BBC - Movies -news article - High Noon

		Gibson's Back Mel Gibson has signed up to star in Edge of Darkness, his first leading role since Signs in 2002. The film is based on a classic BBC miniseries about a police investigator who discovers a web of corruption surrounding the death of his daughter. Martin Campbell, who directed the original series, is behind the camera for the movie. Gibson has kept himself strictly off the celluloid for the last six years, concentrating on directing instead. We wouldn't dream of suggesting that his public exile had anything to do with that unfortunate business with the drink driving and the anti-semitism. In any case, Mel is back. But is the world ready for him?

		Soderbergh Shoots Call Girls Maverick director Steven Soderbergh is making a movie about prostitution. The Girlfriend Experience will focus on the life of a $10,000 a night call girl - and if you have to be a prostitute, this is presumably the kind of gig you want. The title apparently refers to clients who want a woman who will play the role of their girlfriend. According to Variety, Soderbergh is thinking of casting an adult film actress in the role. Fair enough: his usual leading lady Julia Roberts has pretty much nailed the high class call girl role already.

		Coens Burn Venice Following their worldwide success with No Country For Old Men, the Coen Brothers have been asked to open the 65th Venice Film Festival with their latest movie, Burn After Reading. The film sees the Coens returning to comedy, with George Clooney, Brad Pitt and John Malkovich leading an all-star cast. Malk plays a CIA official whose explosive memoirs fall into the hands of a couple of hapless gym employees. Frances McDorman and Tilda Swinton round out the cast. With the Coens back on a roll, we can hardly wait for this one.

		Wolfe In Hollywood Tom Wolfe has given the thumbs up for a movie adaptation of his latest chunky novel, I Am Charlotte Simmonds. According to Variety, the deal marks the first time a Wolfe novel has made it to the screen since 1987's disastrous Bonfire Of The Vanities, so we imagine the author has his fingers firmly crossed. Charlotte Simmonds is the frank adventures of an Ivy League student. Liz Friedlander, who until now is best known for her music video work, will direct. As long as Tom Hanks stays well away from the project, everything should be fine...