Lewis Powell: The Tragic Anti-Hero

[Natty]

I wonder why no one has considered making a movie about Lewis.

I mean, think about it for a moment - Lewis' life is basically a dormant recipe waiting to be turned into a blockbuster.

It would be a new perspective on an old story and the first attempt to understand the young man who ended up committed to a kidnap plan and finally driven in an erroneous attempt to right the wrongs done to his government by attempting to kill the Secretary of State. It would touch on elements that have universally guaranteed commercial success for productions throughout film history.

It would have action, intrigue, mystery, scandal, romance, horror, courtroom drama and tragedy.

Such a motion picture can contemplate the complexity of his character; he is troubled, yet inherently good, he is full of honor, but allows himself to be misled and in the end his tumultuous path is cut short by his heroic journey to a most dishonorable death. He was the James Dean of the 19th Century.

Am I the only one who would want to see a movie about Lewis Powell?

[Rogerm]

I wonder if such a movie might still be deemed too controversial for the viewing public, because Abraham Lincoln is still a revered historical figure; probably the most revered in the United States.

[Natty]

(08-25-2012 11:13 AM)Rogerm Wrote:  I wonder if such a movie might still be deemed too controversial for the viewing public, because Abraham Lincoln is still a revered historical figure; probably the most revered in the United States.

It depends on the angle of the film - the line would have to tread carefully, of course, to not appear as some sort of glorification of the assassination, that is for sure. At no point in time, can such a project degenerate into propaganda; it must be honest and frank about everything, including the heinous nature of the crimes committed. In my opinion, The Conspirator managed to tastefully breach the subject of Mary Surratt without creating such a dilemma; it managed to isolate the issue of the trial and the conflicts around it without taking any questionable moral position on the assassination.
There are two Lincoln films coming out soon and in the past "The Day Lincoln was Shot" actually dealt with the killing of Lincoln.
This film will deal with only one man - Powell - and will not touch on Lincoln that much -- just the boy and his involvement in a tragic plot.

[LincolnMan]

Natty: I agree totally that it could make a great movie if done with the right angle-as you say. Hey, maybe the movie could start off with Betty holding Lew's skull pondering it-then the scene flashbacks to the past...

[Natty]

(08-25-2012 01:59 PM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Natty: I agree totally that it could make a great movie if done with the right angle-as you say. Hey, maybe the movie could start off with Betty holding Lew's skull pondering it-then the scene flashbacks to the past...

Oh that sounds good! Flashbacks are very effective tools, if used properly - I think that your idea with Betty and the skull would be perfect! It can start with her holding it - and at the end of the film, she and his family bury it next to his mother! Putting Lewis to rest!

This would make for a great movie if put into the right hands!

[Craig Hipkins]

I agree that it would make a good movie, but I don't ever see it happening in the political climate of today's Hollywood. If it did, Powell would have to be made into a villain. I don't know how they could spin a sympathetic view over a guy that left a bloodbath at the Sewards. I guess with Hollywood anything is possible.

Craig

[BettyO]

Ya'll are kidding, right?!

A movie or documentary would be cool - but ME holding the skull - it'd be a comedy!!! HA! Talk about flashbacks!!! OMG!

[Gene C]

I think it's an interesting idea for a drama. Maybe they could get Christina Hendricks from Mad Men to play you! Do you think she can handle the part?

[BettyO]

(08-25-2012 07:25 PM)Gene C Wrote:  I think it's an interesting idea for a drama. Maybe they could get Christina Hendricks from Mad Men to play you! Do you think she can handle the part?

Ya'll are nuts! One word -- Cinema Scope! They would have to use a super wide angle lens! Forget it! HA!

[MaddieM]

(08-25-2012 10:52 AM)Natty Wrote:  I wonder why no one has considered making a movie about Lewis.

I mean, think about it for a moment - Lewis' life is basically a dormant recipe waiting to be turned into a blockbuster.

It would be a new perspective on an old story and the first attempt to understand the young man who ended up committed to a kidnap plan and finally driven in an erroneous attempt to right the wrongs done to his government by attempting to kill the Secretary of State. It would touch on elements that have universally guaranteed commercial success for productions throughout film history.

It would have action, intrigue, mystery, scandal, romance, horror, courtroom drama and tragedy.

Such a motion picture can contemplate the complexity of his character; he is troubled, yet inherently good, he is full of honor, but allows himself to be misled and in the end his tumultuous path is cut short by his heroic journey to a most dishonorable death. He was the James Dean of the 19th Century.

Am I the only one who would want to see a movie about Lewis Powell?

What is most amazing is that all the above is done and dusted by the age of 21.

It was all I could do to go to Sainsbury's on me own at that age!

[BettyO]

Agreed, Natty! This kid from age 17 to age 21 sure got around!

[Natty]

Betty! You crack me up!
Don't worry, you can insist on casting "you" yourself.

Yeah, it's amazing how much history is packed into that little short Lewis life! It's like he covers all the bases of the Civil War with one sweep - another great factor for a possible movie; you wouldn't have to invent anything to make it interesting! The story is pretty much complete on its own - all it needs in the right angle and "atmosphere".
Craig - Thank you for your comment! It made me think, particularly about all the movies I've ever watched where Hollywood was able to do precisely that - to take a character who has serious flaws or commits atrocious acts and somehow make the audience understand that person. A great film would not make us condone his actions, but enable us to understand the person behind them, thereby creating a form of sympathy that transcends beyond the mere focus on the act of the crime itself.
If such a film were made and skillfully constructed, it would have potential for greatness.
I don't know what Hollywood thinks about it, however! Haha. I have no connections there.