Berlanti and Schechter, through their Berlanti/Schechter Films banner
Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter are producing Hang the Decorators, a dark comedy feature film in development at Amazon MGM Studios. Based on a true story, the project follows the criminal exploits of Alexander Blarek and Frank Pellecchi, with a screenplay by Mike Makowsky, known for Death by Lightning and Bad Education. Amazon MGM Studios has secured the rights to the project, which is currently in active development. The film blends true crime with dark humor, drawing from real events involving Blarek and Pellecchi, whose actions inspired the narrative. Makowsky’s script aims to balance the absurdity of their scheme with the underlying tension of their crimes, continuing his track record of adapting complex real-life stories for the screen.
Culture picks
Aya Nakamura Recognized at Inaugural Billboard France Power Players Event
Godflesh Concludes a Decades-Long Industrial Legacy With Final Studio Effort
Pop Icons Madonna and Charli XCX Collaborate on Danceteria Remix
Sarah Paulson and Ryan Murphy Clash Over American Horror Story RankingsBerlanti and Schechter, through their Berlanti/Schechter Films banner, bring their expertise in tone-driven storytelling to the project, aligning with Amazon MGM Studios’ strategy of developing distinctive genre fare. How the True Story Shapes the Film’s Tone The real-life basis of Hang the Decorators allows the filmmakers to explore the psychological and situational absurdity that often accompanies criminal partnerships. Rather than playing the events straight, the dark comedy approach highlights the bizarre logic and flawed decision-making that drove Blarek and Pellecchi’s actions. This tonal choice reflects a growing trend in streaming platforms to reframe true stories through irony and satire, offering audiences both entertainment and a critical lens on criminal behavior. What Challenges Come With Adapting a True Crime Comedy? Adapting a true story into a dark comedy requires careful calibration to avoid trivializing real harm while still embracing the inherent irony of the events.
The filmmakers must navigate ethical boundaries
The filmmakers must navigate ethical boundaries, ensuring that humor arises from circumstance and character flaws rather than mocking victims or minimizing consequences. Makowsky’s prior work suggests an ability to walk this line, using wit to expose systemic or personal failures without sacrificing narrative integrity. Frequently Asked Questions Is Hang the Decorators based on a specific real case? Yes, the film is based on the true story of Alexander Blarek and Frank Pellecchi, though specific details of their crimes have not been publicly disclosed in the current development phase. What is Mike Makowsky’s involvement in the project? Mike Makowsky wrote the screenplay for Hang the Decorators, bringing his experience from films like Death by Lightning and Bad Education to shape the narrative and tone. When might the film be released?
As the project is still in development, no release date has been announced; Amazon MGM Studios has not shared a timeline for production or distribution.