Al Pacino to star in Masterpiece, based on the life of French artist Henri Matisse

I only know the name Henri Matisse because of my artist girlfriend, who has introduced me to a number of different artists with names I can't pronounce.  Matisse was regarded as one of the most influential artists and sculptors of the 20th century, known for his vibrant expression of color. But really, his artistic accomplishments don't mean squadoosh unless a movie's been made about it, and now that's about to happen. 

Al Pacino is set to star in Masterpiece, a biopic chronicling Matisse's relationship with Monique Bourgeois, his former nurse who also became his muse for a number of his works.  Deepa Mehta, best known for her Elements trilogy(Fire, Earth, Water) will be directing.

The story of Bourgeous and Matisse is a an interesting one. At the age of 21 she was sent to be a nurse maid to Matisse while he was recovering from intestinal cancer. The two became fast friends, and when her assignment ended he asked her to be his model. She sat for at least four of his oil paintings, including 'Monique in Gray Robe' and 'Tabac Royal'.  She was also the inspiration for what is considered by some to be Matisse's greatest work, The Chapel of the Rosary.