Natalie Portman spearheading adaptation of Amos Oz novel

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We were sad when “Gone Girl” didn’t happen, but it looks like Natalie Portman might have an even more intriguing project in the works—one that will require a stay in Israel.

According to Haaretz, the Jerusalem-born actress will be back in her hometown to shoot an adaptation of “A Tale of Love and Darkness,” the autobiographical novel by Israeli author  Amos Oz.

Portman is expected to star in, direct, and write the screenplay for the film, which she first expressed interest in adapting six years ago. Back then she discussed filming it in Hebrew, although it’s unconfirmed if that’s still the plan.

The plot, according to the official synopsis: A “movie adaptation of Amos Oz’s autobiography, which takes place in Jerusalem in the second half of the 1940s and focuses on the author’s childhood in light of his mother’s mental illness and his father’s helplessness; in the context of the historic events of the period.” Portman would play Oz’s mother.

Filming is set to begin this winter, so the Holy Land better prepare for some serious paparazzi.

 

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