Will Smith Bringing Hurricane Katrina Hero Biopic
May 21, 2009 by Ross MillerOne of the most notable and remembered hurricane disasters of the last few years (although it certainly isn’t the only one) was Hurricane Katrina. It …
One of the most notable and remembered hurricane disasters of the last few years (although it certainly isn’t the only one) was Hurricane Katrina. It has been attributed as one of the worst hurricanes the U.S. has ever experienced, with a death toll of almost 2,000 (with over 700 missing) and a cost in the tens of billions of dollars. A notable hero of the disaster was John Keller, an ex-Marine who kept safe hundreds of people during a five day ordeal.
With this in mind, Will Smith and Overbrook Entertainment (which he is a co-owner of) have acquired the rights to make a biopic about Keller. We only know that the rights have been acquired, but there’s no word yet on whether it will be about his entire life or just the bravery and heroism he displayed in 2005 during the chaos.
Something tells me, for dramatic effect’s sake, it will just be the latter, with maybe a little back story thrown in at the beginning…
Although no casting news has come out yet about the John Lee Hancock-directed movie (The Alamo, The Rookie), it is expected by that Smith will end up portraying Keller. Not only does this make sense with Smith being one of the few truly bankable movie star in the business, as well as the fact he’s producing it, but Smith also clearly resembles Keller (see left).
Much like any film based on the events of 9/11, making a film that has anything to do with Hurricane Katrina needs to be treated sensitively. I am not one of those people who think that no movies should be made about tragic real life events like this – they should, because I think it’s important to get those kinds of stories out there. However, I am not in favor of them making it just to plainly capitalize on the magnitude and impact of the event, either by playing up the fact that it’s based on a real tragic event or making it overly politicized.
With the 9/11 attacks, they made countless documentaries and a couple of feature films, the latter taking the form of World Trade Center and United 93. Both were incredible stories that needed to be told, but with the latter in particular they did a brilliant job with it that made for one hell of a harrowing experience (I didn’t think they made a particularly good movie with World Trade Center, though).
I think with Keller’s heroic story, they can follow in United 93′s footsteps. As long as they don’t make it too sappy, politicized or go about things with a disregard for sensitivity to the tragic event that occurred, it should make for compelling and dramatic viewing.
What do you think of them making a movie about the Hurricane Katrina hero John Keller? Do you think Smith should play the lead and produce?
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Smith should definitely play Keller but I think this is more of a way to make money rather than a tribute to Keller, imo.
I didn’t watch World Trade Center, from the commercials it looked WAY too “Hollywood” with all of the over dramatized catchy speeches that never happen in real life. But I saw United 93, and it was a very… powerful movie…
I hope they treat this correctly, I just hope they don’t make it overly political unless they keep it realistic, which I doubt they will if this became political.
In my opinion you can’t make this story without it being politicized. Why, because the event has alot to do with politics and decisions that were and were not made. People in New Orleans are still furious at the way the Bush administaion handled it as most people living there including there own mayor feel they were hung out to dry. In general people and filmakers shouldn’t sugar coat real emotion and true feeling. That is as big a part of Katrina as the hurricane itself. It doesn’t matter how you feel or I feel its about how the city of New Orleans feels. Personally I don’t feel that way(blame- other than the terorists)about 9/11 because it was what it was but the aftermath of this event should have been handled much better and it simply was not. That will be a big part of this story.
chuck
@Chuck, and this is what I mean about keeping it realistic. If they were to have the politics realistic, they would show about how in 2001 FEMA issued a warning to the New Orleans government regarding their levees which were originally built by the Army Corp of Engineers almost 100 years ago. They were meant to be TEMPERARY so they can build the city and replace those levees with permanent ones. The warning stated SPECIFICALLY that if a hurricane would hit New Orleans directly, their levees will fail and the city will be under water. This is 2001. The warning was issued, what did the great mayor of New Orleans or the great governor of Louisiana do? Nothing. For how many years did they do nothing about it? Then when a hurricane is coming, they put everyone into a stadium and abandon them with no indrastructure, no leadership, no nothing, basically they were “hung out to dry” by the New Orleans government.
Then from what I remember, the first National Guard units to make it there was our Florida Army National Guard. Where was the Louisiana National Guard??? Sounds more like their own government left them to dry. Florida were not reliant on the federal government for help when Hurrican Andrew tore us a new one, we took care of ourselves. People need to quit pointing fingers everywhere and realize that we need to take care of ourselves and stop depending on the federal government to hold our hands through everything.
Just like Flight 93, this film is a distraction. A way to get people to see the happy ending Katrina story.
Smith’s true colors are finally coming out with this. The guy is one of the best propaganda artists today…
Any emotion this guy emulates is pure acting,,, he’s got everyone fooled.
I just watched Terminator so I’m a little pissed, I hope it didn’t come out in the comment.
UNITED 93 (Flight 93 was a docu-movie on A&E) had a happy ending? Ok, I’ll be sure to have you crash into the ground on board an aircraft for your next birthday. You’re welcome.
I’m not trying to get into a heated debate, as I know even Vic liked Flight 93,,, with that being said.
The happy ending your referring too would be that the heroic passengers took those bastard rag heads out!!! Sacrificed they’re very lives, in defense of their country.
