It was reported that Martin Scorsese had originally purchased the film rights to Winter’s Tale, but he backed out, saying it was unfilmable. If so, he was right. Director Akiva Goldsman is the man to blame (or praise if you like) as he also wrote the screenplay, adapting Mark Helprin’s novel. Producer Goldsman is making his first feature as director. I think Goldsman’s very sincere and full of good intentions. But, unfortunately, that doesn’t lead to heaven. — Derek Winnert