Angelina Jolie Sued for Allegedly Stealing Plot for Film
Credit: Lester Cohen/Wireimage
For her latest project, Angelina Jolie has switched up her post to behind the camera as director and writer of In the Land of Blood and Honey. But even though the film has yet to hit theaters (it's out December 23), the flick is causing Jolie to already feel some heat.
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In legal documents obtained by Radar, the 36-year-old star is being sued by Croatian journalist and author James J. Braddock, who claims that the actress stole the plot line for her film from an article he wrote and published in 2007.
VIDEO: Watch the trailer for In the Land of Blood and Honey
In the romantic drama, a Serbian man (Goran Kostic) falls in love with a Bosnian-Muslim woman (Zana Marjanovic) before 1992's Bosnian War separates them.
"The film is specific to the Bosnian War, but it's also universal," Jolie has said. "I wanted to tell a story of how human relationships and behavior are deeply affected by living in side a war."
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Radar writes, "As an example of the similarities between the story he published and the storyline of the film, the lawsuit states, 'The Subject Work's main female character is subject to continuous abuse and rape by soldiers and officers in the camp. In addition to being raped continuously by soldiers and officers, she is forced to become a servant at the camp headquarters, a duty assumed by very few of the captives. The Motion Picture’s main female character is also subject to continuous rape by soldiers and officers in the camp and subsequently becomes a servant at camp headquarters.'"
In the Land of Blood and Honey is Jolie's second directorial project and her debut as a screenwriter.
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11@Faye Tucker. really? You sat with her in her attic while she was sick and watched her write it? Please, anyone can say that. I don't know if she wrote it or not, but I read his story, and it does seem like Angelina copied it. It could just be coincedence, but they are strikingly similar. I hope that he gets a voice to speak out about this, and that he doesn't become muffeled just because she's a celebrity.
Actually, he's been trying to talk to her for years. He even addressed a public letter to her with no answer. His website is several years old. I do agree you can chose not to see this film. It's disappointing celebrities have so much power over the press. This guy should have his day in court and an interview. I would like to hear his side of the story. Angelina is a hugh star. She will survive. Why not give this guy an interview so we can hear what he has to say.Also, it's not just his synopsis from his book that Angelina is using. She is also using the title of her film from Creveld's book and her art for her movie poster is similar to Soul Shattering's cover. There's alot that is not original here.
I don't think she "stole" it. Everyone who reads the papers or books or watches the news and tv are inspired to either make a movie of it or use it in some way. Unless this guy had a copyright on it, then maybe he would have a leg to stand on. But this sort of issue has been going on since the beginning of wars. The aggressors always seem to take advantage of the ones they are fighting against. And while her movie may not be an orginal idea, she should be allowed to tell it if she choses. You can see it or not, that it up to you. I also find that this movie has been in the making for the last few years, and ONLY now this guy is sueing her. Why not when she first started the directing the movie?? Insteresting.
I've seen this kind of cases in Every WARS all over the world. I do not blame anybody but war itself. because noone change the history but the future.
Well, maybe some good could come out of this. James Braddock could have his voice heard about issues within his own country. The title of Jolie's film is similar to another author. "The Land of Blood and Honey" by Martin Creveld. The synopsis is similar to James Braddock's book. The newly released poster for Jolie's" In The Land of Blood and Honey" is eerily similar to the cover of James Braddock's book "Soul Shattering". I do agree ideas are up for grabs, but Jolie needs more experience in this field. Nothing about this film is orginal so far. I have seen tons of media on Jolie's part due to her celebrity status. I hope James Braddock will have his voice heard too in an interview. He atleast could talk about issues being exploited within his own country. I read he is an attorney at law, so I would definately watch or read that interview. Since, Jolie has said she doesn't want to take sides and remain nuetral, why not give this man a chance to be heard? I applaud US Weekly for bringing this story to light. Too many times the little guys are ignored or push away as insignificant.
who gives a sh**
she stole it stop trying to justify it
It happens all the time, It is just piblicity for the movie!!!!
This is not true, Angelina wrote this script while she was recovering from the flu in the attic of her house. While the rest of us feel horrible when down with the flu Angelina becomes most inspired and draft masterpieces in two days. She's my literary inspiration, not Steven Spielberg. Stay strong Angelina and tomorrow you can write another masterpiece about your challenges from being sued by another.
I think sole a plot line might be harsh. She might have read it then become inspiried to write something about it. It is not uncommon for writers to get their inspiration from multiple sources.
So US Weekly brought this story over from Radar online. I'll believe it when it is major news.