I read a lot. Mainly to inspire my writing and help me develop beyond where I am today. But every now and again I read something that touches my core beliefs and desires. Here are three books that I read over and over that would make fantastic movies.
The Broker
The Broker was written by John Grisham. The leader in legal thrillers. Most of his books are set in the back woods of Mississippi, but the plot here is more international in scope and touched my desires to live in a foreign country.
I think the lead character Joel Backman a once powerful Washington insider who tried to broker a deal for a powerful satellite system would have to be played by either Robert DeNiro or Al Pacino. They both exude the confidence needed to play this role as well as the intelligence to make us believe they could pull this off.
Jon Voight would make a good CIA Director being retired after many years of service to several Presidents. He wishes to follow Backman to see who comes after him after botching the sale of the satellite system.
Diane Lane would make an excellent Francesca, an Italian language tutor that Joel falls in love with. She played the lead in Under the Tuscan Sun another film shot in Italy.
Audrey Wells would make a good director for this film as she was the director on Under the Tuscan Sun , which starred Diane Lane. As Ms Wells already has a working relationship with Ms Lane together they could craft a powerful movie.
I believe because it takes place in Italy the scenery and culture would be a wonderful back drop for this great legal thriller. Along with the above cast this movie would be something that is totally different then is currently playing at the theater.
Blue Horizon
Blue Horizon was written by Wilbur Smith. Mr. Smith is known for his adventure novels and this was one of his best.
Blue Horizon takes place in Africa in the early 1700’s. This novel has it all from romance to adventure to war. It follows the lives of two brothers and their father. The father Tom Courtney and his two boys Jim and Dorian work a trading post allowed by the King of England in Africa. Things get upside down quickly though when Jim rescues a female prisoner of the crown from a slave ship. Thus starts the adventure for the family as they scatter across the continent chased by the East India Trading Company looking for Jim and the prisoner.
Russell Crowe would be excellent as Tom Courtney the father with Jim being played by David Beckham and Dorian played by Matt Damon.
Louisa the ex-prisoner that Jim rescues at the anger of the East India Trading Company should be played by Kate Hudson. As her and Jim make their way across Africa running from certain death they fall in love. Besides Kate is a beauty and this dramatic role would be great for her career instead of romance comedy.
I like Doug Liman who directed Matt Damon in The Bourne Identity. I believe this type of high profile adventure needs someone with a vision who can help the actors connect with their audience and deliver an exciting performance.
Driving Force
Driving Force was written by Dick Francis an ex-steeplechase champion and writer of several mystery novels surrounding the horse racing industry. Mr. Francis was inspired to write this mystery novel by his son Merrick who owned a horse transport business.
Young ex-jockey Freddie Croft, the leading role, would be a great part for Hugh Jackman. I like his quiet demeanor and believe he would be perfect in this role as an owner of a horse transport business.
The first mistake here is picking up a hitchhiker which is against the rules as the hitchhiker winds up dead starting a series of issues for Freddie.
Steven Soderbergh who directed Erin Brokovich would be great as the director of this film because of his ability to tell the audience a story at a fast pace while continuing to keep everyone focused.
I enjoyed reading these three books and could not put them down until finished. I think they would be well received by the audiences around the globe as feature films.
