Posted on 10/27/2007 4:53:19 PM PDT by wagglebee
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Jack Kevorkian, the advocate of doctor-assisted suicide who spent eight years in prison for second-degree murder, is cooperating with HBO Films for a movie about his controversial practices.
Kevorkian, now 79, assisted in at least 130 suicides and beat the state court system in Michigan numerous times, but he was convicted in 1999 after he willingly sent a videotape of himself euthanizing a terminally ill man to CBS' "60 Minutes."
He received a 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder -- serving his sentence in a maximum-security prison in Michigan -- but was paroled in June.
Executive producer Steve Jones -- who has been working on this project for a few years -- noted that it marks the first time Kevorkian has authorized any media-based project surrounding his life and efforts in assisted suicide.
"He's a living icon, and he's led one of the most unique lives there is; there's not a dull moment," said Jones.
"He doesn't grant interviews readily, but now he wants his story to be told. Whether or not you agree with his views or actions, one thing is for sure: His passion is something to be in awe of. He gave up eight years of his life to make a point."
The script is being written by Adam Mazer, who co-wrote the espionage thriller "Breach," released this year. Neal Nicol and Harry Wylie's book "Between the Dying and the Dead: Dr. Jack Kevorkian's Life and the Battle to Legalize Euthanasia" is being used as source material.
Mazer said the project's aim is not to attempt to change anyone's views on euthanasia but is intended to bring to light the many parts of Kevorkian's life that people don't know.
"At the time of his sentence, he was probably the most recognized doctor in the world," Mazer said. "Most of what we know of him has been told through the media and headlines, but he's a very complicated and complex man, and a lot of things about his personality and background have never really been shared with the public, including his great intelligence and terrific sense of humor."
Pro-Life Ping
Freepmail wagglebee or little jeremiah to subscribe or unsubscribe from the moral absolutes ping list.
FreeRepublic moral absolutes keyword search
wtf is "euthenizing?"
Reuters, HBO, CBS...is it me, or are these people chanelling the devil?
Incredible. Truly incredible. From Che to Mumia and now to Dr. Jack, large and small—killers are reliably beloved of the Left.
I thought Dr Death just knew how to kill things.
Considering it sort of means happy death, I guess he is happy to kill 'em.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
