Eminem to make acting debut in feature film

Rapper Eminem, perhaps as well-known for the controversy aroused by his homophobic and misogynistic lyrics as he is for his music, has been signed to star in a film being directed by Curtis Hanson (Wonder Boys, L.A. Confidential), according to Reuters. Hanson seems to have no concern that the performer’s notoriety or lack of acting experience will be a hindrance. He was quoted in Variety as saying, “Working with actors is what I like best about directing, and Eminem is an extraordinarily gifted artist, one who’s already shown an ability to project personas and identities.” The film, about a troubled youth from Detroit who finds his voice through hip-hop, is being scripted by Scott Silver, the writer-director of the gay hustler indie johns as well as The Mod Squad.