AT on the Big Screen?

imported
#1

I just watched the final installment of the Rings Trilogy just last night. Although there are many reasons to fall in love with all three movies, on of the highlights for me is the breathtaking scenery of New Zealand. It’s just spectacular, the rocky, rugged, snowcapped ranges. I love it.

So that got me to wondering, has there ever been (or will there be) a movie about a thru-hike that made it to the BIG SCREEN? I don’t mean PBS documentaries or I-Max (though that’s a big screen).

If not, which thru-hiker’s (or long-distance hiker’s) tale would you like to see on the big screen? Being a writer and a fan of movies (and a fairly knowledgeable hiker), my mind soars with possibilities. I have considered making an attempt at a screenplay, though I don’t know how yet :slight_smile:

There are a lot that would be great to see, like Mic Lowther’s hike with his family, or Bill Irwin’s hike with his dog - and maybe even Bill Bryson’s ‘hike’ or something based on it, like a comedy of errors type of hike (which his certainly was).

Kineo Kid

#2

My favorite trail movie is Fiddlehead and Piep’s DVD on their Triple Crown in one year attempt. It is really funny and has good images of the three trails.

Spirit Walker

#3

i dont think so. after writing that sentance i stopped and thought for a minuite, and concluded: i really dont think so.

milo

#4

It it was done right, it probably wouldn’t be a huge hit. I, myself, would pay to see a movie documenting the recreation-addict sub-culture.

Tha Wookie

#5

Where does one obtain the Fiddlehead DVD? Thanks!

Allyson

#6

Interesting you should mention this. On the PCT last year one of the many head games I played with myself while walking was imagining the ideal “filmic interpretation” of the long distance or thru hiking experience. Obviously it would be a much different film if it was about the AT experience. A film about a late season solo PCT hiker could resemble Castaway where you watch a filthy bearded man slowly go mad as he talks to inanimate objects. :slight_smile: Although the PCT would make for some incredible cinematography I think I would be a bit scared about the possible result of such a movie. If it was somehow successful or notable don’t you think about a million people would say “wow, I want to do that!”? I guess if the movie was about the AT no one would notice the difference. But such a movie focused on the PCT could have some alarming results I think. So if you end up writing the screen play definitely keep it to the AT:lol A surprising number of people, even a few day hikers I met on the trail itself, still don’t know the PCT exists! The trail will continue to grow in popularity no doubt, but I just hope it doesn’t grow TOO fast. Certainly websites, books, photographs etc build interest in the trail but a big film released with any sort of wide distribution would be in a whole other category.

One movie that I do hope will someday get made, IF they did it right, is a John Muir biopic. All of the incredible events of his life are laid out right there in his books. I’m really surprised this hasn’t already been done.

aaron111

#7

Try http://mayor98.safeshopper.com/43/cat43.htm?303

Spirit Walker

#8

does anybody know where one can get the the fiddlehead dvd as allyson also asked? i would like to watch it! thanks!

lenny

steelhead

#9

sorry about that, i just cut and pasted the site and found it. thanks spirit walker for the info!

steelhead

#10

About 1997 I started an outline for a book that had to do with the A.T. as a backdrop for a thriller involving hikers’ interraction with terrorists planning a political bombing in DC. It kind of went back and forth between the beauty and weirdness of our little subculture, and also what the terrorists–foreigners posing as hikers–were up to. The “real” hiker characters and the terrorist hikers had interractions of course, which lead up to the story of the planned bombings as they work their way north. It would have probably culminated in a big finale aboard an Amtrak train between Harpers Ferry and DC just before pulling into Union Station, with thru-hikers and section-hikers as heroes, villains, even a martyr or two.

Then Eric Rudolph happened. Then 9/11 happened. And the book languishes mostly in my head. It’s way too similar to certain realities to ever have a chance to be read on its own merits.

But this question got me to thinking that some movie, not about thru-hiking per se but with thru-hiking or at least the A.T. in some form as a backdrop might make for a compelling story. It wouldn’t be based on anyone’s journal probably, just that the A.T. be an integral part of the plot line…and probably NOT about terrorism. Somewhere among this virtual campfire must be a worthy A.T. technical advisor.

“Skyline”

#11

The thing is, the best story in the world is already out there. Be very wary of people cheapening the trail by capitalizing on its integrity. Any publication or film should honor the trail or it is taking away from it.

That’s why so mant people despise Bryson. He got it all wrong.

Tha Wookie

#12

A film on one of the 4 high profile murders that have taken place on the AT would be cool.

Wolf

#13

I agree with Tha Wookie that the best story, from most of OUR perspectives, is already out there. I just don’t think there is a lot in many of the journals I’ve read that is marketable to a wider audience. Tho there might be a few exceptions to that.

I don’t see anything exploitive about a book or movie plotline that mentions the A.T., or uses the A.T. as a backdrop for a plot line. Certainly what I had in mind was going to treat the A.T. and its culture with reverence, reality, and maybe even some humor.

I also agree that while the first half of A Walk In The Woods is at times hilarious, that the book in total is a how-to-NOT behave in the woods guide.

“Skyline”

#14

Think before you act. do you really want to see the AT going Hollywood? Please wait at least until I have had a chance to do my thru-hike. My 12 year old son and I are going to start doing section hikes this summer and hope to eventually attempt a thru-hike when he is a little older. I would hate to hear the words, "Cut! and Print! as we approach the summit of Katahdin.

peterguercio

#15

Forgive me if I can’t remember the town’s name, but remember how the town in (Maryland?) was innundated with people after the Blair Witch Project came out? Even though it had nothing to do with the movie? I think a movie would be a BAD idea, could you imagine how many people would be thru hiking each year? Shelters/campsites with 100 people at them every night might get tiring after awhile…if walking the AT resembles walking down a city block ( in terms of #s of people) I don’t think that would be a good thing.

CJ

#16

I am in New Hampshire right now editing a film that I filmed in 2003. I decided to concentrate more on the times and ideas and all things that Hikers go through. From music and laughs to injuries and tears, to small doses of history, to wildlife and the like.

It will be a little different then the other AT films and videos out there, plus I have some great music for it and interest from Backpacker(My PR guy meet with them in NY after Trail Days where I meet there Marketing Director.

Check out the basics if you so choose.
I cant get email from the email addy listed, so leave a message here.

LK

LION KING

#17

I want Eric Bana to play me, and I nominate Russell Crowe to play Baltimore Jack. Hey, I like this idea! Any other casting choices?

Sleepy the Arab

#18

Tigers woods Swedish Wife and her twin sister can play Jackrabbit and Isis

Chris Jericho can play me

Burl Ives can play Rusty

Chris Cooper can play the Trail Angel

Lion King