Blanchett ("The Aviator," "I'm Not There," "Elizabeth," "Notes on a Scandal") will play Janet, who travels to L.A. for the funeral of her grandfather, a Hollywood visual effects artist whose secrets become a threat to her.
Mamet will also direct the film, which is described as a "Hitchcockian nailbiter." "Blackbird" is produced by SBS Prods. and is scheduled to shoot in Sydney.
Mamet, who took home the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Glengarry Glen Ross, is also the author of The Anarchist, A Life in the Theatre, Race, Oleanna, American Buffalo, Speed-the-Plow, November, The Old Neighborhood and The Water Engine/Mr. Happiness.