A Wretched Man Movie?
About six weeks ago, I was contacted by a Hollywood screenwriter who expressed interest in adapting A Wretched Man, a novel of Paul the apostle into a screenplay. Following discussions and negotiations, we have today reached agreement. The screenwriter, who has been in the movie industry for nearly a decade, shares my vision and passion. In his first email to me, the screenwriter commented:
I am fascinated by the story and believe that it could make a really intriguing film—something independent, honest, touching … a film that takes these Biblical giants and makes them accessible, human, and endearing. What I like about your take on the story is that when Paul is wounded—it actually seemed to hurt. I think a movie like that would speak to many.
Whether A Wretched Man reaches the silver screen or not remains a long shot. After a screenplay is completed, the screenwriter must then persuade a producer or other monied interests to invest in a film, but I am convinced that the screenwriter has the appropriate experience, expertise, and contacts to give it a good shot.
Indulge me in a bit of fantasy. For those of you who have read the book, what actor should play the role of Paulos? Shall I, a la Hitchcock, play a cameo role? Perhaps the character of Eli the sage? Or Jubilees, the phantom seer?
Fabulous news, Obie! That’s terrific! I’m hoping to see the movie in a few years.
OK. Cameo? Well, I think Hitchcock was a bit more famous than you, and not as good looking, so you’d have to ask if you’d be going for comedy, like he did, or something different.
If a truly wretched man were to play the role of Paulos, Charlie Sheen is one possibility that comes to mind. Mel Gibson another. Oh, wait. . . .
I think I’ll have to give this some more thought.
Congrats!
@David Severtson
Whatever happened to the lost original edition in your novel?
Obie, My wife Beth & I met you in Minneapolis during Synod Convention and have loved your book. Of course You must have a cameo! May I make a plug for myself, too! I am an actor here in the Midwest and would be interested in this project! I gave you my card but all my previous work may be viewed in the Videos section of my Website:www.chaseact.com Thank you, John Chase
Here are responses sent to me via email:
Byrne said: I’m not an avid movie goer, but Paul should be played by a muscular longshoreman type man with a weather-lined face. Maybe a Rocky type guy.
Don said: Paulos…Robert Duvall………….congratulations
John said: In a bit of whimsy, my first thought to play Paul was (except that he’s dead) Leslie Neilsen. Then, more seriously, Jeremy Irons…..he can do that “sick cow” look soooo well.
Roger said: Oh my goodness! This is amazing. How wonderful the offer must make you feel. Congratulations on another step.
Jerry said: Good luck on this nifty possibility! A writer’s dream . . . .
Glen said: This movie stuff is great news, even if it doesn’t come to fruition.
@John Chase
Yes, I recall, and if memory serves you are tall and thin like the novel’s description of Paul. Pointed nose?
Wow, Obie – we’re impressed!
Obie, this is fantastic! I hope this dream comes true as your story has spiritually moved and historically stimulated many of our study group’s participants. It has also provoked and given depth to their thoughts as we continue our study of Paul’s letters.
Congratulations on being considered!!! Cameo, maybe!fun to think about.
Gary
This is fantastic. To play Paul you would need someone who will not be upset or give up because of what people say. The first person I thought of was Clint Eastwood. I think you would have a lot of fun playing Eli.
Congratulations, Obie! don’t know that you would remember me, but i was a part of the Thursday morning Blue monday crew intermittently….and i think Gerard Butler would be quite good as Paulos….
and you ABSOLUTELY should have at LEAST a cameo….again, congratulations!!!!! peace, judy
Congratulations, Obie! Well deserved honor.
Who to play Paul: Dustin Hoffman, Jeremy Irons, Anthony Hopkins, all came to mind.
Gee, we knew you when!?
Blessings
Ellen Johnson
@Judy Gustafson
Judy, of course I remember you, and the Blue Monday group took a big hit when you moved on. I also remember a brief conversation in the Boe Chapel (Easter vigil) when you suggested you had started the novel, and I regretted missing the opportunity for more indepth discussions with you.
Wow Obie! This is a great thing! I know this will both challenge and affirm viewers. Even with the same person
Peace!
Obie, I really hope that this will be made into a movie!! I would like to see how people would respond to a different view than they are used to seeing Paul. I loved all of it, because it made Paul real just like we are! I don’t know who work as the actor, but maybe Tom Cruise for the older Paul. I don’t know about the younger Paul. Thanks for your work. Pastor Freddie
Obie:
This is wonderful. I have thought of this often, especially after your presentation to our group, and wondered what it would take for that to happen. I hope it does.
Dear Obie.
I’ve given away all the copies I bought the day you were here, and have had many thanks. I think A Wretched Man would make a terrific movie. Don’t let them water it down or diminish its subtlety. (The way you introduced Paul’s gradual recognition of his sexual orientation was subtle, and realistic.) I almost never get to see a movie, but I’d come to this one. Avy
Congratulations! I hope it comes about for you–what a great book!
Congrats Obie! How about Eric Bana as Paulos? As far as a cameo for you, I think Jubilees would be great!
Russell
What great news for a fine fellow. I’ll keep my fingers crossed. Sorry to hear that you might be moving-Keith said to Chicago. We’ll miss you in action at BLC.
Hello, Obie-
We met last year at CTA. My husband read your book in one day and was thrilled. His suggestion is Sean Conery (I personally think a little old), but a Sean Conery character anyway. Congratulations! Yes, a cameo for you as well! Linda Pinto
Congratulations, Obie! I don’t have any other good suggestions for who should play Paul. I kind of like someone’s suggestion that it should be Jeremy Irons.
Fantastic, but save yourself some grief and stay out of Hollywood. It is toxic! My choice is F. Murray Abraham, the star of Amadeus who plays the pious Salieri. His piety touched me deeply. He also played Ghandi. He’s good at religious figures. And I definitely think you should play a cameo. Is that why the beard? LOL
What a great opportunity Obie. Your book would make a great movie. I hope that Paul would be played by someone who looks Jewish. I am not up on who that would be these days but I am not thrilled with white Europeans playing in Biblical movies.
@ Gary Heald, Ben Kingsley played Gandhi.
As far as who would play Paul – Lily has a good point, but I think Ian McKellan would be intriguing. That would really depend more on who would direct (which I think is the bigger question).
WOW! Obie let’s HOPE it comes to pass! Diane has a good suggestion with Jeremy Irons. He even looks like how we picture those guys, ‘cept they’re taller now than they were then. Good luck and God bless!
Just be careful, Obie. Another LRRP of my acquaintance worked as a screen writer in Hollywood for many years. He ended many stories about his experiences there with the warning, “Producers LIE!”
Tony is probably right. I have a step-grandson working out there reading scripts and telling the producer he works for if they are any good and who would be good to star in them. It sounds like a dog eat dog world. But I really don’t have all the facts. Having the book made into a movie is a nice idea but ——
Cameo, hell! YOU should play Paul, Obie!