Jolie's mighty assignment

by RICHARD JONES

JOURNALISTS can embroil themselves in some sticky situations, particularly those posted on overseas assignments.

Such was the case with Daniel Pearl, a Karachi-based reporter for the Wall Street Journal. Michael Winterbottom's film A Mighty Heart concerns itself not so much with Pearl's kidnapping in 2002 by jihad extremists, but with the attempts by his family members and Pakistan authorities to track him down.

Pearl's pregnant wife Mariane (Angelina Jolie) and her friend Asra (Archie Panjabi) swing into action using their skills as journalists.

A Pakistani police captain (Irfan Khan) along with FBI agents, diplomatic officials including the US consul (Will Patton) and intelligence operatives use Asra's house as a command post. Mariane is the "mighty heart" of the film's title. She refuses to be cowed or crushed despite the turmoil raging around her and the at times out-of-control behaviour exhibited by those involved in the search for Daniel.

Angelina Jolie turns in a marvellous performance as the distraught but focused wife.

6 December 2007

australianrules.com.au

Disclaimer