No, I Will Not Create a Film About My Wife's Passing
Written on
Chapter 1: The Decision Not to Film
Although I am currently authoring a book that explores my experiences as a recent widower following the unexpected loss of my wife, Lorie, after nearly 23 years together, I have no intention of adapting this tragedy into a film. I've received requests to do so, but I firmly believe that my version would not appeal to a broader audience.
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Section 1.1: The Filmmaking Process
One of my primary reasons for rejecting the idea of a film is the nature of filmmaking itself. Whether the project would be produced by a major studio or an independent company, I know that countless changes would occur from script to screen. My background includes selling and developing projects with various prominent companies such as TNT, Sony, Fox, and Hulu. Having experienced the inner workings of these industries firsthand, I understand the turmoil they have faced following the recent WGA strike.
Section 1.2: Preserving Integrity
Lorie and I shared a rich and complex life, and her untimely death at 66 was heartbreaking. Any film project would need to uphold the integrity of our story, and I would require complete creative control to ensure that my vision is not exploited. I have no desire to pursue the creation of a home video that I would have to self-distribute. Writing a book allows me far more control over the narrative, making it a more fitting medium for this project.
Subsection 1.2.1: The Grieving Process
The grieving journey has not been entertaining; it has been incredibly challenging. While a dramatization might seem insightful, it would feel like a tedious reenactment of a childhood fear. I apologize for that analogy, but it reflects my feelings.
Chapter 2: Finding Purpose
The first video, "Uncoupled -- Dealing with the Death of a Spouse," discusses navigating grief and finding ways to cope after losing a loved one. This resonates with my own experience and the path I chose to honor Lorie's memory.
I was plunged into a dark place, feeling like I was on a one-way path to despair until I discovered a purpose: founding a foundation in Lorie's name aimed at the early detection of brain aneurysms, which caused her death. I'll share more about this initiative as we move closer to its launch.
This journey is far from the entertainment many seek; it is a story of monotony and struggle, which I believe would not translate well to an indie film either.
The second video, "Scriptnotes 403 - How to Write a Movie," provides insights into the screenwriting process, highlighting the complexities and challenges involved in turning personal stories into films.
Despite being a screenwriter and author with connections in the industry, I have no interest in sharing my personal grief story through a film. Since Lorie's passing, I have received numerous messages from public figures expressing their condolences and interest in my reflections on grief, notably through my posts on X (formerly Twitter). The hashtag #LoriesStory has gained traction, leading to inquiries about a film adaptation.
However, I quickly declined offers from producers and executives who respected my wishes but were unaware of my decision. My social media announcement of Lorie's death reached over 1.6 million views in its first week, sparking significant interest. While the offers were standard in the industry, they felt deeply inappropriate for such a personal story.
In summary, while I understand the allure of adapting personal narratives for the screen, I refuse to relinquish my story to others. My forthcoming book aims to keep Lorie's memory alive and provide solace to those dealing with loss. A film adaptation will not come to fruition. Sometimes, integrity must take precedence over career ambitions and financial gain.