Robert Downey jr is SHERLOCK HOLMES on screen right now, but years ago he co-starred in one of my favorite films you may have never heard of, TRUE BELIEVER. James Woods was the lead character, a larger than life lawyer who mostly defended drug dealers and almost never lost a case. Of course, he was an expert on legal technicalities. He gets a new law clerk (Downey) and a new case - an innocent kid accused of murder. Seems that it's more difficult to prove an innocent man is innocent than a guilty man.
I often use one of the lines from the movie to explain why that crap you see on screen is usually not the brilliance from the screenplay - their only witness is a paranoid mental patient who believes the telephone company killed JFK and says, "I suppose you don't know the phone company killed Kennedy because he was trying to b-break it up -- and they'll never let that happen. They control everything: what you say in the mouthpiece is never exactly what comes out the other end."
What you write in the script is never exactly what shows up on screen.
Here is an old interview with the great Wesley Strick on writing the screenplay for TRUE BELIEVER:
And, for a film you may never have heard of, it spun off into a TV show you also probably never heard of. Hits from the past, forgotten today.
- Bill
TODAY'S SCRIPT TIP: Why Write Fight Scenes? - and the good MATRIX movie.
Yesterday's Dinner: Baja Fresh - Mahi Mahi tacos (grilled), black beans, rice.
Movies: 44 CHEST - review to come.
6 comments:
I've read the New Nightmare on Elm Street written by Strick and some other dude... not a fan of Michael Bay produced horror remakes, but after reading the script, I'm excited to see the film. That and whatshisname playing Freddy.
We also have Mr. Strick to thank for mentoring David Ayer (Training Day, Harsh Times).
One of my all time favorite movies.
Hey man this is my first time on your blog, but ill definetley be visiting alot. Im currently writing my first screen play (im 18) and look forward to your advice. God Bless
of course we know the excellent movie TRUE BELIEVER, starring outstanding actor JAMES WOODS. The movie was one of the best we saw, introducing young actor Downey, excellent.
JAMES WOODS delivered there an outstanding actor performance.
FRANCESCA, Los Angeles
read many of his scripts but first time seeing/hearing him so thanks
One of my favorites as well. James Woods is well, very "James Woods" in this picture. It is Kurkwood Smith who I think is the underrated star of this movie.
And I'm pleasantly surprised to learn that this was Strick's first major screenplay.
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