"THE LAST FULL MEASURE" Movie

[hawkeye1755]

Just searching the web for "THE LAST FULL MEASURE" movie,when i found this info on Jeff Shaara's website.

REGARDING "THE LAST FULL MEASURE":
Many of you have written, asking if the film version of this book is being produced, to complete the Civil War trilogy. Unfortunately, because of the poor box office results for "Gods and Generals", Ted Turner has dropped all plans to finance a film version of "Last Full Measure". Someone else may yet step forward, but so far, no one in Hollywood has shown interest. Despite the many rumors to the contrary, I'm sorry to say that no film is now in the works.
Jeff Shaara.

:shocked2: :cursing:

 

[Tumblernotch]

I'm not surprised. "Gods and Generals" was a real letdown. If Shaara could get Spielberg and Hanks to film "The Last Full Measure", now that would be different.

One problem I have with CW movies is the realism. I guess part of this is because I've gotten spoiled by watching "Saving Private Ryan" and "Band of Brothers". One reason is the use of reenactors. They're too fat and and are too aware of the presence of the camera. I was a reenactor for many years and I was too fat so I know what I'm talking about. We were filmed at the battle of Saylor's Creek once and some of the footage was used in a documentary of the battle. For the most part that worked well because most of the men were unaware that they were being filmed.

I believe that to show the action in a realistic fashion much of the battle scenes would have to be computer generated or enhanced and the extras need to be better trained. Even the stars need to be more believable. The only one in the first two of this trilogy who is believable to me is Jeff Daniels, who played Chamberlain in "Gettysburg".
I will have to say that Duvall did a better job portraying Lee than Sheen did. But that ain't sayin' much.

Lastly, there was too much left out of "Gods and Generals". What happened to Sharpsburg? I know there is a limit to the length of a movie, but maybe they needed to cut some of the boring stuff. Maybe if this was done as a series like "Band of Brothers" and put on cable TV and DVD, it would prove a money maker for the studio. And it could satisfy those of us who study this period. I would like to see something covering the War from Spotsylvania to Appomattox. A ten part series could do this quite well.

 

[BEP]

Turner's "Gettysburg" covered a four-day period in four hours, and it barely scratched the surface of those four days. According to that movie, nothing happened on Culp's Hill or the northern end of the Union line. Personally, I thought Martin Sheen's Robert E. Lee was okay. That's a tough part for any actor. Lee is so much bigger than life today; any character defects that he might have had are lost under an avalanche of bronze and marble statues.

"Gods and Generals" tried to deal with around 27 months, also in four hours.Just too big a job - the movie was disjointed and poorly made. I read its reviews but bought the DVD anyway. What a mistake!

Both "Gods and Generals" or "Last Full Measure" would make a good mini-series with the right recipe of direction and actors. They're both good books so the material is there for the basis of a decent screenplay. Just not a four hour subject.

And that's one guy's opinion.

sneezy

 

[Gary]

The script writer for Gawds & Jinerals killed the story. Last Fool Measure will probably be made by an adult, who in our eyes today, is young enough to be our grandson and crawling on the floor.

 

I greatly anticipated seeing "Gods and Generals" after seeing "Gettysburg" during its initial theater release. Seeing "Gettysburg" on the large screen was a real experience basically for two reasons (even though some of the bad acting, overweight soldiers, and poorly attached fake whiskers made me wince). First, the sheer numbers of authentically attired reenactors employed in the battle scenes gave the movie a realistic look that was always missing on previous Civil War movies. And secondly, Jeff Daniels was perfectly cast as Chamberlain.

Unfortunately, "Gods and Generals" seemed to lack that grandiose scale of action that "Gettysburg" had. And too many years had passed between the making of the two movies to allow Daniels to reprise his role as Chamberlain. He just appeared too old and a little overweight.

 

[TParker]

Perhaps as we approach the 150th anniversary, public interest in our history will rekindle Hollywood interest in making this movie, or, better yet, and as was suggested by others, a miniseries. After all, if the public has an interest in a subject (and will pay to see a movie) Hollywood will do its best to capitalize on it. But for now, alas, there is no chance.

 

[armchair_gunner]

I have been a reenactor here in Wisconsin for close to 5 years now (and also present in school as a reenactor). I have heard my share of stories on the Ted Turner movies. Many of my compatriots do not like Gods in Generals; in particular due to most of us Union reenactors portray the 2nd Wisconsin of the Iron Brigade and had a spot in the Sharpsburg part of the Gods and Generals movie that was cut out. If any of us comment on movies at all around here, we usually comment on the inaccuracies of the Ted Turner movies. Honestly, I did not think another Ted Turner movie would be good. Both his Sharra movies were “okay” in my opinion, but nothing I would be proud of. After the Gods and Generals movie flopped in the theaters (something I think Turner should have never done, these movies are meant for television) I think Turner’s series of Civil War movies (ever since 1991 he has made a total of 6 now) is now at a end. I think though, he has made some movies that I think will ultimately be remembered for a long time, not only as movies that helped inspire interest in the Civil War, but also are tools for teachers to use in their classrooms in high school (I have seen many teachers use all 6 of the Turner movies at various levels and in various classes. While accuracy is very questionable, they are the best many teachers have for interesting Civil War movies. Without them, it is hard for some teachers to keep the Civil War interesting for your average student. We all know students love movies.)

 

[jbwilliams3]

You're right on, I can't agree enough. Nothing bugged me more when "Gettysburg" first came out than a batallion full of fat Confederates all wearing shoes!
If they DO eventually make "the last full measure" I hope they either find someone else to play chamberlain, or jeff daniels loses a little wieght- I thought he was great in Gettysburg, but was starting to age and show a little tub in God's and Generals"- Oh, and I was born and raised in Fredericksburg and have done a mighty lot of research on the battle so i was dissapointed in all of the portrayal in God's and Generals... It would be incredible for a company and producer with a big budget to take on The Last Full Measure