Set to begin filming this month is Amelia, a biopic about aviation heroine and larger-than-life historical figure of some controversy, Amelia Earhart. Cast as the titular character is Hilary Swank, who continues her streak of playing tough girls (and boys) who defy convention before meeting an untimely end. Physically speaking, Swank looks like a good choice to play the "tomboy" aviatrix, although there's no word yet on how close filmmakers will be sticking to historical details. Earhart, suffering from repeated bouts of severe sinusitis (which has to suck for a pilot), sometimes had a drainage tube coming out of her face to let out the accumulated mucus. As I mentioned earlier this month, one way for actors to get respect is to get ugly, but copious oozing might be pushing the gritty boundaries of reality just a tad. Not that Swank is hurting for respect after winning two Oscars. Although maybe it wouldn't hurt to build up the stores a bit, in case there's another The Reaping in her future.

Tags: Amelia, Hilary Swank