While Agatha Christie’s grandson spoke enthusiastically about Michelle’s casting, MGM, the studio behind the remake, never confirmed the story. Michelle’s involvement in the project remains highly doubtful.

Michelle’s involvement in Chasing Montana, however, is another story. In March, it was officially announced that Michelle had signed to star in the drama. Scripted, once again, by David E Kelley, Montana is rumoured to have been written especially for Michelle.  

In the film, Michelle would play a doctor who vacations with her father (also a doctor) in rustic Montana. While holidaying, the father-daughter team are forced to re-evaluate their lives and relationship through a series of touching, sometimes humorous, incidents. 

Critically acclaimed Danish director Susanne Bier (Open Hearts, Brothers) is currently in pre-production on the film, which is likely to begin filming in Calgary, Canada sometime in the first half of 2005. This is once the father of Michelle's character has been cast. 

While the pedigree of everyone involved in Montana is encouraging, so too is the fact that Focus Features is behind the film. The independent film production company has, in recent years, produced and distributed a number of small-scale gems, including the Oscar-winning The Pianist, and Lost in Translation. Montana’s executive producer, David L Bushell, was also behind the critically-acclaimed Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, another Focus success story. 

The final “new project” for Michelle surfaced in September. Half way through the month, rumours started circulating that Michelle had joined the cast of Liberating Paris, a drama to be based on the novel by Linda Bloodworth Thomason.  

As it turned out, the rumours were started largely by Bloodworth Thomason, herself, as she spoke in interviews about her ideal cast for a film version of her story. Michelle is Bloodworth Thomason’s first choice to play the character of Milan, one of six smalltown friends coping with secrets, memories and infidelities as they approach middle age.  

Development Status of Old Projects  2004 also produced some brand new information on projects Michelle has been linked to in the past.  In 2001, it was rumoured that Michelle was going to star in the dark family fantasy, Coraline. Coraline, based on the children’s book by Neil Gaiman, chronicles the adventures of a little girl who opens a door in her home to discover a fantastic parallel world where all her dreams come true. The only thing is, her “other” mother in this parallel world is a sinister, possessive creature with buttons for eyes. Michelle was to play the dual role of Coraline’s mother and “other” mother.   Nothing more substantial was heard about Coraline, the movie, until 2004. Now, it looks like the film will finally happen, but be animated instead of live-action. Nightmare Before Christmas director Henry Selick will direct the project, which is being produced by Pandemonium Films in conjunction with animation house, Vinton Studios.  This does not mean to say that Michelle might not still be involved. The film-makers could take the approach adopted in Selick’s James and the Giant Peach, where the film was split between live-action and stop-motion. Time will tell whether Coraline will receive a similar treatment.   Back in April 2003, Michelle officially attached herself to romantic comedy She’s Gone, to be developed by Beacon Films and Disney.

Michelle at a New York tribute to  fashion designer Giorgio Armani in October

Michelle was to play a woman whose marriage to her high school sweetheart is on the rocks. Her husband decides to leave, but not before arranging for another man to seduce Michelle’s character. When the husband’s plan starts to work, however, he realises he still loves his wife, setting the scene for a complicated love triangle. 

Since April 2003, various tidbits of information on She’s Gone have emerged, including rumours that Richard Gere was considering the role of Michelle’s husband. In 2004, South American director Juan Jose Campanella was named the film's director. But once again, the lack of any further, solid news suggests the film’s development has stalled once again. Michelle may even have gone from the project. No one is talking.     

Michelle’s Personal Life in 2004 

May saw Michelle and David appear at Earth to LA, a charity event benefiting the Natural Resources Defense Council.  

In October, Michelle and David were present at the Brady Center to Prevent Gun Violence Benefit, held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. Finally, on 28 October, Michelle appeared, along with director Martin Scorsese and other celebrities, at a New York tribute to fashion designer Giorgio Armani- Michelle’s favourite designer. The tribute was entitled The Fashion Group International's 21st Annual Night of Stars.  

In a final note on Michelle’s personal life in 2004: On 13 November, Michelle and David celebrated their 11^th wedding anniversary.