The film is based on the true story of Richard Leakey, a Kenyan conservationist and paleoanthropologist, and his struggle against ivory poachers’ in his attempt to protect Kenya’s African elephant population. Seems like the perfect movie for Jolie, who said, via Variety:
“I’ve felt a deep connection to Africa and its culture for much of my life, and was taken with Eric’s beautiful script about a man drawn into the violent conflict with elephant poachers who emerged with a deeper understanding of man’s footprint and a profound sense of responsibility for the world around him…”
Alright. I know the outspoken Honorary Dame Angelina Jolie has done a considerable amount of humanitarian work in African countries like Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Sudan. But again, for the folks at home, Africa is not a single place nor is it a monolithic culture, and to name a movie based on a struggle specific to Kenya “Africa” seems a bit reckless.
Still, I am sure Jolie will do a fine job with the story and script.
Image via AP.
