Simon Baker to direct film Winton’s Breath
Simon Baker will make his directorial debut with a film based on Australian author Tim Winton’s best- selling novel Breath.
The former star of The Mentalist has returned home to make the film which tells the story of two thrill-seeking West Australian teenage boys who form an unlikely friendship with an older surfer.
Baker will also star in the film as Sando, the older surfer who pushes the boys to new levels of recklessness but who hides deep secrets about his life.
For Baker, the movie adaptation has been an ambition of his for a long time.
“When I first read Breath, I knew I had to somehow make the film,” Baker told Variety on Wednesday.
“The gathering storm of the story, detailed and intimate against the power and scope of the rugged setting, struck me as incredibly cinematic. I’m beyond excited to be back in Australia realising this dream.”
According to Winton, Baker acquired the rights to the story back in 2009 but was kept busy with his role on The Mentalist. The popular TV series, in which Baker played psychic Patrick Jane, wrapped in February after seven seasons.
Casting for young surfers to appear in Breath began in February.
