As Hollywood clamors to get some of America’s hard earned cash in these economically strapped days, it needs to focus on making movies that will be marketed to the entire family. Families seemed to spend more time together, when times are tough. And why should film makers wait for original screenplays when there are fabulous books out there just waiting to be picked up by content conscious producers. Three of those are mentioned here.
“The Shack”, written by William Paul Young ( www.theshackbook.com ), is not only an incredible book that gives the reader a new look at God and how the whole “God thing” could work, but the author’s personal story is also compelling. Further the 13 rejections (or something like that) from publishers both Christian and secular that led to the self publication of the book is an incredible testament to perseverance.
The role of God, The Father, who is actually portrayed in the book as an elderly black woman should be played by no one other than Della Reese. Having seen her cast in several “spiritual” roles she is whom I picture when reading the books’ description of God. After seeing “The Passion of The Christ”, no one else but Jim Caviezal could play Jesus, an overall wearing handy man type character. Mack is the lead character whose relationship with God became ineffective and stale after the disappearance and presumed death of his daughter. This role should go to a forty something actor who is not too well known. The character needs to be vulnerable and sincere, yet troubled. My choice for director would be Tyler Perry, as his multiple block buster movies all deal with underlying issues of faith. Further he is fantastic at casting actors who are not too well known, but who are fabulous talents!
Ted Dekker’s Circle Trilogy is a book series that just begs for an epic movie series. Thomas Hunter hits his head and false asleep to dream about a world in which he seems to be able to stay if he will not dream while sleeping in that world. It’s a compelling story in which Thomas travels between worlds to save our modern day world from a virus that threatens to kill everyone on the planet. This trilogy could be on the level of “The Lord of The Rings” trilogy if placed in the right hands. I would love to see Steven Spielberg or James Cameron take this one on with the lead character played by Chris O’Donnell. He has that rugged, good guy face that I envisioned while reading this series.
Ted Dekker has screenplay experience as his novel “Three” was made into a feature film in 2007.
Francine Rivers’ “Redeeming Love” is an epic novel that is on the level of Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind”. Angel is a prostitute in 1850’s California where gold is plentiful and she is a commodity. Michael Hosea wants to change that, he wants to marry her. But the scars of abuse, and distrust for men make Angel run from his unconditional love.
Nick Cassavetes (Director of “The Notebook”) knows how to direct a romantic movie that grips the heart and keeps us coming back for more. He would be my pick to direct a movie based on this novel. Interesting enough I picture Ryan Gosling as the longsuffering farmer, Michael Hosea. Gosling just does longsuffering so well. Opposite Ryan Gosling, I would cast Catalina Sandino Moreno. Her exotic looks and already proven ability to take on deeply emotional roles makes her perfect for a role such as Angel
