Cussler's Last Stand
http://outside.away.com/outside/features/2...ler-sahara.html
MATTHEW McCONAUGHEY AND PENELOPE CRUZ are big draws, but don't look for Clive Cussler in line when their new film, Sahara—based on his 1992 book—opens March 25. The novelist has no immediate plans to see the $130 million flick, which marks the first time in 25 years that Dirk Pitt, Cussler's swashbuckling explorer, will appear on the big screen. In fact, Cussler is suing production company Crusader Entertainment (now known as Bristol Bay Productions) for at least $10 million, charging that they bungled the script.

"Raise the Titanic was bad enough," says Cussler, 73, referring to the 1980 flop that was the first—and only—film based on his 18-book adventure series, which has sold more than 100 million copies worldwide since 1973. Raise the Titanic, which starred the relatively unknown Richard Jordan as Pitt, grossed just $7 million. "They butchered that movie, and of course it was a bomb—even though the book was good," Cussler says. "It's the same thing with Sahara. I don't believe the script they're using has much to do with the book."

In a 2001 deal that reportedly brought Cussler more than $30 million, Crusader optioned film rights to three books in the Pitt series. Sahara, the first installment, finds Pitt tearing across the North African desert with sexy UN scientist Eva Rojas (Cruz) and wisecracking sidekick Al Giordino (Steve Zahn) as they race to save the planet from a deadly toxin. But Cussler claims the final Sahara script "just wasn't up to snuff." "I wanted to work with a screenwriter, but they wouldn't let me," he grouses. The production company, which declined to comment on the issue, will meet Cussler in a Los Angeles courtroom later this year.

Happily for the Dirk Pitt–obsessed, the author is less cantankerous about the cast. Although Hugh Jackman was his first choice to play the dark-haired, green-eyed Pitt, Cussler OK'd the casting of McConaughey. "He could come off as a good Pitt," he says. "I don't really know who else was around."

(my take on this - if Clive is unhappy with this movie, then I am sure as hell not going to fork over money to see it in the theater. I' *might* rent it when it comes out on DVD)

I don't think Clive could ever be happy with a script since he was SO dissappointed with RTT the movie. Didn't he reject something like 8 (EIGHT!) Sahara screenplays?

I will be in line at the theater, I hope I am not too disappointed

Al G (aka Brian)

PS - I think I would have made a better Al than Steve Zahn :P

Haha, I'm 5'11, 160, and I think I might have made a better Al. At least I have black hair. :lol:

I think SZ might be able to pull off Al's wit a little better. At least I hear that he and MM had real good "buddy" chemistry. I, too, will be in line to see it and if we keep in mind that it is a "new" DP adventure then I'm sure we won't be dissappointed at all. th:

Brian can you post a pic for us?

(I actually think I look more like a DP)

I would but.... there is always that but
I have shaved my head due to heat, and It pays to look tough in my business. I am however 5'9" and over 225 lbs. And before my belly hit my belt it used to be attached to my chest. AAAAh but that was a long time ago, thanks for the memories

Brian (aka Al G) beer:

As usual Hollywood bastardizes anything it gets. I have two minds about seeing the movie myself. But I imagine the movie may make more readers of the Cussler books.

I SWEAR TO ALL THAT IS PITT,

THIS MOVIE WILL BE A SMASH HIT, EVEN IF "THE BOOK IS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE",.....OF COURSE IT IS CUSSLER IS A GOD AMONG MEN WHEN IT COMES TO PICKING UP A PEN AND TAKING US AWAY ON A WELL DESCRIBED VISION OF DIRK.

HOLLYWOOD WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR ATTENTION TO DETAIL THAT IS IN ALL OF CLIVES MASTERPIECES.

IM JUST GLAD THEY STARTED THE FRANCHISE OUT RIGHT, AND MAYBE AFTER CLIVE GETS HIS SUIT RESOLVED WITH THE STUDIO THEY WILL LEARN TO BOW AND APPRECIATE HIS WRITING AND LITERARY GENIUS

I think Clive is being overly sensitive. RTT was the wrong stars, and other mistakes. It can not be expected to get even half of an over 500 page book into a 2 hour movie.
This time the stars are very good, great chemistry and the humor. The story changes and omissions kept it within length, yet kept the most essential parts, and action.
I've got all Clive's books in hardback, one autographed. There are some that probably would have to be mini-series. I think the screen writers did a good job, the director, too. Sahara was a blockbuster the first week, and I hope it makes money, so more can be made by the same team. I think Clive should be proud and let us fans have more great movies with Mathew McConoughey as THE Dirk Pitt. snor: b: det: :) party:

If the movie gains more Cussler fans it will be a BIG plus. I hope it opens the door to more of his books being turned into movies. There are to many good DP books to choose from. To see some of my favorite stories come to life is all I can ask for., except pleases do them well. :lol:

Then make it as long as it needs to be!!!!

Titanic, The Ten Commandments, all three Godfathers?

Epic stories need thier space!

I love CC and i love his books .....but to say SAHARA should be up there with the ten commandments and the godfathers movies ,,,,, (GET REAL)

I agree Sahara could have been much better than the Ten Commandments And the Godfather. If only they had turned it into a mini series.

A mini series is just what's needed to do justice to any of the Cussler books. At least we would have the pleasure of seeing the story played out the way it should be. It worked for Stephen King why not Clive Cussler? :lol:

That is the smartest idea anyone has come up with so far...a miniseries, I bet it would draw in tons of viewers. I would be on the couch with my popcorn for every second of it. w:

I finally saw it when my sister bought it. I would have prefered Hugh myself, and someone else for Al.

I warched Sahara and now own it. However, i read the book after the movie and the movie was nothing like the book. The book is way better and most of the movie is way outta order. I was confused the second time i watched it because I did not know the first time that it was so out of order. It would have been good to someone who had never heard of Clive Cussler. Over all it was a good movie but i wish i had read the book first. i was still reading one of his other books at the time.

Hi mahowell, welcome to our little family!! Sahara was a great movie, if you hadn't read the book first, and it had great adventure even if you had. What Cussler book are you reading right now? Have a great time here and feel free to post often about anything! Julie

Welcome to the Forum!! Enjoy your time here. w: