Director James Mangold is looking to get back to the biopic business with Seducing Ingrid Bergman, a project about an affair the iconic Casablanca actress had after World War II.
The film, written by Arash Amel, will tell the story of Bergman’s affair with war photographer Robert Capa in 1945. This was just before the wholesome image that Hollywood cultivated for the Swedish star was destroyed by her relationship with director Roberto Rossellini. That affair gained so much attention that the U.S. Senate actually took time to denounce her.
According to Deadline, the film will be financed by YRF Entertainment. The site reports that Mangold wanted to go with the more interesting title Blood And Champagne, but that idea was vetoed.
Mangold has directed a biopic before, helming Walk The Line, which starred Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash. Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for her performance as June Carter Cash. Mangold also directed Angelina Jolie to an Oscar win in Girl, Interrupted.
However, Mangold’s recent efforts have been in the action realm. He just directed Hugh Jackman in The Wolverine and is set to direct another Wolverine movie, which is set to start filming next year.
Hopefully Seducing turns out better than Amel’s last produced screenplay. Grace of Monaco turned out so bad that it was dumped on Lifetime.