While you may not be familiar with the name Don McCullin, you will certainly recognise his photographs. One of the most revered and celebrated photographers of war, conflict and hardship of recent times, his incredible story will finally play out on the big screen, with Angelina Jolie set to direct and Tom Hardy securing the leading role.
A film adaptation of the British photojournalist's autobiography, titled Unreasonable Behaviour, the film will explore McCullin's extraordinary career, sharing his experiences in the journalism industry, the incredible people and events he witnessed and the stories they have to tell. Unreasonable Behaviour will also delve into the photographer's personal life, including the collapse of his 22-year relationship with his first wife.
“I am humbled to have a chance to bring Don McCullin’s life to film,” shared Jolie in an interview with Variety.
“I was drawn to his unique combination of fearlessness and humanity – his absolute commitment to witnessing the truth of war, and his empathy and respect for those who suffer its consequences. We hope to make a film that is as uncompromising as Don’s photography, about the extraordinary people and events he witnessed, and the rise and fall of a unique era in journalism.”
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Born in London, McCullin began his career working as a photographer's assistant during the Suez crisis, before selling his first photo – of a gang in north London – to the Observer in 1959. From there, he began working as an international correspondent for the Sunday Times Magazine, where he created some of his most memorable work in Vietnam and North Ireland.
British actor Tom Hardy has been set to play the leading role as McCullin, as well as taking on the position of producer. BAFTA-nominated screenwriter Gregory Burk will be producing the screenplay for the film, with McCullin himself featuring as executive producer.
For McCullin, it was Jolie's work adapting Loung Ung’s memoir about life under the Khmer Rouge, First They Killed My Father, that convinced him she was the perfect fit.
“Having viewed Angelina’s last film on Cambodia, and having spent so much time during the war there, I was very impressed at how she made such a powerful and accurate representation of the place at that time," he shared.
"I feel as if I am in safe, capable and professional hands with her."
While there's no official release date for Unreasonable Behaviour just yet, keep an eye on this space for more details to come.
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