Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman go auctioneering

Paramount has won the services of Brad Pitt and Natalie Portman to star in the adaptation of Leanne Shapton’s unusual book.

Written in the form of a Sotheby’s-alike estate catalogue, Important Artefacts And Personal Property From The Collection Of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion And Jewellery, follows the ups and downs of a four-year relationship between a 40-year old photographer and a 20-something food columnist.

Yes, they’re really aiming for blockbuster appeal this time. And we’re going to guess that title will shorten just a little.

Still, Paramount must consider this one important – the studio fought a bidding war for the book rights and plans to develop the tale as a romantic comedy.

Next week, expect Warners to announce competing project Eggs, Crisps, Wine and Cigs: The Shopping List Of A Man In Canterbury Who Prefers Sainsbury’s To Tesco’s.