Goodbye Afghanistan, Cruel World…Hello Hollywood!
July 27th, 2007 by DamonI just saw the news that Pat Tillman, erstwhile NFL star and Pentagon poster boy, may have been murdered (rather than accidentally killed) by his own troops. Apparently, his family has believed this for a long time, which came as a surprise to me–meaning either I am not paying attention or our trusted news outlets are not doing their jobs. Hmm.
The evidence: multiple bullet wounds in close proximity on his forehead, leading an Army doctor to conclude that the person who shot him was no more than ten yards away; no sign that his unit had received enemy fire; and stonewalling by the Army when an investigation was requested.
Like any “real American” and/or person with a conscience, I can’t help but feel awful for Tillman’s family, bristle at the apparent massive cover-up by our armed forces and executive branch (is there anything that’s beneath this administration?), and, of course…wonder about this story’s celluloid future. Will the Tillman family sell the rights?
While the plot twists are now public knowledge (you sure have a good sense of pacing, free press!), the story should still provide compelling drama, with its clash of idealism and cynicism, and with all the bad smells from high places.
Plus, Tillman is a fascinating character–a guy who enthralled pro-war America by turning down millions to become an Army Ranger and fight in Afghanistan, but also turned out also to be an atheist, Iraq War opponent, and fan of Noam Chomsky.
Which leads to some interesting questions re: casting. Russell Crowe seems a likely frontrunner for the role of Tillman, which would demand considerable brawn. Wildcard: The Rock. Granted, not a match on melanin, but if Angelina can go browner, why can’t he go whiter? Wildercard: Michael Cera in his muscle suit.
Buster’s not the only Bluth in Army!
My thoughts: Make Tillman’s character an extended cameo–like Orson Welles in The Third Man–and keep the focus on the cover-ups and investigations. Do it up noir style. (Could all the intrigue, deception, and corruption of the Iraq War mean a comeback for one of my favorite genres?). And, of course, cast Paul Reubens as General Peter Pace.
The word of the day is…Cover-up!!
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July 27th, 2007 at 11:49 am
For some reason this news made me really angry and really eager to go out in the street and shout anti-Bush slogans and bring down the whole Republican house of cards. I mean, a guy was murdered — so the government gives the victim a posthumous medal while preventing any investigation into the crime. Do the words “lies” and “injustice” even begin to express what’s gone on? We’ve become so used to the parade of crooks and liars under investigation in Washington — Libby, Gonzalez, and the rest of their odious cronies — that Eugene Robinson in the Washington Post today coined the phrase “outrage fatigue” to express the prevailing attitude. But those three bullets aimed at Pat Tillman’s head cut through my own fatigue. If THIS revelation doesn’t lead to some kind of accountability for the Bush gang, will ANYTHING? About casting your movie — Russell Crowe is too old. A more likely choice is Matthew McConaughey. Did you know Pat Tillman was only about 5′10″ ?
July 27th, 2007 at 12:30 pm
“Outrage fatigue” is a good term for it. It’s as though nothing can surprise anymore–even the fact that Gonzalez is still holding on. That guy could learn a few things from the Samurai. One in particular comes to mind.
Good point on age. McConaughey’s only five years younger, but he seems younger than that, and is sufficiently bulky for the role.
August 23rd, 2007 at 12:39 pm
this post is why you are such a great blogger. instead of simply ranting, as i did, you caused me to laugh and laugh at the memory of george michael in the muscle suit. long live arrested development.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Damon…you just came up on my “google” for the first time. Who are you?