I'm generally a bit underwhelmed when high profile biopics are announced. Even if the subject is interesting, the pictures are often formulaic and neutered. That being said, news just dropped that insanely badass and heroic war reporter Marie Colvin's (RIP) life will be adapted for the silver screen staring none of than English rose/portrayer of one of the most terrifying movie characters this side of Leatherface, Rosamund Pike. Sounds quite exciting...
Colvin's career as a journalist took her to conflict zones around the world where she was lauded for her bravery and humane reporting of some of the worst human crises' of the 21st century. She lost sight in her left eye during a shelling while covering the Sri Lankan Civil War in 2001, which resulted in her wearing an eyepatch, and was tragically killed in an explosion while covering the ongoing civil war in Syria in 2012. Hers is a story that has the potential to affect many, both to bear witness to the tragedies of war, but also as inspiration for women working in insanely male dominated professions. Marie Colvin is a 100% Grade A Absolute Badass and I hope the film, written and directed by Cartel Land helmer Matthew Heineman, will do her life justice.
Charlize Theron was attached to a similar project about Colvin's life that never came to fruition. While Theron seems like a perfect choice for the role, Pike's casting is intriguing. We've seen throughout her career that she is an incredibly empathetic character study. While many American audiences were introduced to her as the sociopath Amy Dunne in David Fincher's Gone Girl, her first major breakthrough was her touching and funny supporting role in Lone Scherfig's An Education. If she can bring the intensity of Amy and match it with the heart and spirit of Helen she'll knock it out of the park. Needless to say, if it comes off well this project has "Oscar" written all over it.
Are you familiar with Marie Colvin's life and work? Do you think Pike is the right choice for the role? Sound off!