Miramax gets Smart

Miramax has picked up the North American distribution rights for Smart People, seeing the indie pic as a future Oscar contender.

Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker and Thomas Haden Church star in the dramatic comedy concerning the exploits of a widowed professor, his new possible relationship and his adopted brother.

The flick was directed by Noam Murro, who was quickly snapped up following its completion to direct the Strangers On A Train remake for Warner Bros (which, for our younger readers, we promise isn’t a low-concept Snakes On A Plane sequel).

Miramax chief Daniel Battsek said the company is looking at an autumn release, to place it firmly in contention for the 2008 Oscars, but Battsek also feels the movie has potential for widespread mainstream success. But then he would say that, wouldn’t he?