Polanski's life set for film

A film about the life of fugitive filmmaker Roman Polanksi is being developed by xXx director Rob Cohen.

It will trace the Polish-born Polanski’s life from the tragic murder of his wife, actress Sharon Tate; his direction of Chinatown; his decision to flee America to avoid a prison sentence for rape; and his Oscar win for directing The Pianist.

“I’ve always felt that Roman has never got a fair shot and I wanted to be part of a movie that would clarify his situation in hopes that it might stimulate some help to get him cleared and able to work in Hollywood again,” Cohen tells Daily Variety.

“He is one of the great filmmakers of our time and he should be able to come back.”

Cohen said he has not talked with Polanski about the project and insisted it would be not Polanski propaganda.

“We want to make a very provocative movie about an artist who has had a very colourful and tragic life, but who has shown courage and strength in continuing to persevere,” he said.