Friday, August 16, 2013

Wish List entry #2: Susan B. Anthony

Winding down a week long vacation in the Pacific Northwest (which has been amazing btw), Joe and I have decided to finally spend a much needed evening in.  I'm getting a chance to do some reading and thought I'd update my blog with a wish list entry.  With the dust somewhat settled on the tragic news of Meryl going supporting for August: Osage County, I'm momentarily turning my attention to a film role possibility that I would be thrilled to see her portray.

In an interview early last year, Meryl indicated that she had discussed with Kathy Bates an interest in doing a film of 19th century civil rights activists and women's suffragists Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.  If you're at all familiar with either activist's appearance, you'd understand why it's pretty likely Meryl would play Anthony and not the other way around.  Meryl had been busy promoting the proposed Women's History Museum on the National Mall, so perhaps the story of Anthony and Stanton was at the forefront of her mind at the time.  Regardless, not much more was mentioned about it after that initial revelation.

What's interesting is that after doing a little searching, there's actually a script floating around by a writer named Helise Flickstein about the two women entitled The Revolutionists.  There's even a link to a PDF copy of it online.  I haven't read it (yet), but I don't have particularly high hopes for its chances at getting produced.  That said, I like that there's at least some semblance of an interest in getting the story of these two incredibly important figures in U.S. history to the big screen.  As the writer of the screenplay points out, there's a potentially historic election coming up in 2016.  Were Hillary Clinton to be in the mix for election as the first female president of the United States, what great timing it would be to release a film about the two women who drafted the Constitutional Amendment that prohibited restricting the vote based on one's gender.

If Meryl's participation in The Good House pans out, I'm guessing filming would likely begin in the second half of 2014 with a late 2015 release planned (Oscar territory).  If the Anthony/Stanton picture were to happen, we'd still have two years from now before they would need to begin filming in order for it to be in theaters by summer 2016.  Perfect, right?!

It's been too long since Meryl has done one of her "buddy" projects, a la Death Becomes Her with Goldie Hawn, Marvin's Room with Diane Keaton, or (although never made) Mary Stuart with Glenn Close.  So, Meryl and Kathy, clear your schedules.  Ms. Flickstein, perfect that script and find a buyer.  Everyone else, spread the word.  This project needs to happen.






12 comments:

  1. Jeff, As we await to see where Meryl will actually be placed at oscars lead or supporting news now of Toronto world premiere will have Meryl and Julia Robers both there first time in years that Meryl will be attending. August is slated to be shown on Tuesday Sept 10 at 11am its listed from 11:00-1:40 does this mean the running time is 2 hours and 40 mins ? or after film chat with the stars? Ken

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  2. Jeff, just realized Toronto is showing August twice The first showing is Monday evening 6:30-9:10 Ken

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    1. Ken, the running time is 130 minutes so I'm guessing the 9/10 showing has a Q&A or something afterward. SO looking forward to getting some reviews of the film/performances and maybe some light being shed on whether Meryl could be believable as supporting.

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  3. Thank you so much for mentioning me! Yes my screenplay STANTON & ANTHONY is available for Meryl Streep! It is the true story of Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton's lives, loves & politics. However, they kept one secret hidden from each other and themselves which led to inner personal disaster!

    I tried to give it to Streep's Agent, Kevin Huvane, but their people said I would have to raise the money in order for her to read it! I told them that their client requested it!

    I not only spent 10 years researching for this screenplay, but I had also gotten the Childhood Home of Susan B. Anthony located in Battenville, NY on the NY State & National Historic Register. I also convinced the bank of this foreclosed home to donate it to the NY State Parks Department in order to preserve it's history.
    Helise Flickstein, twinforksagency@yahoo.com

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    1. My pleasure, Helise! I noticed its now titled "Stanton & Anthony" as opposed to "The Revolutionists." Is there an updated script other than the one I linked to (4th draft)? While reading the script I also thought an attractive title would be "The Suffragists," and LOVED the idea of this being ready for release in summer 2016 which would hopefully coincide with Hillary Clinton campaigning for the presidency.

      In regard to Meryl, one thing I wondered while reading the script is that I pictured her not really being in the film until probably over halfway through it, as Susan B. Anthony doesn't reach her fifties until around that time (which is when I think it may be feasible for Meryl to portray her in regard to age).

      The detail of the script is so fantastic and comprehensive! But I couldn't help wonder if focusing it on the later stages of the pairs struggles wouldn't be more marketable?? Less about childhood and young adulthood and more on when they were in the grips of the suffrage movement. Then Streep/Bates would be at the forefront to the picture throughout.

      I would just really love to see Meryl in something like this, especially since she has mentioned in interviews she wants to portray Anthony. I hope you're able to find a way to get it to her or somehow find funding. What's the current status on the script? Any leads??

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  4. http://twinforksagency.wix.com/knight-quest-ent

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  5. Hi Jeff: I have an updated script on PDF. If you can send me your email Jeff. As far as leads...well the later part of last year I had Producer Wendy Finnerman read it. They loved the characters in the script.
    Actually I cut out more of their childhood with the newer draft and made it more political. By the way, the younger Susan could be portrayed by Meryl's daughters! Helise

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    1. Yes I could totally see Mamie playing the young version! I would love to read the updated script. My email is wordonthestreep@gmail.com. Thank you!

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  7. The reason for the title change is imdb.com already has The Revolutionists and won't approve the title. Plus the new title suggests the premise of the story anyway! I just sent a query to Lee Daniels who Directed the Butler.

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  8. I am in development with BOGIE & BACALL so if that film makes lots of money I will produce THE REVOLUTIONISTS myself.

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    1. I'll be the first in line to buy a ticket for Bogie & Bacall! Congratulations, Helise! I wish you great success with the movie. If by some chance it's a big hit I would be thrilled if it got The Revolutionists greenlit.

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