Edsel’s historical source material chronicles the efforts of the “Monuments Men”: a group of American and British art historians/museum curators who rally to recover art stolen by the Third Reich before it is destroyed – as members of Hitler’s regime rush to cover their tracks during the final days of WWII. Deadline says Damon’s up to join the supporting cast for Clooney’s adaptation, which includes Daniel Craig (Skyfall), Bill Murray (Hyde Park on Hudson) and Cate Blanchett (The Hobbit).
Clooney’s film could focus more on the theme of international cooperation than Ben Affleck’s current Oscar-contender Argo does, but unfold as a similar white-knuckle historical thriller driven by extraordinary circumstances. Affleck (the director) has an edge on Clooney (the filmmaker) in this area, as the latter tends to get by more on the strengths of his cast and script (see: The Ides of March) – rather than his skills behind the camera (in this writer’s opinion, anyway). However, Monuments Men has a pretty terrific acting ensemble – and the script Clooney co-penned with Grant Heslov should be solid – so that bodes well.
