.

“‘Matrix’s” success following on the heels of WB’s other spring hit “Analyze This” has boosted the studio into first place for the year so far after more than a year of disappointing films like “The Postman” and “The Avengers.” They’ve also got their hands on the hottest fraternal directing team this side of the Farrellys (“There’s Something About Mary”).

And Warners is confident the relationship will continue. As the Farrellys are ensconced at 20th Century Fox (their next movie is the schizophrenia comedy “Me, Myself and Irene” starring Jim Carrey and Renee Zellweger), Di Bonaventura is hoping for an extended union with the brothers Wachowski, though he suggests that the original terms of their multi-script deal are undoubtedly due for a generous updating in recognition of their new status.

“They have a relationship here for the next couple of movies,” says Di Bonaventura. “When you go through this kind of cathartic experience and you did it all together, they’re not likely to abandon that. These guys are intensely loyal and personal people. I’ve seen money do a lot to people in this town. But I just know these guys are not going to change.”

No decision has been made on the Wachowskis’ next outing as directors. Explains Silver: “They’re in Chicago cleaning their houses since they’ve been on the road for so long.”

But they have already completed two additional scripts for Warners. One is called “V for Vendetta,” described as a sophisticated action film with an enigmatic hero that Silver would produce. The other, which was developed with Amblin, is “Plastic Man,” a more classic comic-book hero adventure. Di Bonaventura also mentions that the brothers may be involved in an adaptation of the novel “Geek Love” to which the studio owns the rights.

Parts 2 and 3 of the planned “Matrix” trilogy have only been briefly discussed, according to Silver. The brothers will probably shoot another film before embarking on Part 2. But as part of a potential monster franchise, a second “Matrix” is probably no more than two or three years away.

As to the possibility of the Wachowskis’ inheriting the aging Batman franchise, Di Bonaventura had no comment, though he said he would be lying if he didn’t admit that the thought had crossed his mind.