Posted on 03/09/2017 10:29:09 AM PST by nickcarraway
Joe Eszterhas—the screenwriter best known for icepick-heavy ’90s sleaze like Basic Instinct and Showgirls—is returning to the world of writing scripts after more than a decade away. But rather than movies about sexy lesbian serial killers or ambitious strippers shoving each other down the stairs, Eszterhas has turned his mind to more spiritual matters. Deadline reports that he’s sold a spec script based on a famous “visitation” by the Virgin Mary to faith-based filmmakers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett.
To be fair, Eszterhas comes by his latest career turn the semi-honest way; as recounted in his book Crossbearer; A Memoir Of Faith, he converted to Christianity in 2001 while dealing with cancer and a number of addictions. Since then, he’s attempted to apply his new religious mindset to the world of film, most notably in his attempt to make a “Jewish Braveheart” with fellow Christ-fan Mel Gibson. Now, Downey and Burnett—the husband-wife duo behind projects like History’s The Bible—are ready to make a film based on Eszterhas’ script about Our Lady Of Guadalupe.
Eszterhas has reportedly been working on the script—about a man who insisted a temple be built in a Mexican city after seeing repeated visions of the Virgin Mary—for 14 years. Downey and Burnett’s Lightworkers production company will produce the film through its partnership with MGM.
Back in 2012, Joe Eszterhas was in a legal battle with Mel Gibson. Joe had a movie script rejected by Gibson and didn’t like it. Joe leaked private audio clips to the public with sounds of a very drunk, very crude and angry Mel talking to Joe. I think Eszterhas hurt himself professionally by breaking a confidence, who wants to hire a scriptwriter known to being a crybaby when his work is unacceptable? While over time, Mel has been able to return to prominence in Hollywood.
Hollywood Ping.
I remember that.
Glad Joe found the Lord.
His letter to Mike Ovitz that went public is still a Hollywood classic - much more entertaining than his movies.
I don’t think his script was rejected, I think it just fell apart. But he definitely unloaded on Gibson.
I don’t think this is good for the faith-based community.
Eszterhaus’ work in the 90’s (Showgirls, Flashdance, Burn, Hollywood, Burn) was a perennial Razzie Award favorite.
“Joe leaked private audio clips to the public with sounds of a very drunk, very crude and angry Mel”
I heard about all that on a Mel Gibson documentary recently. Scary stuff. mel’s apparently a mean drunk.
Man cannot have two masters. When Mel is drinking, he’s not really a Christian.
What....an Aussie who’s a mean drunk?
Stop the Presses!!
It will be good if they get good actors. So many times they have such bad actors in religious films. I could act better but I’m a drama queen.
You know mel was born in Peekskill NY right?
Have you seen Risen with Joseph Fiennes, Peter Firth, Tom Felton, and Cliff Curtis? Superbly acted and wonderful movie.
The one quote from that tape I’ll never forget, was Mel Gibson asking in a shout “WHO WANTS TO EAT???”.
Making me want to say...’Uhh, not me, Bud.
Showgirls. One of the biggest stinkers in Hollywood history.
Biologically, he might not be Australian, but culturally is a different matter.
Elizabeth Berkley looked FANTASTIC naked!
And yet this movie was SO bad it DESTROYED HER CAREER!
Put Mel and Russell Crowe in a bar together and lock the door for eight hours, and things will get mighty interesting.
Yes and it was wonderful.
Thanks homey
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