Tommy Lee Jones Behind the Camera Again

One thing I love about Cannes is not only all of the great film and beautiful locales (and my jealousy), but also the interesting tid-bits of information that seemingly pop up out of nowhere.

If The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada is any indication, not only has Tommy Lee Jones proven himself as an actor (better each year in my opinion), but also as a director. His freshman effort was quite well done and extremely enjoyable as a true contemporary western.

Now, via comingsoon, Hollywood Reporter is mentioning that TLJ is set to write, direct, produce and star in a new adaptation of the Hemmingway novel, “Islands in the Stream.” Since I am too uncultured to bother with the actual reading of a book, here is the general synopsis stolen from elsewhere:

“Islands centers on the various life stages of a reclusive male painter named Thomas Hudson before, during and after World War II after he moves to the Bahamas. Like many Hemingway characters, Hudson, who in the tale has a stint working for the U.S. Navy and also endures a series of family tragedies, leads a complicated emotional life that he hides behind a stony exterior.”

With Morgan Freeman and the underrated John Goodman set to co-star, I see nothing but pure gold here. Without seeing marketing materials, trailer or even a still, I’m on board. Unfortunately we’ll be waiting a while as shooting doesn’t begin until next March. Well, at least I have something to look forward to in late ‘09.