The last we heard about a planned biopic of war photographer Robert Capa, Michael Mann was planning to direct, with Andrew Garfield and Gemma Arterton were set to star. However that plan was dropped and since then Song For Marion director Paul Andrew Williams has picked up the idea of making a Capa film, and now he’s hired Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell to star, according to Screen Daily.
The film, Close Enough, focuses on Capa’s early years, starting in Paris in 1935 where he is living as a refugee from fascist Hungary. There he meets German Jewish refugee Gerda Taro, with whom he starts a torrid two-year romance. In 1936 the Spanish Civil War breaks out, with Capa and Taro heading off to the frontline to make their names as a war photographers, with tragic consequences.
“The idea of bringing these two iconic, extraordinary characters to the big screen is one I relish, Williams says. “Not only is it a beautiful love story, but Capa and Gerda influenced each other in such a dramatic way that it changed the idea of photo journalism for ever.
“I am more than delighted to be working with Tom and Hayley. After I met with Tom his passion for this project and his commitment to the script and character was so exciting.
“Hayley is someone I have wanted to work with for a long time and after a few near misses we have finally found, what I believe to be, the best project to collaborate on. The chemistry between Capa and Gerda was electric and I have confidence that Tom and Hayley will repeat that chemistry on film.
A June shoot is planned.