As reported by OnTheWight earlier this year, a script written by Cowes-based writer and actor Joe Bone is the first feature film directed by Mackenzie Crook.
The Pillingers’ true story
Mars Express is based on Colin Pillinger’s book My Life On Mars: The Beagle 2 Diaries. The film tells the extraordinary true story of Colin and Judith Pillinger, two scientists who made it their mission to find life on Mars. Toby Jones and Emily Watson playing the married couple.
‘A complete honour’
Filming for Mars Express has just wrapped, and Mackenzie has heaped on the praise for Joe’s writing.
In a statement, he called it a “funny, poignant and inspiring film”, explaining.
“It’s a complete honour to be telling the extraordinary story of Colin Pillinger and Beagle 2 for my first feature film as director.
“Joe Bone’s beautiful script has made it easy to attract some of the best names in the business to join our brilliantly creative team and I’m thrilled to be working once again with my friend Toby Jones.”
Joe Bone’s film career
It’s not the first feature-length film written by Joe Bone. He co-wrote The Vanishing, which starred Peter Mullan, Gerard Butler and Connor Swindells, which was rated 4/5 stars by The Times.
The official synopsis
The official synopsis for Mars Express reads,
“Mid-90s Britain. Planetary scientists Professor Colin Pillinger and his wife Doctor Judith Pillinger set out to build the Beagle 2 probe to go to Mars in search of organic life.
“With his mutton chops and strong West Country accent, Colin was an unlikely scientific hero. He and Judith owned an idyllic farm in the English countryside where they kept dairy cattle and other assorted animals.
“With little previous experience of building a space craft, they pulled together a team of mavericks who took on NASA and almost won.”
