Rumors have been flying around Hollywood and the publishing industry over the past couple of days; USA Today confirms that the upcoming biography by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Stacy Schiff Cleopatra: A Life (November 2010 | Little, Brown | 384 pages) has been optioned for a movie by Scott Rudin. I picked up an ARC of Cleopatra: A Life during BEA, and its one of the many books I took home that I am most eagerly looking forward to reading. Look for my review closer to publication day (November 1st).
Rudin envisions Angelina Jolie in the title role, and says that he is creating the movie “for and with Jolie,” who I believe has the potential as an actress to show audiences a more complex side to Egypt’s enigmatic Queen. With such an epic storyline (and such big shoes to fill left by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, who starred the 1963 film), Jolie and the screenwriters will have some incredible material to work with. Time will tell how Jolie and her director actually decide to approach the role, and if it will be a great success, or a disappointing flop like Alexander, Oliver Stone’s 2004 period drama also starring Jolie and set in ancient Egypt. I plan to see the film regardless of what critics say, but have high hopes that Cleopatra will be done justice by Hollywood’s retelling of events. I would imagine that so long as author Schiff is allowed to have a strong voice in the historical portrayals of the film, the Queen of the Nile very well may go down in history as one of Jolie’s greatest roles yet.
Elizabeth Taylor in Cleopatra (1963); Angelina Jolie as Queen Olpymias in Alexander
Oh I would LOVE to see that! To be honest Jolie does nothing for me, but I really can't think of another actress that would fit the bill.Crossing fingers that this one will be awesome!
I'm going to have to pick this book up. It looks interesting.
I think Angelina will be GREAT in the role of Cleopatra. I cannot WAIT to read this one!
I'll be interested to hear what you think about the book. The cover of this really caught my eye a few months ago and when I first saw it I figured it would be a fiction book. I'm not a huge fan of Jolie, but I can see her in that role and I would probably go see the movie.
I really hope they don't pick Jolie…I can't stand her as an actress! But I would love to see this movie. Thanks for the info Allie.
I can just visualise Jolie in this movie. She kind of sinuous and sensual so should suit this to a T!
Surely there are other actresses with the skill, talent and looks who could at least be considered for the role! Jolie does nothing for me either!
I don't know that much about Cleopatra so I am really looking forward to reading this book. It will be fun to have a movie comparison , even though we will probably have to wait quite some time.
It would be nice to have a quality, accurate movie about this woman. I'll keep my fingers crossed they do a good job.
Wow, the book is not even out yet and they want to make a movie about it! I would love to read this book. Ever since I read The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran earlier this year I have been obsessed with Ancient Egypt, even watching documentaries on pyramids!
I love Angelina and I think she sometimes doesn't get the acting credit she deserves. I really hope this film does wonders for her and Cleopatra's story.