Well good ol Tom Joad and his mid-western sensibilities take aim at Oliver Stone's ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. I'm one of those people that literally taps their foot in anticipation for his films. Sure... the guy might come across as being Kevin McCarthy at the end of INVASION OF THE BODY SNATCHERS from time to time, but dang it.... I liked that scene. He has made a consistent habit of making movies that... unsettled me. Films that cause days of discussion. Films that the national news talks about and are actually debated on the floor of Congress. Whatever he may be, he inspires or ignites dialogue and thought. At least that's my take on him. Here's his next project...
Tom Joad here, with a quick word on Oliver Stone’s next project: ANY GIVEN SUNDAY. You see, a couple of his executive producers (one male, one female) on one of his more controversial films, were in town for the Austin Screenwriting Conference a few weeks ago (I can’t name names – ya gotta figure it out!) and knowing that they weren’t currently working on any projects with him, I asked if they knew what he was up to. Ja… er, I mean one of them told me about ANY GIVEN SUNDAY and happened to have an extra script that she… er, I mean they loaned me! Too, too cool!!!
Let me tell ya – this was one incredible read! This flick is going to absolutely ROCK! (Joad technically pronounces this as RAWK) The script deals with football, but not the glorified, antiseptic sport which millions of men waste weekend after weekend (and who knows how much cash) watching. This tells it like it is: war. Vince Lombardi called it a game of madmen, and this script acts as a mouth within the madness. The manipulation, the pain, the glory and the sacrifices one takes to achieve greatness are all here. This was hardcore, and it touched on a million emotions. I was alternately giggling with glee, bristling with goosebumps of elation, and crying at the heartbreaks involved. The script moved me. I used to play ball and I used to be a huge football fan – wouldn't miss a game on tv, be it collegiate or professional. Yet, I have never understood the people who can watch a four hour ballgame but are unable to watch a three hour movie – the concept simply blows my mind. I’ve since decided that I’d RATHER spend those four hours watching a couple of movies than watching yet ANOTHER game of football, but my hidden love for the game was recognized once again through the reading of this fantastic script. I believe that ninety percent of those who watch football are either remembering their days of greatness while doing so, or simply wishing that they had days of greatness to remember. This movie will be right up their alley.
Centering on the Miami Scorpions, we are taken on the trips of many of the players and people involved. Be it a soaring trajectory or a plunging descent. And what a ride it was.
JACK ROONEY – the Scorpion quarterback, age 35 – the best and the brightest. He’s not fighting for greatness, he’s already attained it. Everyone calls him “Cap” Rooney in honor of his nickname, “Captain America.” He brings in the foaming, rabid fans in droves – many wearing actual Captain America outfits. All revering his name. He’s aging, but still has the best read in football and is at the peak of his game. The question looms, however: how long can he maintain his edge, and more importantly, his health? (I believe Dennis Quaid is to play this role)
PATRICK KELLY – a massive Scorpion lineman, known throughout the league as “The Madman,” a name he’s both earned and deserving of. But the Madman is on the verge of discovering something about himself. Something he’s tried to ignore for some time. But soon has to face the music and pay the fiddler his fare.
LUTHER REYNOLDS – a linebacker for the Scorpions, a complete and total predator, nicknamed “The Shark.” He’s also due a certain degree of self discovery, and what price will he be willing to pay to keep his intensity once he realizes the nature of his beast?
IRA STONE – head coach of the Scorpions, is striking and intense. I believe Al Pacino is on board for this role. He loves the game, he loves what it’s become, but mostly, he loves the history, heritage, and legends which have lent themselves to allow the sport to come to be what it is. His tragedy is that he has given everything of himself to this game which he loves so much. Devoted his life – every waking moment to it. He’s lost his wife and family for it. And he lives to instill that same love in all those he coaches. Most notably:
WILLIE BEAMEN – young, black and cocky, WILLIE is playing third fiddle when his number is called. He’s the entry level rookie destined to become a star. With one incredibly tough lesson to learn en route. In many ways, his path is the most intriguing. He is introduced to many things the weathered pros take for granted, and he'll be a delight to watch on screen as he learns the sky-high ups and the rock bottom lows of the game he’s been given a gift to play… and so desperately needs to learn to understand. In an interesting casting turn-of-events, Sean “Puffy” Combs balked out of this role (boy, will he be sorry!) and Jamie Foxx stepped up and took the reigns. Hmmm… interesting… I’ve been a fan of Jamie’s since his In Living Color days and I can’t wait to see him stretch his dramatic muscles as well as he has his comedic ones. Of which I’ve no doubt he'll excel at. Oliver Stone knows what he wants, and he knows how to draw (or should I say manipulate) the performances he wants out of his actors. Not a shadow of a doubt he'll succeed with flying colors with Foxx.
This script reads like gangbusters. Taking the meatiest chunks from THE BEST OF TIMES, THE PROGRAM, EVERYBODY’S ALL-AMERICAN, THE LAST BOY SCOUT and NORTH DALLAS FORTY and tossing them into a blender with a heaping helping of originality, scriptwriter John Logan has created one truly engrossing beast here. Boy, will you be entertained. I cannot stress how excited I am by the fact that Oliver Stone is directing this picture. He first grabbed my by both the throat and mind with JFK, and subsequently with SALVADOR, NBK, WALL STREET, U TURN, THE DOORS, NIXON, TALK RADIO and PLATOON. I honestly love the man’s films! This will be an interesting endeavor both for him and for all of us. I believe the release date is a tentative winter/spring 99. I’m already counting down…
