This is a writer and directing pairing I never thought I see coming, but it’s an exciting pairing nonetheless. Deadline has reported that Dustin Lance Black (Milk and J. Edgar) will be writing the script for the J.J. Abrams-directed and Bryan Burk-produced disaster flick Earthquake. Yes, another earthquake-themed film, but the idea that Black is on board to pen the script could tell us where Abrams wants to take Earthquake.

Black isn’t well known for writing for action films. He is, however, a great writer for character-driven plots. His award-winning script for Milk is just one shining example.

J. Edgar
Blu-ray l DVD
DIRECTOR: Clint Eastwood
WRITER: Dustin Lance Black
STARRING: Leonardo DiCaprio, Naomi Watts, Armie Hammer, Judi Dench
Warner Brothers
RELEASE DATE: February 21, 2012

When a historical drama directed by the one and only Clint Eastwood (who also produced and created the original score) starring Leonardo DiCaprio comes along, it fits quite perfectly into what has come to be known as “Oscar Bait”: a movie that looks made specifically for awards season.

But when the Academy Award nominees were announced back in January, not only did J. Edgar get passed over for the biggest category, Best Picture, but it was passed over for all categories. No nod for DiCaprio’s performance. Nothing for Eastwood’s directing or music. Not even a nomination for makeup.

So why was it that J. Edgar went with few award nominations and no Oscar nods whatsoever? Was it that the movie was just not so great, or was it snubbed? Well…that’s simply a matter of opinion, friends, and I shall give you mine.