Sometimes, even Hollywood likes to play it safe. Sony TriStar Pictures' new production looks like a relatively stable bet -- as far as a movie can be. Running With Scissors is an adaptation of Augusten Burroughs' bestselling memoir, and is scheduled to start filming on March 7 in Los Angeles.

The script for the film has been written by Ryan Murphy, the much-applauded creator of the Golden Globe award-winning TV show Nip/Tuck. Murphy will also be making his directorial debut with the film.

The studio, however, hasn't stopped at just one award winner. Annette Bening [Images], who won a Golden Globe for Best Actress In A Motion Picture (Comedy) stars in the adaptation. And now, Production Weekly has confirmed Academy Award winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow [Images] is also coming on board.

Running With Scissors is the true story of a boy whose delusional mother let him be raised by her unorthodox psychiatrist who bore a striking resemblance to Santa Claus. So, at the age of 12, Burroughs lived amid the bizarre doctor's family and befriended a paedophile living in the backyard!

With a house where Valium is candy, perverts are acquaintances and electric shocks are fun -- it looks like the kind of bizarre project that will do wonderfully well on the international festival circuit.

Photograph: Getty Images