^
The not so happy ending (in real life) is that the plane was shot down by an Air force jet. ^
Just my opinion let’s leave it right there. You have your explanation move on to the Terminator post Ken,,,
LMAO, yah, must have been done by the same people who faked the lunar landings…
I think one of the people behind it was the actual shooter in the grassy knoll. They video taped the shooting in one of their silent helicopters.
Excellent idea.Let’s hope it doesn’t deteriorate into a Bush bashing partisan attack.
So much you don’t know Ken,,, makes me laugh,,,
Assume and believe whatever you want my asian friend…
So much you don’t know 790,,, makes me laugh,,,
Assume and believe whatever you want my caucasian(?) friend…
Damn, doesn’t it suck when it works both ways? lol
Yep I’m burned.
WOw a conspiracy nut on our very own screen rant. I’m shocked that it turned out to be 790 and a little saddened. I won’t comment on how crazy you are and just skip over the nut job comment.
Ken I think you forgot to mention that the first responders to Katrina arrived in a helicopter to help people and were shot at. Some of the citizens actually shot at rescuers. The Katrina disaster falls on a lot of shoulders.
To be a little politically incorrect here it’s something that’s always bothered me. Why on earth would any one choose to live in a fish bowl? That’s basically what the place was and you kind of know whats gonna happen when a major hurricane hits. I know that’s politically incorrect, but still true.
Ken, 790, Daniel – just a little pre-emptive “keep it on the down-low” warning for ya. I smell the possibility of friction.
Vic
Getting back to the proposed movie, I assume this ex-Marine has passed? It was hinted at in the article but I don’t remember reading it, unless a biopic means it is about someone who has died. If this is the case, it should be about Keller and his heroics during this horrible period. I don’t think it should be about bashing any political figure as that would lead only to heated arguments, as can be seen already on this thread. Will Smith is a movie draw and he looks like Keller, so I see nothing wrong with this as long as it is about Keller and not the government.
A hero’s story deserves telling, and Will Smith is always a good choice for these kinds of roles. This should be a good movie, I think.
I don’t want to see a hero story, unless we get the whole story. And the whole story is 90% on how the US government at many levels dropped the ball. The Head of FEMA, Bush’ equestrian-loving friend was a joke… Thats the movie I want to see.
Most people don’t watch/beleive the news, but put it in a movie and…
@Manowar
The problem with that is what is the whole story? Some will say Bush dropped the ball, others will say the Mayor dropped the ball, and yet others will say the Govenor dropped the ball. This will lead to nothing but heated debates. I believe a hero story would work well, just like Sgt. York didn’t go into the political aspects of WW1. Start with a origin of him as a marine then cut to him before Katrina and then most of the film would be him saving lives in the aftermath. Sounds like a winner to me.
Manowar not talking about politics could still be the whole story. Who dropped the ball or whatever has very little to do with this man’s personal heroic story. I doubt as he was saving lives he would say to that person. “Do you know who’s fault this is… Bush.” The only people who want it to be political are people who just want not stop shit talking about Bush in every form of media they can find.
Manowar, if you want “the whole story” read my reply to chuck, maybe you might be “enlightened” but I doubt it. The whole New Orleans situation started about 100 years ago, long before Bush… But whatever is easier on people’s simple brains… People find it easier to pick one person and not actually have to think about the realism of the matter. Look at every other natural disaster. Since when have the federal government been responsible for being the first responders? They usually help financially, but the first responders are almost ALWAYS local and state resources. When Hurrican Andrew hit Florida, our government didn’t sit around twiddling our thumbs waiting for FEMA, the Florida Army National Guard was right on it from the beginning.
I agree Ken. I’m not exactly the worlds biggest Bush fan, but I think more often than not it’s easier to just blame him or use the generic label of The Bush Administration. When really things are far more complex than that. He sometimes gets blamed for things he didn’t even have a thing to do with. I bet if I did an internet search I could find someone blaming him for the black plague.
Not saying its a conspiracy, but,,,,
Keep in mind folks that the Bush admin has really been in power since Poppy Bush was the director of the CIA and then later ran the country as VP under Reagan who was nothing more than a enthusiastic faux leader. (Kinda like the current president)
Look behind the curtain, for the Wizard,,,
Your making me want to shot my self 790. I’d honest to god rather masturbate with sand paper than read lunatic crazy ramblings of conspiracy nut jobs.
9/11 was set up by the Olsen Twins. They really have all the power. Look behind the curtain don’t be blind sheep all the scientists agree Mary Kate is an evil alien.
Gheesh Daniel you sound really upset.
Rest easy as I won’t go into any more crazy theories that upset your reality…
nah, Bush and his administration are not the cause of the hole that this country is in right now. nah, not at all. please…
Not upset at all just mildly annoyed by brain washing that goes on through the internet by incredible websites and irresponsibly so called writers it’s sad when any one really trying to get real info could find out the actual truth fairly easy, but that’s far more work than just going to some crappy website that spouts out garbage. Much easier to read the opinion of some jerk then research the truth your self.
Well Daniel I’m over 40 years old and I have been looking into this subject since before the internet…
If you think the Government tells the truth then were done here. Fyi, they (gov) also controls the media… Hard to believe, the truth is. A little Yoda just came out there.
Never said the government tells the truth I know there are a pretty good amount of things that they lied about. However I find the facts on my own to decide what they lied about rather then assume they lie about everything and make up a story to pretend is the truth.