Hearts In Atlantis script review

"Howdy folks, John here. I was very excited to get a hold of this script as it was shot practically in my backyard. Last October found Anthony Hopkins back in Richmond, VA for the second time that year (he was there in the summer to shoot Hannibal). He took a break from shooting to head over to Charlottesville, VA for the Virginia Film Festival. Hopkins was being honored with an award which was presented to him between showings of Silence of the Lambs (which he introduced) and Titus. Prior to the showing of Titus, Hopkins was interviewed by Roger Ebert and answered questions from the audience. A truly fascinating fellow. Anyway, the point was that the cast and crew of Hearts in Atlantis was in the audience to see him get his award. You can read the entire report here rather than my repeating it all now. I just wanted to point out my specific interest in this project.

Here I am a few months later with the script sitting before me. The script is by William Goldman (All the Presidents Men, The Princess Bride), adapted from the Stephen King novel with Scott Hicks (Shine) directing. The script is dated April 2000.

It tells the story of Bobby Garfield. We first meet him as an older man (played by David Morse) when he is attending the funeral of a childhood friend, Sully-John. He seems to be truly devastated by the loss of this long time friend.

     BOBBY
  (whispering)
Sully, you were one cool bastard.

He finds himself drifting back to remember when they were young boys of eleven. At that time he lived with his mother Liz (Hope Davis). His father died when he was only five. His mom claims his father left them nothing, implying that they barely scrape by. They suddenly acquire a new neighbor in the apartment above them, a rather mysterious fellow by the name of Ted (Hopkins). Liz doesn't much care for Ted because of the luggage he arrives with, a set of unmatched suitcases and paper bags.

     LIZ
I don't trust people who move their things in paper bags -- it's so slutty.

Despite her objections, Bobby is drawn to Ted and they soon become good friends. Ted offers Bobby a job reading him the paper every day as his eyesight is going. He also asks him to watch the neighborhood for him, looking for strange things. Ted is worried about men in long yellow coats who seem to be searching for him and gives Bobby a series of warning signs to be on the watch for. He leaves the reason for this a mystery, simply saying he has a gift and adding no more.

The rest of the movie concerns itself with relationships. The growing friendship between Ted and Bobby is one. Another is between Bobby and Carol, his first real love in life. Though still kids, the two are obviously starting the change to adulthood and are learning what that means together. Sully-John is also their friend, completing their little clique. Then there is Bobby's relationship with his mother, a woman who isn't exactly as she portrays herself and not necessarily for the better.

With a story created by Stephen King, you're probably wondering when the horror will arrive. It doesn't. There are no vampires, werewolves or mass murderers to be found. While it is true that the story has something of a supernatural element to it, that is only a minor part of the story. King is often at his best when dealing with normal people who find themselves in somewhat unusual circumstances. It is often forgotten how well he creates characters and develops them through interactions with others. That skill is on display here as he creates several fascinating characters and their relationships. The story's supernatural element exists more as a mystery to provide a window into the characters that would otherwise be hard to bring to light. I haven't read this particular King novel but I am familiar with his writing and Goldman has done a good job of bringing King's voice into the script clearly. I wouldn't have batted an eye if I was told that King had written the script himself.

As well written as all the characters are, it is Bobby and Ted who most grab our attention. Bobby is fascinating simply because he is at an interesting point in life where he starts the transition from childhood to being an adult. Ted though is a mystery. He is a kind and generous man with great wisdom and intelligence. He clearly sees more than he lets on, although it is impossible to understand how he sees and knows all that he does.

BOBBY
How much did you bet?

TED
My last five hundred dollars. On Albini.

BOBBY (stunned)
You think Albini can beat Hollywood Haywood?

TED
I think he can knock him out. I bet he could. Four to one odds.

BOBBY
Ted, do you know anything about boxing?

TED
Heavens no. But we'll listen to it tomorrow night and see.

The role of Ted is a particularly juicy one that seems perfect for Hopkins. It was painfully easy to imagine him delivering these lines with that preternatural calm that he exudes. Anton Yelchin plays the young Bobby and he has his work cut out for him. As important as Ted is to the story, Bobby is it's heart and soul. A top notch performance will be necessary for this material to ring true and not slide into excessive sappiness. The script walks that fine line between touching drama and schmaltz with great care. The direction and acting will need to be similarly careful to make the story ring true. That shouldn't be taken as a fault of the script, simply an indication that material this well prepared deserves equally well crafted filmmaking. The script was one that I enjoyed thoroughly and I really don't want the finished product to adhere to a lesser standard."

(Review submitted by John Shea)

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Jean-François Allaire (aka DeadPool)

Questions, comments, praises etc. Email me at deadpool@tnmc.org

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Jean-François Allaire is TNMC's first columnist. At only 24 years old he has become a respected entertainment journalist, with his columns appearing in such major websites as Corona's Coming Attractions and Scr(i)pt magazine. Hailing from Montreal this young writer is determined to dig up all the details on the movies before they hit your local theater. If you're part of a movie production then you really need to be talking to him.