Braveheart Screening Review

REVIEW

by

Ozzie Banicki

THE MOVIE

During the movie I detected some influences of the screenwriter, Randall Wallace, and director/actor Mel Gibson that actually came to past in the forum and my subsequent brief research into Randall Wallace's background, and of course, we all know of the subsequent movie of Mel Gibson regarding the Passion of Christ.

What you may not have known is that Randall Wallace majored in Religion at Duke, reads parts of the Bible every day and holds a Black Belt in Karate.

So, if put two men together who have a passion for action and a devotion to Christ, you get BRAVEHEART.

How so? Well, I was looking for a theme early in the movie, and just in case I missed it, it popped up three times, which is highly unusual as movies go. Young William Wallace, played by James Robinson, received words of wisdom from his father, Malcom Wallace, played by Sean Lawlor, when he said something to the effect-- I know you can fight, but only if you develop your mind, you will be good with your body. That sounded like something some Asian martial arts instructor would say, and has said in many such movies and to those taking courses in martial arts.

Secondly, I certainly got the parallel to the Crucifixion at the end of the movie. I found myself focusing on my breath as I watched, trying to detach myself from the powerful emotion.

The reappearing spirit of William Wallace's wife, played by Mhari Calvey was certainly spiritual—no pun intended, but the alliteration does fit.

Third, One simple statement in the movie caught my attention, and it reveals volumes about the author's training. It was a reference to “courage.” An elder replied to someone's comment on courage. The elder made a distinction in the form of a question, “Was it courage or rage?”

Here's the significance. This is a reasonable facsimile of a statement Aristotle made in his book of Ethics. Aristotle contrasts Courage to Rash when speaking of distinctions in virtue.

Lew Hunter, in his screenwriting book Screenwriting 434, strongly suggests aspiring screenwriters should read Aristotle. I did read Aristotle’s Rhetoric, Poetics and Ethics—still reading more of Aristotle's philosophy. I am looking forward to Politics and Psychology, though I come from a background in rhetoric (philosophy). Apparently, so did Lew Hunter, Chair of Screen Writing at UCLA. Structure, character development and clearly written succinct action are essential.

You get the picture, here's what's behind the writer.

THE FORUM

1. Write about your passion: ignore the market.
   This makes sense. If it is in the market, the studio writer is likely doing it.
   Randall Wallace's last name is the same as William Wallace, the star character in BRAVEHEART. He was fascinated over the responsibilities and felt he was related, at least in spirit, to the character.

Interestingly, Randall Wallace quit writing screenplays for ten years after writing BRAVEHEART. He did say that he prayed to God that he would finally sell it because he was in serious financial trouble. He must have done well on the financial side, but I also believe he was writing his book that he is now turning into a screenplay.

The movie SECRETARIATE was also made from a Randall Wallace screenplay, along with three others, plus a novel. As aforementioned, the novel is now turning into a screenplay.

2. Fiction is not a documentary.

A forum question from the audience turned out quite humorous. He was asked about the truth of William Wallace in the move. He replied that news reporters and screenwriters lie.

The interviewer pointed out the question came for a local news reporter.

Mr. Wallace tried to squirm out of it, but it only added to the humor. Nevertheless, an important distinction was made in my eyes (Assuming you read my review of Schindler’s List). I don't recall it being said, “This is based on a true story.” But it probably was said.

Mr. Wallace said the spirit of William Wallace is the essential, not the facts.

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3. Re-write.

The screenwriter also revealed that he wrote twelve drafts of BRAVEHEART before he turned it in, and then did claim it was his first draft. Even then, he said, there were several rewrites after the purchase of the script.

Moreover, Director, Mel Gibson, wrote some inserts that he thought were effective. For example, in the ending during the torture, “Crucifixion,” William Wallace looked at a boy and smiled. To me, this was an inspirational message that highlighted the theme—a warrior can only be effective if he develops his mind first. Of course the ending scream of “Freedom” added to this effective ending and accent on the Asian Martial Arts theme of Randall Wallace.

4. Don't give up your day job.

He did not discuss how he made his contacts, but he did live in Hollywood, although not totally necessary. Supposedly it is easier to make contacts that way, many return to home.

Randall Wallace and the interviewer did strongly note that odd are you are likely not to sell anything. Then again, neither do amateur athletes after years of playing sport.