The Variable Man with Gary Goldman and Angus Fletcher | Development Hell
Feb 29, 2024
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Gary Goldman and Angus Fletcher discuss the challenges of selling a Philip K. Dick adaptation with plot twists too intense for action actors. They reveal the roller coaster ride of Hollywood's development hell and the early AI that couldn't pick a smart script.
The struggle to adapt Philip K. Dick's work stemmed from convoluted plot twists and AI script selection failures.
Directorial influence plays a crucial role in shaping cinematic storytelling, highlighting the importance of vision and financial backing.
Deep dives
The Challenge of Contrasting Narratives and Autonomy
The movie explores the complex narrative of trusting artificial intelligence over human decision making, where the protagonist must choose between his heart and the dystopian world's prediction. This central dilemma challenges traditional Hollywood tropes, pushing actors and audiences to confront the unsettling consequences of personal choice versus algorithmic control.
Seeking a Strong Director for Vision
The project faces hurdles in securing a director with a bold vision and the trust of financial backers. Without a director to champion the intricate narrative and thematic complexity, the movie's prospects remain uncertain, emphasizing the importance of directorial influence in shaping cinematic storytelling.
Rise and Fall of Algorithmic Influence
The narrative takes a meta twist as a company's AI-driven script selection process leads to bankruptcy. The failed algorithmic approach highlights the pitfalls of automated decision-making in the creative industry, underscoring the limitations of AI in assessing cinematic potential.
Angus Fletcher's Critique of AI in Storytelling
Angus Fletcher evolves from a screenwriter in the tumultuous Hollywood landscape to a vocal critic of AI's storytelling capabilities. His groundbreaking work challenges the notion that computers can effectively engage in narrative creation, positioning human intuition and creativity as irreplaceable elements in crafting compelling stories.
Gary Goldman was a writer on “Total Recall”, a Philip K. Dick adaptation directed by Paul Verhoeven and starring Arnold Schwarzeneger. It was a big hit. So why do Gary and his writing partner, Angus Fletcher, have so much trouble selling another Philip K. Dick adaptation? They tell Malcolm that it all came down to a roller coaster ride of plot twists that even A-List action actors couldn’t stomach, and an early attempt at AI that was too dumb to pick a smart script.