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Today, even with the World Wide Web at our disposal, it is sometimes hard to find out what is actually happening in the development of upcoming projects. Unfortunately, this seems to be such a case. There are two projects that are rumored to be on Meirelles' plate – but so non-descript and non-precise are these descriptions that they haven't even earned a spot yet on IMDb, so take the following with a grain of salt.

Meirelles' name is currently attached to two different projects – both of which seem to fit nicely into his wheelhouse of tidy, high-style, modestly-budgeted productions. One would mark Meirelles' first studio feature. The as of yet untitled picture is a historical drama that depicts the final hours leading up to a volcano's destruction of the Roman city Pompeii in 70 A.D.

The second picture, entitled Intolerance, is an ambitious attempt to highlight globalization by studying the relationships between northern and southern hemispheres. Screenwriter Braulio Mantovani, who also penned City of God, is back to partnering with Meirelles here. The project reportedly aims to shoot in five different countries and just as many languages – concluding with intertwining storylines. Reminiscent of Babel, the project started development after City of God was released back in 2003 and, was talked about again after Constant Gardener was released – whether or not it still has a heartbeat remains to be seen.

Either of these projects sound like they might help Meirelles get back on track. While I know at least one of the writers at BOP disagrees, City of God is a top of the list favorite for me (and many of my college peers). Clearly the idea of a re-teaming with Mantovani is an exciting prospect. Meirelles is at his best when working with substantive material and a wide visual palette accompanying the material. Intolerance, if it ever comes to fruition, would provide him with a landscape of nearly half a dozen vibrant locales and a socially relevant subject. For now, all we can do is wait and see...and maybe watch City of God again in the meantime.

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