Emma Thompson has joined the cast of The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson, which will mark the directorial debut of acclaimed actor Robert Carlyle.

Robert Carlyle himself will take the title role, starring as a troubled Scottish barber who suddenly finds himself wrapped up in a serial murder. The screenplay is adapted from a series of novels by author Douglas Lindsay, written by Richard Cowan and Colin McLaren.

Emma Thompson will play Robert Carlyle's mother, who cheerfully emasculates him at every turn as his darkest fantasies suddenly become a reality. Ray Winstone and Ewen Bremner are also attached to co-star in supporting roles.

The Long Midnight of Barney Thomson is currently being shopped by Myriad at the European Film Market in Berlin. The film itself will be a Canadian/U.K. co-production, and will begin filming later this year under producers John G. Lenic and Kaleena Kiff through their Trinity Works Entertainment banner.