Actress Angelina Jolie is known these days as much for her on-screen work as her humanitarian efforts, and her next project will combine both.
THR reports that Jolie is attached to star in the biopic Gertrude Bell, based on the life of the English writer, archaeologist and explorer known for her British Intelligence work in the Middle East during the early 20th Century. Her intelligence work was instrumental in administering the creation of the modern state of Iraq after the end of the Ottoman Empire. Despite traveling and working in a predominantly male world, Bell has been described as "one of the few representatives of His Majesty's Government remembered by the Arabs with anything resembling affection".
Screenwriter Jeffrey Caine (The Constant Gardener) is working to tailor the script for Jolie, which could be directed by Ridley Scott (Gladiator), who is already producing through his Scott Free production company. Reportedly, the movie is one of three projects Scott might direct after he finishes his upcoming sci-fi epic Prometheus, the sort-of prequel to his classic movie, Alien. According to the report, Scott is also looking at directing the drama Gucci, which would follow the famous fashion family through the 1970's and 80's, as well as serial killer mystery Child 44, which is set in Stalinist Russia.
Jolie is also set to appear in a sequel to last year's Salt.
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