Like a bill being rapidly pushed through legislation, Oliver Stone's film about President George W. Bush is expected to begin shooting within a month with a goal toward being released before the president leaves office next January.

A person close to the film, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because plans were still being formalized, said Mr. Stone's W. will begin filming in late April in Shreveport, La. The Academy Award-winning director only began shopping his script for financing in January but has quickly captured the interest of investors and Hollywood.

Mr. Stone has said the film, which will focus on the life and presidency of Mr. Bush, won't be an anti-Bush polemic but, as he told Daily Variety, "a fair, true portrait of the man. How did Bush go from being an alcoholic bum to the most powerful figure in the world?"

Representatives for Mr. Stone would not confirm reports about casting decisions because of unfinalized contracts. Expected to play the president is Josh Brolin, who played another Texan in the Coen brothers' Oscar-winning No Country for Old Men.

Expected to portray First Lady Laura Bush is Elizabeth Banks, whose credits include The 40-Year-Old Virgin.

The Associated Press