Movie News in 60 Seconds: Tom Hanks in Nazi Germany; Drugs on a Sub; Gotham Awards Indies

Forrest Gump as a Diplomat: The film rights to In the Garden of Beasts, a nonfiction book by Erik Larson, have been optioned by Universal and Playtone, Tom Hanks’ production company. Hanks is considering starring as U.S. Ambassador William Dodds, who began his diplomatic service in 1933 Berlin somewhat naively before becoming aware of the evil that surrounded him and his family. (The Hollywood Reporter)

Drugs on a Sub: An action thriller about drug smuggling via semi-submersible vessels, titled Narco Sub, has been acquired by 20th Century Fox. Tony Scott has been attached to direct and David Guggenheim wrote the script; it’s described as “a priority” for the studio, which previously released Scott’s Unstoppable. (Deadline)

Gotham Awards: The 21st annual Gotham Independent Film Awards were presented last night and the top prize went to two films which tied in the voting: Mike Mills’ Beginners and Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life. Felicity Jones won as breakthrough actor for her performance in Like Crazy and Dee Rees was honored as breakthrough director for Pariah. (Los Angeles Times)

Twilight Translates Into Big Bucks: Stephenie Meyer’s teen vampires are a worldwide phenomenon; The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1 ($ 268 million from $ 68 territories) has easily outpaced a competitive field that includes Steven Spielberg’s The Adventures of Tintin. The latter has earned $ 207 million from about half as many territories as the latest Twilight installment. (Box Office Mojo)

Watch Woody Doc: This is more in the nature of a public service announcement than a news item, but if you missed Robert Weide’s Woody Allen: A Documentary when it aired on PBS stations recently, you can now catch up with it online. It’s divided into two parts, and is well worth your time. (PBS)

Shut Up or Suffer the Consequences: A man was choked in a Seattle movie theater for disturbing behavior while watching Tower Heist. Reportedly, the victim received two phone calls during the movie and talked to himself; the suspect left the theater twice before returning, grabbing the victim’s throat, and then leaving a final time; no word on what either patron thought of the movie. (Ballard News-Tribune)