PJ Harvey Makes Film Debut Of Biblical Proportions
Polly Jean Harvey has completed her first-ever acting role,
starring in Hal Hartley’s biblical espionage thriller The Book
Of Life.
The cathartic singer/songwriter, known for her searing lyrics
and blues-rock backings, plays Magdalena, Jesus Christ’s bodyguard,
in the 60-minute film, part of a series of shorts commissioned by
ARTE, a French and German arts channel.
Harvey has also written new music for the movie, which features
Martin Donovan as Jesus Christ. The Book Of Life is
scheduled to premiere in France this fall, although it will likely
be shown at film festivals before then.
In addition, Harvey’s as-yet-untitled fifth studio album,
currently in its finishing stages, will be released by Island later
this year. Harvey and Hartley struck up a friendship when he used
her single “Water,” from her 1995 set To Bring You My
Love, in his film The Amateur.