A recent writing challenge from Vikk Simmons at Down the Writer’s Path reminded me of this DVD, which I’ve watched about a dozen times. It contains a memorable scene depicting the creation of a first draft, the subject of Vikk’s post.
Sean Connery plays William Forrester, the reclusive author of a single, renowned literary novel, who’s been holed up in his family’s Bronx apartment for years. He never goes out, and is known only by an alias to the superficial young man who delivers his groceries.
Jamal Wallace, played by newcomer Rob Brown, lives nearby with his mom, in an apartment with paper-thin walls. He hasn’t performed well in school, in spite of his natural intelligence and love of books. He hides his academic prowess from his classmates, and plays basketball with his friends across the street from the apartment belonging to the recluse known only as “the window.”
On a dare, Jamal breaks into “the window’s” apartment. He’s supposed to take something while he’s there. Instead he runs away, startled by the apartment’s occupant, and leaves his backpack behind. The pack contains all of Jamal’s notebooks, the small journals he’s filled with his writing. The older man later returns the pack, by dropping it out his window at Jamal’s feet. Jamal finds all his notebooks marked up with red ink. Thus begins a prickly relationship that grows as William reluctantly begins to mentor the young writer.
This movie is one of those I watch over and over again, with bits I want to memorize, and scenes that touch me on many levels. Finding Forrester isn’t just a story about writing, it’s also about love, integrity, and the true meaning of friendship. I’m likely to wear this one out.
At the end of the sound track is a recording of the late Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole singing a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow”/”What A Wonderful World.” I may have to purchase the CD, Facing Future, so I can hear its other selections.
That souncs like a story I would enjoy. I think I’ll have to find a copy.
I like watching good screenplays over and over, like “Casablanca” or a fast-paced “L.A. Confidential”
One bit of information I forgot to add, for the writers who visit here:
The original screenplay by Mike Rich placed in the top five, out of 4,500 entries, in the 1998 Don and Gee Nicholl writing competition sponsored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. That brought it to the attention of Laurence Mark, who acquired the screenplay for his company, through which the script found its way to Sean Connery. He not only starred as William Forrester but decided to produce the film, which was released in 2000.
It can pay to enter legitimate contests. Of course it takes some superb writing to place.
Superb writing? It’s simply at your feet.
I really like the movie, the thing that they have in bonding…
not the first thing that you’ll think that would last.
but somehow they’ve found something in common.
the story of friendship that has courage, integrity, loyalty, faith, and love. A common story.It is!
but in this story you’ll found out that there are more than what you think do exist…
And I think the sound track fits the movie!…
“The rest of those who have gone before us,
cannot steady the unrest of those to fallow”
Finding Forrester
There are some movies I will watch over and over.
Finding Forrester is one- the entire story is phenomenal and the line that sticks with me is one in the notebooks:
“Where are you taking me?”
Great idea to keep in front of me as I write.
This movie is simply delightful and also shows how intercity youth grow up and try to cover their intelligence.