Mike Nichols’ prestigious career has spanned over 40 years now with films ranging from Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? to Charlie Wilson’s War. For the most part, a new Nichols film means a high-profile project that garners awards buzz.  Right now, it looks as if Nichols will attempt another Oscar-bait style film as he’s in talks to direct Great Hope Springs. I say this first based on the plot: “the film follows a couple who spend a weekend attending an intense counseling session in order to decide the fate of their 30-year marriage.” Second (and what seals the deal) is the cast: both Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are in talks to play the troubled couple.

This sounds like a great pool of talent so far and if the end result winds up half as good as its potential, then I think we can expect a decent flick. Nichols has dealt in relationship dramas to great success many times before and it will be nice to see him within that realm yet again.

Jeff Bridges and Meryl Streep are certainly always in demand, but for Bridges it seems even more so lately.  He’ll be in two high-profile films this year, the Coen Brothers’ True Grit and TRON: Legacy – both of which I’m looking forward to seeing.  And now this buzz-worthy film comes along.  Perhaps the added attention is partially due to his Oscar win for Crazy Heart, or maybe Bridges has always been this popular and I’m imagining things. Either way this seems like a solid choice for everyone involved and I look forward to watching Streep and Bridges verbally sparring with one another as a married couple.