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The Goldfinch 2019

Movie · 149 min · English · September 8, 2019

Directed by John CrowleyWritten by Peter Straughan

Starring Ansel Elgort, Oakes Fegley, Aneurin Barnard, Finn Wolfhard, Ashleigh Cummings

A 2019 American drama film, The Goldfinch was directed by John Crowley and written by Peter Straughan, based on the 2013 novel The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt. The story follows Theodore Decker, played by Ansel Elgort, after his mother dies in a terrorist attack at a museum. A dying man urges him to steal a famous painting named The Goldfinch. Supporting roles include Oakes Fegley, Aneurin Barnard, Finn Wolfhard, Sarah Paulson, Luke Wilson, Jeffrey Wright, and Nicole Kidman.

Warner Bros. and RatPac Entertainment acquired the novel’s film rights in July 2014, with ICM Partners handling the transaction. In October 2017, director Crowley was brought on board, followed by January 2018 when Elgort was cast as the lead character. The rest of the cast joined during this time period. Principal photography started in New York City in January 2018 and moved to Albuquerque in April 2018.

The Goldfinch made its debut at the 2019 Toronto International Film Festival, then opened in U.S. theaters on September 23, 2019 through Warner Bros. Pictures. The movie failed commercially, earning only $10 million despite a production budget ranging from $44 to 49 million, resulting in estimated studio losses of up to $50 million. Critics generally disliked the film, criticizing its storyline and structure, although it received praise for its visual style and acting. Author Tartt reportedly disowned the adaptation so strongly she fired her longtime agent over the matter.