Hey folks, Harry here with a report from the Arnie/Sly fan that is sooo enraptured with them that his fandom sometimes seems so intense that I believe that it's not just the fandom of one... but two. A.B. King is up next folks, and he's taking a look at the screenplay for the Itallian Stallion's next film, a remake of the classic GET CARTER. And folks.... beware of spoilers, but you know... he really dug the script. You should note though that A.B. does love Sly and that may color the way he sees this script... let's hope that Sly delivers for his biggest fan...
ABking here.
I read the GET CARTER script several days ago and what can I say other than it was really good. I decided to read it because I got tired of waiting to see the trailer (which was said to have gotten applauses -back in March- for how good it was) and I had to get a feel of how the movie would be. Jack Carter is going to be one of Sly's best characters. He's one bad mother not to be messed with. The draft I read was dated 9/5/99 so it is basically the shooting draft...but as anyone knows, things can and do change during filming. Having said that, let me say this. I have never seen the original GET CARTER, which starred Michael Caine, so I don't have an opinion of it. I here it is really good. I want to rent it but can't. It is no longer available on video. I'm sure they will put it back on video and DVD once Stallone's version hits theaters. Here is my review of the GC script...
The script is well paced. It is never boring. It keeps moving and moving. It opens with 2 quotes. The first is from a guy named Gluseppe Copansacchi and the quote is "That's all we expect of man, this side of the grave: his good is - knowing he's bad". The second quote is from some guy named William Edward Burghardt Du Bois and the quote is "Responsibility is the first step in responsibility". These quotes tell you a little bit about Carter's character. You know he's one bad mother not to be messed with, but you also know that he takes his responsibility seriously. He also wants others to take care of their responsibilities as well (or else). I like this theme and I like the way Carter goes about doing it. Jack's motto is "you get one chance".
The story begins in a Casino in Las Vegas where Carter has already heard of his brothers death. Con McCarty (the character who will be played by Michael Caine) is trying to talk Carter out of going to Seattle to find out what happened. Carter, in a cool way as described in the script, handles a small confrontation in the Casion and is on his way.
Con reminds Jack there are alot of new faces out there waiting for him to fuck up. With that said, Jack gets into a cab and says he'll be back in a couple of days. Con asks how you gonna get there anyway...you won't even step on a friggin plane. Jack smiles and slams the door. We then hear Tom Waits "Hang on St. Christopher" and the credits begin to role. This opening reminded me alot of PAYBACK. The protagonist's objective is made clear to the audience.
Now in Seattle, Jack is out to find out what happened to his brother and thus begins the mystery. Jack is not happy to be back home but has much history there. Carter and his brothers wife, Gloria, have a history of their own (the reason for him leaving Seattle in the first place). The relationship between Carter, Gloria and her daughter Doreen is really touching. I think Sly will really show off some acting muscle with this part. With the help of Miranda Richardson who plays Gloria and Rachael Leigh Cook who plays Doreen, this could be one of Sly's best performances ever.
Throughout the script, we get to meet some real scumbag characters. There's Simpkins and Vorhees, two cops who want Carter to leave town. These two characters have bit parts but reminded me of the two cops in PAYBACK. There's Cyrus Paice (who I think will be palyed by Mickey Rourke) a real sleeze bag. Then there's the multi millionaire Jeremy Kinnear (who will be played by Alan Cumming) who thinks because he's rich, he can do an get away with anything. There are other characters that are really important to the plot but I think these few deserve mentioning.
There are also several shootouts and car chases. Afterall, this is a Stallone movie. Carter fights several goons in the script and really gives it to them. When Carter roughs someone up, he really roughs them up. At one point, Con comes to Seattle to bring Carter back to Vegas. It will really be nice to see Sly and Caine acting off each other. The conclusion is very satisfying and seems like an ending fit for Sly. You can tell this was written for Sly with some of the wording. GET CARTER isn't so much an action film as it is a mystery/thriller. The dialogue is very well written and witty.
Jack Carter reminded me alot of Mel Gibson's Porter in PAYBACK or George Clooney's character in OUT OF SIGHT. Both are real tough guys you know are tough guys. His character is well dressed like one of the classic anti heros of the 50's and 60's. He even drives a Cadillac.
SHAFT proved that a remake could be made GREAT and not suck. I hope GET CARTER proves the same.
ABking
