Mike Nichols to direct 'Deep Water' adaptation

Oscar-winning filmmaker Mike Nichols ("The Graduate") will direct Fox 2000's big-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel "Deep Water," which was published in 1957.

"Water" focuses on a couple whose loveless marriage is about to hit rock bottom. In order to avoid a divorce, the husband agrees to an arrangement that permits his wife to have lovers. Those lovers, however, soon begin to start dying.

Variety says Joe Penhall will write the adaptation. His credits include John Hillcoat's upcoming "The Road," which is based on the novel by Cormac McCarthy.

BTW, Highsmith also wrote "The Talented Mr. Ripley" and "Strangers on a Train." As for Nichols, he recently directed the highly amusing "Charlie Wilson's War." He's also behind 2004's marvelous film "Closer." That one I absolutely love.