In 1962, biologist Rachel Carson published Silent Spring, her seminal work on the effects pollution has on humans and the environment. Among its achievements, the book influenced a ban of the dangerous, widely used pesticide DDT, also laying the foundation for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Now, fifty years later, Carson’s story is getting the big screen treatment.
Variety reports that producer Robert Chartoff (Rocky, The Right Stuff) and his company, Chartoff Productions, acquired rights to Silent Spring, with the intention of depicting Carson’s four-year struggle to write and publish the revolutionary book. The author’s story of triumph and tragedy has all the elements for a compelling biopic – her controversial research came under attack by the U.S. government and the chemical industry, who led a campaign to try and discredit her findings. She overcame the obstacles, but just months after her book hit shelves – unofficially making her the mother of the modern environmental movement — she died of breast cancer.
The project is a personal one for Chartoff, who’s involved with environmental organizations that promote preservation and sustainable development. It also marks the second adaptation the Raging Bull producer is currently working on, along with Summit’s feature production of Orson Scott Card‘s futuristic sci-fi novel, Ender’s Game, which is slated to open on November 1st, 2013.
Do you think Carson’s story will make an interesting film?