A quick look at Lawrence Kasdan's latest script, this one called MUMFORD and another script called DAIRY QUEENS... Well I'm falling asleep now so this will be my last bit, I'll try to get them damn reviews I promised up later today, but no promises. Everytime I do that, it's like invoking the wrath of god on my PC.
So, I got the script for Lawrence Kasdan's latest called MUMFORD. It concerns a psychologist by the name of Mumford who works in a small town called Mumford. He's the lead character and it being a Kasdan script, I envisioned him being played by Kevin Kline. Anyway, Mumford has a secret
(SPOILER SPACE, SINCE THIS ISN'T REVEALED TIL ABOUT PAGE 50)
...see, he's not a licensed psychologist. Mumford's not even his real name. He's created a new identity for himself to escape his former, drug-addled life.
(END SPOILER)
Of course, this secret creates some ironic situations and a chance for Mumford's competitors to ruin his business.
This is a small, character-driven story--I could see it being the Opening Night Film at Sundance. There are some roles in this thing that I think actors would love to play including the 30 year-old computer-whiz billionaire whose main mode of transportation is a skateboard, but is so lonely that he is spending millions of dollars to try to create a female android. Then there is the old man who is consumed by his sexual fantasies--only he doesn't include himself in them, so low is the man's self-esteem. And let's not forget the sweet young lady who suffers from chronic fatigue syndrome (I'd love to see Phoebe Cates do this).
It's pretty fun to see Mumford try to help all these people deal with their problems and it has a satisfying, even crowd-pleasing, ending when Mumford's secret is found out. I don't think that this movie will break box-office records or be included on AFI's Top 200 List, but it's another solid piece of work to be included in Kasdan's already substantial canon. Script is 118 pages and is at Touchstone.
DAIRY QUEENS
Okay, Next is DAIRY QUEENS by Lona Williams and being produced at New Line starring Kirsten Dunst, Denise Richards, Kirstie Alley and Ellen Barkin. Bascially, it's FARGO meets WAITING FOR GUFFMAN (or SPINAL TAP for you older readers). Done as a documentary covering a Minnesota beauty pageant, this is one of the darket scripts I've ever read with death by anorexia, shellfish poisoning and hunting accident all played for comic effect. Unfortunately, I didn't think this script had enough heart and was even more condescending to its characters than GUFFMAN was. Also, GUFFMAN had at least one character who could serve as a moral anchor for the audience (Bob Balaban as the music teacher). In DAIRY QUEENS, _everyone_ is crazy/stupid. Nevertheless, there are some pretty funny moments in this thing such as the character who dances with a lifesize mannequin of Jesus for her talent (we'll see how long Ted lets that scene stay in the script). Two outta four stars.
