Gothard Life Movie

OAKBROOK, Illinois - Inspired by epic character movies such as Ali, Ray, Nixon, and Alexander, IBLP will be producing a full-length feature film on the life of founder and president Bill Gothard. Oliver Stone is the project's top pick for director, although Robert Altman is a close second.

The biopic will cover Bill's life and ministry, starting with his unique childhood in suburban Chicago, examining his call to ministry at the age of 15, and covering his college years and the humble beginnings of his youth ministry. The movie will trace the course of Bill's ministry to its powerhouse days in the 1970's and 80's when thousands gathered to hear him speak.

"This is a marvelous opportunity for us to remind the world of how God used Bill Gothard," said an IBLP spokesman. "Millions have been encouraged to live up to the non-optional principles Mr. Gothard discovered."

Casting has been a challenge for this project. Frankie Muniz, from Malcolm in the Middle, will play a young Bill Gothard, but locating an actor who can play the adult Gothard with appropriate spiritual depth and dramatic delivery is taking much longer.

Kevin Kline reportedly has the best chance of the talented field of actors vying for the role. Mel Gibson was rumored to be Gothard's personal pick, but Gibson rejected the role, indicating he was looking for more masculine, action-packed roles. Kevin Spacey expressed interest in the part, but was turned down because of his involvement in American Beauty. Danny DeVito was turned down for being too short.

Another challenge is no obvious female character to play opposite of Gothard. While Kate Beckinsale, Reese Witherspoon, Mandy Moore, and Claire Danes will all play IBLP staff members who serve at IBLP's Headquarters location in Illinois, no leading female role has emerged.

David Mamet is writing the film's script, which he calls "revolutionary and punchy--a character movie with intrigue, power, money and fame."

Developing...

-posted by X-er at 9:46 PM