I really find it hard to believe that NO ONE has written a semi factual movie based on Prince's life. I mean, there's no way he would consent to an actual biopic at this stage of his life; but why hasn't anyone written a "Velvet Goldmine" type of movie (For those of you who don't know, "Velvet Goldmine" was supposed to be loosely based on David Bowie's early career. But there was much more fiction to this movie than fact). I think it would be cool to see a character with alot of Princes characteristics. And in all honesty, Prince really has had a rise and fall, and yet another rise again. There's much more then enough drama to create a 2 hour movie. The whole deal with Vanity, Susan, Jill, Susannah, Cat; his one night stand with Lisa that turned her gay for the rest of her life (Just kidding about the gay thing, but he did sleep with Lisa).

Has anyone here written a story? Or ever come across a screenplay?

I have a feeling that maybe these stories/screenplays have been written and just handed to the wrong person (Prince).

I mean think about it, what could actually stop a project like this from getting produced? Prince can't sue someone for "Likeness" or "Similarities". So the main character, rides a motorcycle, wears a Purple trench coat, has most of his women dress in lingerie, and had major success in the mid 80's...That could be anybody!

But seriously, as many talented people as we have right here on the org.with TONS of Prince knowledge; you'd think that this story would have already been written by now.

aw come on; nobody has any input on this idea?

Maybe everyone was just put off because of Purple Rain! Maybe they think noone cares about the rest of his "semi-factual" life?!

nuts,nuts!

I look forward to an actual biopic, should be a lot more fun than "walk the line" or "Ray"
lots of great music, lots of great characters, lots of pretty women.
it would make a ton of money made properly.

imagine it in two parts
part one- "baby im a star"-childhood till purple rain
part two -"pop life"-85 to present

homeandmantel said:

You mean two parts as in two movies?

susannah said:

In regard to Purple Rain, people should be put off, that was a semi factual...Ok no facts at all, film which had Prince at the helm calling all the shots. When it comes to movies, they're not exactly Princes strong point.

As far as "Noone caring about his semi factual life"
I'm sure that's exactly what Warner Brothers is thinking. Plus I think Warner Brothers is trying to screw Prince until the day he dies. I think "The Vault" is the only CD of rare tracks that we're EVER gonna see until Prince is dead. Then when he's dead there'll be hundreds of biopic screen plays racing to the studios, and tons are rare stuff released by Warner Brothers. But if Warner Brothers was smart, they'd put all their hatred aside, and do something like this while the iron is hot. There was even mention of this "film" that's going to accompany "3121" or "Panamaniac" or something, being biographic as well. Prince realizes there's a story to be told, so should others. And the time to cash in is now.

Plus the main idea here is to create a character (life) loosely based on Prince. Do you realize the many directions this could go in by making it fiction...? I still think it's a great idea.

FanofDaFascist said:

Oh I agree completely, but I cant write screenplays!

(that other thread has a more catchy title: 'prince: the movie'. but since yours was first...)


i want to know if you can make a biopic without asking permission. you lawyer-types, do you have any idea? i mean there can be unauthorized biographies, so...

another point: you have to find a unifying theme (such as getting out of an abusive relationship (tina) or overcoming your handicap (ray), what would be the theme in princes' case? the battle against the evil warner brothers? i'm not sure people would relate to that.

the solution could be to make prince a secondary character, as suggested by orger barbefunkoramaque (from his sig):

Barbefunkoramaque is currently writing a serious comedy screenplay in which a group of orgers kidnap Prince and hold him hostage as they go through his vault to assemble the perfect cd. sort of like "high Fidelity" meets Dinero's "King of Comedy" ...

(it's 'de niro' -- in martin scorsese's 'king of comedy', but anyway...)

i think the idea is hilarious... i'm sure the general public wants to see prince as a comedic chara

lofimofo said:

Here's the deal with the comedic prince movie described above "Only Orgers would go see it" lol. As far as a unifying theme: Prince has faced many conflicts in his career, his battle with Warner Brothers (Playing what they wanted him to play as opposed to what he wants to play). His conflicts with spirituality. I mean sex drugs and rock and roll will can sell a movie all by itself as long as it's done right.
As far as a "BIOPIC".... yes if you claim to be making an unauthorized biography
the subject can sue you. That's why I said a fictional movie loosely based on Princes life.

FanofDaFascist said:

hmmm.... it's tricky. i agree that a film 'based on prince's life' would be great if done *the way i imagine it*

what kind of tone do you see for such a project? i think you have to treat over-the-top characters like p. with some humor... you *know* most people think he's a freak, don't you? btw, your avatar would make a good poster... sets the tone right: a mix of sublime and ridicule

"Ray", and in a lesser way "Great Balls Of Fire" and "La Bamba", are enjoyable because of the Drama.

There is nothing interesting for the common people in a plain workaholic. Plus, it is already hard for people surrounding Prince to know what is going on his life, so you can bet that he's not even close to revealing the difficult times he may have gone through.

I think the point is that he has already depicted his life and moods in so many songs... and there you go, the real point is : you'd end with two hours showing a guy in front and behind a mixing table.

Yawn.

bonatoc said:

that's kinda what i thought too. also, i'm not sure people would sympathize with the whole 'slave' deal which -- retrospectively -- has been so central to prince's life/career.

on the other hand, i believe you can make anything interesting through style ('madame bovary', anyone?).

can somebody come up with a good pitch?

(otherwise, i'll stick with Barbefukoramaque's idea...)

Interesting...

But if this ever gets underway, the part of Prince MUST be played by Jack Black.

nayroo2002 said:

You've just reminded me of Charlie Murphy's "Basketball diary".

"Game: blouses."