Laura Dern, Elias Koteas and Scott Caan have joined the cast of Artisan Entertainment's dark comedy Novocaine which began principal photography this week in Chicago.

The film, which toplines Steve Martin and Helena Bonham Carter, is written and directed by David Atkins, previously best known as the screenwriter of Emir Kusturica's Arizona Dream.

Martin plays an unassuming dentist with a beautiful fiance (Dern) and a wealthy lifestyle. However, everything is turned upside down with the appearance of his wayward brother (Koteas) and a seductive new patient (Bonham Carter). Caan plays Martin's explosive younger brother.

The film is produced by Paul Mones and Daniel Rosenberg. Michele Weisler is executive producer. Artisan president Amir Malin and vice president of acquisitions and production Rachel Cohen brought the project into the company and will oversee production. ICM's Chris Andrews, Leora Bloch and Doug MacClaren were instrumental in setting the project up.