I was introduced to this
wonderful story about a decade ago by my neighbor who, after finishing it,
literally ran down the street hollering (that’s southern for “yelling”) at the
top of her lungs that I had to read this book and make it into a movie. Being a
Christian friend and neighbor, and a screenwriter, I thanked her for it – I had
never heard of Francine Rivers or the CBA at that time. Was it some sort of
Christian government agency? Anyway, the title and the fancy, romantic cover
put me off initially, so the book sat on my night stand for a full year! And
then one evening, for some reason, I picked it up, not expecting much, until I
started reading the first chapter. I think I finished the entire book in about
three long sittings, cried a river of tears, gave it to my husband, friends,
bought copies for all of my bible study ladies, my sister, and even my
nonbelieving Dad (who hasn’t read it yet)…you get the picture. And I became one
of Francine Rivers’ number one fans, having read all of her novels to date.
For those of you who know the
story, it is a nineteenth century, wild-west version of Hosea the prophet who
was called by God to marry a prostitute, Gomer, and stay faithful to her,
despite her adulterous behavior—even purchasing her out of self-induced bondage
and servitude. Likewise, in Redeeming Love, Michael Hosea, a gentle, yet
ruggedly handsome man of God, is called to marry a local prostitute, known only
as Angel. Angel suffers from a long
life of abuse that began when she was just a child. Beautiful and captivating,
yet emotionally scarred beyond repair, she is the last woman a man like Michael
Hosea would desire to marry, but out of obedience to God, he agrees. Sparks fly
as Angel’s emotional state fractures under the pressure of Michael’s
unconditional love—something she has never known—and when the demons from her
past come back to suck her back into a life of prostitution. It is the epitome
of the Christ story, with all the romance, passion, emotional trauma, evil,
violence, betrayal, conflict, twists and turns that a major motion picture
needs to be a success.
As a Christian screenwriter, I
have to say that adapting this story into a film would be an absolute dream of
mine! I have visualized many of the scenes in my head for so long, that if
given the opportunity, I could probably knock out a 120 page script in no time.
As of about a year ago, the movie rights were held by a major Hollywood
producer who is a Christian and just released a summer blockbuster that happens
to be a favorite of my thirteen year old son. No hints, but the leading star in
this blockbuster would be the same as my first choice to play Michael Hosea: a
handsome, supremely talented Aussie who can send many a lady’s heart aflutter.
I should know as I first saw him on the London stage years ago as Curly in Oklahoma – and from the front row where
the view was most optimal. Hugh Jackman is his name, and he would be PERFECT as
Michael Hosea. Can’t imagine anyone else to be honest, especially after seeing
him in Australia with Nicole Kidman
recently. And as for Angel, my first choice would be Katherine Heigl, but
Angelina Jolie would be fantastic as well. Both of them have the beauty, talent
and emotional range, not to mention, Hollywood A list reputation to carry the
film.
I’m sure the delay in getting this story produced is
the same bump in the road so many other independent producers stumble across:
coming up with the money. It is expensive to make a quality, theatrical film
which will attract box office talent and secure proper distribution for an
audience that extends beyond the Christian moviegoer. However, there is no
reason this story couldn’t attract a secular audience, particularly with the amount
of conflict in the romance between Michael and Angel and the return of her
abuser, Duke, who is a deliciously, colorful villain. Think Christian Slater.
Ok, now I’ve just added another fistful of millions to the budget. But with the
right script, I’m convinced a number one movie could be made, going all the way
to the Academy Awards – to Best Picture. Wouldn’t that be magnificent?! And it
all begins with the right script - and the right screenwriter, of course.
