If this is done right, it could be a blockbuster.
If not, it could be another Waterworld.
Time will tell. From The Telegraph:
Paradise Lost to be given the Hollywood treatment
Paradise Lost, John Milton's epic poem about Adam and Eve's temptation and fall, is to be turned into a feature film for the first time since its publication more than 330 years ago. Hollywood producers aim to keep the screen version faithful to Milton's 1667 original, a complex work comprising 12,000 lines of blank verse. The production is described as "epic in scope and size".
Vincent Newman, whose company Vincent Newman Entertainment is spearheading the project, said: "Paradise Lost represents the epitome of mythology in that it is the oldest myth with a capital M. I always felt that the story really captures the initial struggle between good and evil and is also the first human love story."
Paradise Lost tells of Satan's failed rebellion in Heaven and his role in Adam and Eve's fall from grace. The work conjures stunning images such as angels falling from Hell, Satan's journey through chaos and Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Milton declared that the poem's aim was "to justify the ways of God to men" but debate has raged as to whether he achieved this or rather exposed the cruelty of the Christian God.
The screenplay has been written by Phil DiBlasi and Byron Willinger. No director or actors have yet been chosen for the film, which is due for release in 2007.
IMDB shows an entry for a "Vincent Newman" (born in Fresno) working as a producer producing such films as these:
- Blind Horizon (2003) (producer)
- A Man Apart (2003) (producer)
- Poolhall Junkies (2002) (producer)
- In the Shadows (2001) (producer) (as Vincent G. Newman)
- Sol Goode (2001) (producer)
- A Better Way to Die (2000) (executive producer)
- The Last Marshal (1999) (producer) (as Vincent G. Newman)
- Soundman (1998)
He has a number of proposals listed at IMDB as well. IMDB has nothing for Phil DiBlasi (or Philip) - it has an entry for a Joseph DeBlasi whose single entry was for a 1984 career writing for Miami Vice. The other writer listed is Byron Willinger -- IMDB turns up zero. Googling the names comes up with some hits but mostly talking about Paradise Lost. Dang... If these people get funding, and if they can actually PULL IT OFF it will be awesome. The storyline is thick but intense. Lord of the Rings on steroids.
I seriously hope that it is not another Waterworld or Heavens Gate or a Henry Jaglom piece of belly-button introspection. A story this deep deserves a good telling, not a "package job" by some hacks as this will scare away serious people who might otherwise think of doing their version (thinking: Peter Jackson, Bob and Harvey Weinstein or Joss Wheedon).
