Hold onto your pocket protectors, because Tom Hooper’s making his grand return from the feline fiasco that was “Cats.” This time, he’s tackling the high-stakes world of DNA research with Natalie Portman in “Photograph 51.” Brace yourselves for science, cinema, and possibly more cats. (Just kidding. No more cats.)
A Tale of Twists, Turns, and Double Helices
Hooper is directing a biopic about Rosalind Franklin, the unsung hero behind DNA’s double-helix revelation, because apparently the science awards committee in the sky dropped the ball during her lifetime. Written by Anna Ziegler, the screenplay shines a light on Franklin, affectionately known as the “dark lady of DNA,” who made her groundbreaking discoveries while being overshadowed (perhaps literally and figuratively) by her male counterparts.
The Dream Team Assembles
FilmNation is rolling out the red carpet at Cannes to sell “Photograph 51,” with CAA Media Finance juggling domestic rights with the finesse of a circus monkey on a unicycle. The film is helmed by producers Ben Cosgrove and Mandy Greenfield, with Hooper himself stepping into the production circus tent as well. It’s a kind of déjà vu for Hooper, who waltzed through award season glory previously with “The King’s Speech.”
Just a Dash of Portman
Portman, meanwhile, is using her downtime between starring in “Fountain Of Youth” by Guy Ritchie and “The Gallerist” directed by Cathy Yan to dive into the role of Franklin. Her recent adventures also include actions on Apple TV+ with the series “Lady In The Lake” and the film “May December.” She’s kind of like a chameleon, but without that weird, sticky tongue.
What’s Next?
As 2026 lurks ominously on the horizon, expect “Photograph 51” to elbow its way into award season with the grace of a swan dressed as a T-rex. Will it win? Will it make you weep over DNA sequences? Only time, and maybe a few glittering golden statues, will tell.
In the meantime, ponder why we park on driveways and drive on parkways.
