THE LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND
with cinematographer Giles Nuttgens
Jodie Markell has always been intrigued by untold American narratives and much of her work is based on forgotten but still relevant and vibrant stories.
She attended Northwestern University where she majored in the field of adaptation of literature to the stage and screen, and where she was mentored by writer/director Frank Galati who adapted RAGTIME and THE GRAPES OF WRATH on Broadway.
In New York, Markell directed several short plays at Naked Angels including AFTER THE DEERHUNTER by Nicole Burdette starring Logan Marshall-Green.
Markell adapted and directed the award-winning short film WHY I LIVE AT THE P.O. based on Eudora Welty’s classic story and starring Robert Morse. The film played at numerous festivals including Seattle Film Festival/Women in Cinema and the Hamptons Film Festival. At the New Orleans Film Festival, her film was awarded the Lumiere Award and the Moviemaker Magazine Breakthrough Award—the highest award given to any film in any category at the festival. The film was also invited to screen at the National Museum of Women In The Arts in Washington D.C.
THE LOSS OF A TEARDROP DIAMOND is Markell’s feature film directorial debut which she adapted from an original screenplay by Tennessee Williams. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard, Chris Evans, Ellen Burstyn, Will Patton, and Ann-Margret and premiered at the Toronto Film Festival before its theatrical release. The New York Times calls the film “A significant feat of reclamation.” The LA Times says, “Lovely. A film to savor. Rich in ways that are all too rare these days.”
Jodie was interviewed by Melissa Silverstein for Women in Hollywood and her interview was featured as a chapter in a volume that includes 40 women directors – IN HER VOICE: Women Directors Talk Directing.
UPDATE : Markell has several original screenplays in development. She has also recently completed co-writing, with author William Kennedy, the adaptation of his novel IRONWEED for the stage which she will also direct.
