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Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Angelina Jolie is so well known as an iconic sex symbol that she was Hollywood's natural choice for an upcoming 2013 "Cleopatra" remake. Her name is still connected to that project, at least on IMDB, but the "Tourist" star recently remarked during a lunch interview with the Financial Times that she sees more directing and less acting in her crystal ball.
It is obviously something she has discussed with her mate, Brad Pitt, since she includes him in the prognosis, saying they both had a great run and it's now time to look at other endeavors.Pitt has already been actively producing films since 2006, taking a leading role in several of his projects, including his latest, World War Z.
A good omen indeed, but is this a viable career move for the 35-year-old former action star? How many other actresses will ever come close to matching the record of actress and director, Ida Lupino? Lupino was the first female director in Hollywood. Her lengthy directing credits include feature films, including 1953's "The Hitch-Hiker," also the first film noir directed by a woman. She directed episodes of over 30 television series.
She took on the directing challenge in 1991 with "Little Man Tate," also starring in the comedy/drama. Foster's next directing job came in 1995 with "Home for the Holidays." The other cap Foster wore on this one was producer, not actress. "The Beaver" (2011) starring Mel Gibson and Foster, is the latest movie directed by the 48-year-old actress, and she co-starred in it as well.Canadian actress, Sarah Polley also began her acting career as a child and continued successfully into adult roles. She sat in the director's chair for the first time on a couple of shorts in 1991. With 3 other directing credits under her belt, Polley has just completed directing "Take This Waltz," starring Seth Rogen, Michelle Williams and Sarah Silverman.
Anjelica Huston has tried her hand at directing twice, and so has Melissa Gilbert. Their last efforts occurred about a decade ago. Gwyneth Paltrow also tried her hand at directing a short called "Dealbreaker" in 2005.Whether Jolie turns out to be a dabbler or a serious director, "In the Land of Blood and Honey" certainly is an ambitious start, reflecting serious social concerns.
