Slashdot Mirror
De Niro Seeks Science-Oriented Film Scripts
farrellj writes "According to this CBC story it seems that De Niro is looking for the next 'A Beautiful Mind, Memento or Good Will Hunting.' The script must have a scientist, mathematician or engineer as the lead charactor...And a finished script with synopsis and writer's resume must be in by Nov. 1. Submission info in the CBC story above.
Now, who is writing the 'Cowboy Neal saves the world' script? "
In what way was Memento a science-oriented film? How does it fit in with Good Will Hunting or A Beautiful Mind (which was good mostly due to Jennifer Connley -- how did she stay so damn good looking?).
Every year during my review, I just pray the words "slashdot.org" aren't mentioned.
If he were Indian (or looked anything like G.H. Hardy to play another role), I think the movie of Ramanujan would be greatly impressive if done right. Read "The Man Who Knew Infinity", it's a good story.
I'd love to see a film showing the madness of the inventors at PARC inventing the future in which we now live. As far as characters you've got 'em in spades telling that story ! Butler Lampson, Bob Metcalf, Alan Kay, Gary Starkwheather...there's probably be a number of movies and stories you could tell. Not sure how compelling it might be a lay populace, but with characters that strong a writer might should (I would suppose) be able to taylor a story with commercial appeal...
Quod scripsi, scripsi.
In what way was Memento a science-oriented film?
It wasn't and I'd wager that De Niro et. al don't really want a film about science or even about scientists. What they want is another standard Hollywood film (note that the 'prize', if you win, is help developing their scripts from filmmakers. That means the same morons who put out crap every year are going to help you "improve" your story.) that has the gimmick of having a scientist in it. Why? Because any reviewer who sees the film and likes it will inevitably draw comparisons or make some comment about A Beautiful Mind even if the only similiary is that both films star a scientist or mathematician. People will read the review and say to themselves "Hey, I liked A Beautiful Mind, so I'll probably like this new movie as well." This is a standard trick in Hollywood -- try to associate your crap movie with something the audience already has a fondness for.
A Beautiful Mind (which was good mostly due to Jennifer Connley -- how did she stay so damn good looking?).
You ever see her in "Career Opportunities"? You think she looks good now at 30-something, you should see her in that film when she was 21 or 22. Yow!
GMD
watch this
How about what didn't make it to the front page: Robot To Explore Mysterious Pyramid Passage.
They should turn in their geek license for relegating that story off the front page.
Note that there is live TV coverage of the exploration! (Monday/Fox/8pm)
Sometimes it's best to just let stupid people be stupid.
"Actor Robert De Niro is inviting screenwriters with an interest in science to send their scripts to his film production company."
"Two winning writers will get financial assistance, along with help developing their scripts from filmmakers and scientists. At least one of the scripts will be read at De Niro's Tribeca Film Festival in 2003, and a film based on one of the screenplays will debut at the 2004 festival."
Aside from the inane comments of Doron Weber, this sounds like a great opportunity for aspiring screenplay writers. And I love the fact that they are promoting science (definitely something in this country that needs MASSIVE PROMOTION!)
I do hope that De Niro stays away from the "Hackers" / "Gen X" type kiddie movies that promote large corporations and their view, rather than the truth; and goes for something serious and honest... maybe a story based on Kevin Mitnick or something chronicling the birth of the Internet (definitely room for characterization...) or a comedy based on BOFH.
I don't think Depp would turn it into a cartoon, necessarily, unless Burton directed. Depp really does have the chops, witness "What's Eating Gilbert Grape."
Another interesting tidbit for inclusion would have to be Tesla's long and fairly close friendship with Mark Twain, of all people.
"Oh, well I'm sorry if you don't appreciate my random murders!" - Crow T. Robot,