“Here is a story you think you know, but do not.” So the tagline goes for the new short film Heartless: The Story of the Tinman by Whitestone Motion Pictures.
Heartless was written and directed by Brandon McCormick and co-written by Charlie Wetzel, both of Whitestone Motion Pictures. It’s based on the original classic story by L. Frank Baum (Wonderful Wizard of Oz) and tells the story of how the Tinman ended up the way he was when Dorothy found him in the woods. It stars Elizabeth Keener (The Golden Samovar) as the Maiden, Mark Ashworth (That’s Magic!) as the Tinner and Joshua Harrison (Gun Town) as the Woodsman/Tinman.
Mackenzie Reiland from Whitestone told me:
“The idea came from reading the source material in Wonderful Wizard of Oz and realizing how powerful and relevant the myth of the Tinman really is. The myth speaks to a modern perspective on how we can lose our hearts in this world. “
Whitestone has recently released the trailer for The Story of the Tinman and after watching it 2 or 3 times, I have to say it looks fantastic. Watch it below and see if you agree:
The movie fan and blog sites are always complaining about all the remakes, reboots and bad toy movie ideas that Hollywood keeps dishing out and how we want to see more original concepts and ideas for films. Well, Heartless certainty falls into the latter category.
The concept and story behind the film is so simple and intriguing it makes me wonder why no major studio ever capitalized on it before. I read Baum’s book as a child and, of course, I’ve watched the classic film and the not-so-classic Disney sequel ,but I’ve never thought about the background story behind each of the characters.
When I asked Reiland if Whitestone plans to make additional short films on the stories behind the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion he said:
“If there is interest, we would love to go after them. The other stories are equally potent and profound. L. Frank Baum knew what he was doing when he wrote Wizard of Oz. We’re just trying to live up to the excellence of his storytelling.”
I’m just going to throw this out there – forget the upcoming Avengers movie. I now want to see a set of three feature-length films based on the background stories of the Tinman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion, which all lead up to a major remake of The Wizard of Oz. Each film would end where Dorothy winds up meeting them. Now THAT would be something original and could possibly be extraordinary to watch. Of course, because it’s an original idea for a series of films, Hollywood won’t do it but that doesn’t mean I can’t dream!
What did you think of the trailer for Heartless: The Story of the Tinman and what would you think about watching a full-length version of the film in theaters?
Heartless: The Story of the Tinman will be traveling the Film Festivals this year and you can watch the entire film for free at Whitestone Motion Pictures website in April.
Follow me on Twitter @Walwus
Source: Whitestone Motion Pictures
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I love the idea of a series of feature length films with the 3 back stories of these characters. It would be a great way to keep the story of the Wizard of Oz alive. And come to think of it, why hasn't anyone capitalized on this idea. I think it's great.
that looks really interesting!
I'm really looking forward to this from Whitestone. They put out quality stuff.
Wicked did it, but this would be more serious and I think it could be great. I love the alternate takes on things and this has great potential
I'd gladly see this! And I adore your idea! Never before has a Wizard Of Oz update actually seemed intelligent to me!!
See, I think I like this a bit better than Wicked. Not much- but a little bit. This seems more down to earth, I think. Still out there, of course, but not by quite as much.
Wicked wasn't bad, but I agree, I think this has potential to be better. I really like Tin Man (Sci-Fi) and I almost got the same vibe off the axe picture
Retaaaarrded.
It was a poor trailer with needlessly overdone narration and too many unnecessary romance shots. I guess it's a small independed film.
It doesn't look that good. Who is this guy… “forget the new Avengers movie”….. WHO THE F##K IS THIS GUY???
Calm down bud. Did I step on your wittle toes by dissing on the yet to be made Avengers movie? Aww..my torry.
BTW, you can find my name at the top of each article I write.
I thought the trailer was ok for what it was. I'm not measuring it up to an explosion filled action fest like TF2 or ST. When very small indie studios put forth a short film, their budget is usually ultra tiny and they tend to focus more on a well framed shot or narrative to make it interesting.
Sorry to hear that…thanks for you opinion though; I just happen to disagree with you.
YUP. Your comments about such an average looking trailer, begs the question… 'What are you doing writing comments for ScreenRant in the first place?'
Did I step on YOUR little toes
HA! Nope I have much bigger toes than that. I don't get all misty eyed when someone doesn't like the same thing as me. Obviously you reading comprehension leaves something to be desired. My comments about the Avengers did not refer to Heartless but my eagerness to see a completely different series of films based on the IDEA behind Heartless. Not my fault you stopped reading after the word Avengers.
I read the whole article. Please don't reply. I give up, you win and your the best.
Bud, it's not about being the best or winning. Movie opinions are subjective to the individual watching it. You called me out for mine, so I don't see why I shouldn't call you out for yours.
I wish someone would remake the Wizard of Oz with a horror spin on it. the hammerheads in the book were absolutely harrowing.
Something in the vein of A Company of Wolves would be nice.
“…I don't see why I shouldn't call you out for yours.”
'cause as a contributor to the site, you should be a little more mature, and not so defensive. Everyone on this site is intelligent enough to take Paul's comment for what it was without you starting a childish back-and-forth.
You had the upper hand, and gave it away.
it would be pretty cool if tim burton did a remake of OZ.
this movie looks interesting, i hope it makes enough (presuming its out thee for money
I think this looks very interesting and I want to see it from this trailer. I also dug Wicked when I saw it in theater.
I absolutely want to see this movie…I love movies that make me think differently about a subject i thought i knew everything about. Yeah this looks kind of deep if the trailer is any indication…looks simply fascinating.
This looks like a very moving and sad film that will probably be an excellent watch. This is the definition of a true classic prequel.
This looks like a very moving and sad film that will probably be an excellent watch. This is the definition of a true classic prequel.
I actually like it when people stand up for themselves instead of being door mats…..we still have that right…..who cares about upper hand/lower hand…..it is better the have the lower hand than be under foot…..just sayin
no no no no Tim Burton…..no Johnny Deep as the Tin Man……..
Wicked definitely wasn't bad, no. Very good stuff- both the book and the musical were great. =) But this could top both…
i REALLY wanna see this. wish it was full length though
I believe that time is quickly approaching. I'v been contacted by the studio to review the film, so a release can't be far away. We'll be posting something up as soon as we know so keep checking back.
The film released this week
Check it out at whitestones website http://www.whitestonemotionpictures.com
or straight to vimeo Cant give you all the secrets
Ooops the “Cant give you all the secrets
” was a miss cut
here is the vimeo url http://vimeo.com/11431902