Despite the tumor-shrinking medical miracle that has bought her a few years, Hazel has never been anything but terminal, her final chapter inscribed upon diagnosis. But when a gorgeous plot twist named Augustus Waters suddenly appears at Cancer Kid Support Group, Hazel’s story is about to be completely rewritten.
The Fault in Our Stars is a romantic comedy-drama film directed by Josh Boone, based on John Green’s bestselling novel of the same name. The film stars Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort and Nat Wolff. It is scheduled to be released in The Netherlands and Australia on June 5, 2014, and June 6, 2014 in the United States. Filming took place in Pittsburgh and Amsterdam.
Filming started on August 26, 2013 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and finished on October 10. Filming occurred in Amsterdam from October 14-16 and officially wrapped on the last day. The author of the novel The Fault in Our Stars, John Green, was on set for filming and made video blogs during production of the film chronicling his artistic journey in watching his creation be brought to life on a movie screen. His video and web blogs discuss topics such as why certain things like eye color and hair color were not primary reasons for casting actors as the characters from his book.
About the Story
Hazel Grace Lancaster, an intelligent and sarcastic Indianapolis teenager, has terminal thyroid cancer that has spread to her lungs. Believing her to be depressed, Hazel’s mother urges her to attend a cancer patients’ support group to make friends. During a support meeting, Hazel meets Augustus Waters, a teenager who had lost a leg because of bone cancer. After the meeting, Augustus invites Hazel to his house, where they bond. Before she leaves, they agree to read each other’s favorite novels.
Hazel recommends An Imperial Affliction to Augustus, a novel about a cancer-stricken girl named Anna that parallels Hazel’s experience. After finishing the book, Augustus expresses frustration with the novel’s abrupt ending. Hazel explains that the novel’s mysterious author, Peter van Houten, retreated to Amsterdam following the novel’s publication, and has not been heard from since.
Weeks later, Augustus tells Hazel he has traced van Houten’s assistant, Lidewij, and through her has corresponded by e-mail with van Houten. Hazel writes to van Houten to ask about the novel’s ambiguous ending; van Houten replies that he is only willing to answer her in person. Hazel asks her mother if she can travel to Amsterdam, but the idea is rejected because of financial and medical constraints. Later, Augustus surprises Hazel with tickets to Amsterdam, donated by a charitable foundation.
Days before the trip, Hazel suffers from pleural effusion and is sent to an intensive care unit (ICU). Her doctors initially will not let her travel, but are eventually persuaded to allow the trip. Hazel and Augustus arrive in Amsterdam and are presented with reservations for an expensive restaurant, paid for by van Houten. During the meal, Augustus confesses his love for Hazel. The pair meet van Houten but are shocked to find that instead of the kind writer who has been corresponding with them, he is a mean-spirited alcoholic and that Lidewij arranged the meeting and their dinner on his behalf. Van Houten, unaware of and angered by his assistant’s actions, taunts Hazel for seeking answers to a piece of fiction and belittles her medical condition.
As the two leave the author’s residence, dejected, Lidewij invites them to go sight-seeing with her, to make up for their experience. The three visit the Anne Frank House, where Hazel struggles to climb the house’s many stairs. At the end of the tour, Augustus and Hazel share a romantic kiss. They return to the hotel and have sex for the first time. The next day, Augustus tells Hazel that his cancer has relapsed. Upon returning to Indianapolis, Augustus’ health worsens. He is taken to the ICU for a few days and realizes he is close to death. Augustus invites his blind best friend Isaac and Hazel to his pre-funeral, where they deliver eulogies they prepared. Hazel quotes van Houten’s text, and tells him she would not trade their short time together for anything.
The Fault in Our Stars
Directed by: Josh Boone
Starring: Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, Lotte Verbeek, Toni Saladna, Allegra Carpenter, Emily Peachey, Emily Bach, Milica Govich
Screenplay by: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber
Production Design by: Molly Hughes
Cinematography by: Ben Richardson
Film Editing by: Robb Sullivan
Costume Design by: Mary Claire Hannan
Set Decoration by: Merissa Lombardo
Art Direction by: Gregory A. Weimerskirch, Edwin Kemper
Music by: Mike Mogis, Nate Walcott
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for thematic elements, some sexuality and brief strong language.
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Release Date: June 6, 2014
Visits: 52
