Spielberg Hires Writer for Martin Luther King Bio-Pic

Maybe this would have been better to reveal this news on Monday, but the same week counts. Steven Spielberg's Martin Luther King, Jr. bio-pic is back on track after some disputes among the King family about who the film should progress. The Hollywood Reporter says Ronald Harwood, a three-time Oscar nominee for his scripts for The Dresser, The Pianist, and The Diving Bell and the Butterfly, has been hired to write the screenplay. Harwood has great credentials, and especially when you look at the humane treatment of sensitive subjects in those last two films, he suddenly makes a lot more sense. He's also written some crap, but who hasn't? We have not had a Martin Luther King movie, and his accomplishments alone justify one. However, King was a man and, as such, had many flaws, as well. Weighing those against the way he changed the face of race relations, the United States, and the world may or may not be critical, but it would keep this from being wholly sanitized. You never know what you're going to get when the family of a famous figure is involved in the filmmaking process. Spielberg is producing and hasn't been mentioned as a possible director, although since his Harvey update went belly-up and he's apparently in no rush to make that Lincoln movie (shakes fist), then this would be something he could pull off. But who would he cast? Well, there's always the idea that Spielberg's other failed directorial effort, Oldboy, could have left him with the urge to work with Will Smith, but I think Will's probably the wrong fit. Too tall, too suave. I like Jeffrey Wright, who played King in the TV movie Boycott, and he's been overlooked for so damn long, I think this could really be a signature role for a guy who has fashioned an incredible career mostly out of supporting roles. There will be the usual suspects, and for my other wild card, I'll throw in Chiwetel Ejiofor, just because I'd like to see him play anything.

Comments

[ramsay]

I dunno 'bout this one. On merit alone Dr. King certainely deserves this, and arguing otherwise is at least insulting, but there is no doubt in my mind that Harwood is going to have to tread lightly, on eggshells, to avoid tiptoeing on someone's tulips. I've heard a thing or two about the King family (my wife's company works directly on the Dr. King memorial in DC) and, from what she has told me, they are not the easiest people to work with. Certainly his children will have a say in the outcome of the movie, so I'm expecting something relatively one sided, which really is a shame. I think a more unbiased bio-pic would not only be more entertaining, but might actually make his acomplishments even more impressive.

[djc]

Man, well said ramsay. Totally agree with your final thought.

[Article Writer]

I trust Ronald Harwood will do an excellent job. Basing from his track records, one can trust that he has the talent and vision to give MLK's story justice.

Megan J.
Article Writer for Hire