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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Pablo Escobar Invades Hollywood, 2009















Joe Carnahan Gets the OK from Pablo Escobar's Son for...
"Killing Pablo," the movie.


Wow!

What incredible news out of Hollywood.

I have been following the news on "Killing Pablo" as it is reported in the Hollywood press, U.S. media, and mostly this gigantic monster known as “the internet.”

And what can I say? I'm excited about the whole thing, especially a “Joe Carnahan” Pablo Escobar flick.

If you guys haven't read the book, "Killing Pablo”, you should run out and get yourself a copy because the life and times of Pablo Escobar are not like anything you've ever seen and/or read before on the infamous Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel in Colombia.

I thought I knew a few things about Escobar's life, but after reading “Killing Pablo” I was completely blown away by this man's actions; good, bad, or otherwise.

It has been reported that…

Writer/Director Joe Carnahan has received a letter from **********

"It was beautifully written, emphatically detailed and nearly three pages long."

The author was none other than Juan Pablo Escobar, the only son of the infamous drug baron.

Now 30, he had his name legally changed in 1994 and his de guerre will be kept in secrecy, out of respect for him and his intention in contacting writer/director Carnahan.

Carnahan's screenplay is based on the book by Mark Bowden, “Killing Pablo”, and it focuses on the the downfall of Escobar and the Medellin Cartel as it was dismantled by US Special Forces and intelligence, the Colombian military, and a vigilante gang controlled by the Cali cartel.

Escobar's son has given Carnahan unlimited access to the family's history, including photos, films, letters and the like. There are obvious caveats and considerations but the next step is a face to face meeting between Escobar's son and Hollywood maverick, Joe Carnahan.

"I'm honored he would think to reach out to me in this way," stated Carnahan. "Sitting down with the man that was once thought as the natural heir to the Medellin cartel and his father's legacy, only to turn his back on all of it, has got me f*cking pumped to say the least."

This news alone is something that proves that Carnahan will make the best Pablo Escobar movie, giving equal amounts of attention to the hunters and the hunted in this tragic story that affected many good people in Colombia’s past.

I am currently reading the “Killing Pablo” screenplay written by Joe Carnahan and can honestly say that this movie will become the next great modern gangster film, right up there with “Goodfellas” and the all-time’z classic “The Godfather.”

What makes this screenplay so interesting is that it is not only based on true events, but that those events, crazy as they may seem, actually happen. It is without a doubt one of it’s biggest draws, "based on a true story."

I am excited about the whole project, especially when it comes time to shoot the movie. Hopefully, the movie shoots in Colombia, on location whenever possible, capturing the heart and soul of the wonderful and magical city in Colmbia, known as Medellin.

Good, bad, or otherwise… this movie is going to become a hit in America, probably in Colombia as well.

At the moment, Oscar winner Javier Bardem, is cast as Pablo Escobar. But word in Hollywood may have Bardem back out due to a scheduling conflict. If that happens, I would love to see the great Benecio de Torro, also an Oscar winner, play the role of the late Medellin Cartel baron, Pablo Escobar.

Christian Bale has been cast as the head of the U.S. Special Forces who helped to bring down not just Colombia’s most notorious gangster, but the worst gangster in the history of the world.

Joe Carnahan has proven to be a great director when it comes to casting and working with an ensemble cast. Now, it’s just a matter of waiting to see what happens next. The project is still in the pre-production stages, for now... we wait.

I am truly interested, not only in the making of the movie, but how the movie, and more importantly, how Medellin, Colombia will viewed after the release of “Killing Pablo” sometime in 2009.

The Life and Death of Pablo Escobar (Documentary)

Also, check out the video below to see Escobar’s former paradise known as Hacienda Napoles, it is one of the most important locations in “Killing Pablo” the movie.

I love Medellin, Colombia! South America’s best kept secret!

4 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. i have read the book killing pablo last year i couldnt put it down he was a very clever man at the time he used every ways and means get what he wanted and to get away from the forces as read threw i could not believe how easy it was for him to controll medellin and all the people in it i cant wait for the movie tell juan he done good would love to see a proper movie in depth of giselda blanco another imfomouse cocain king pin

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  3. i have not read the book but i will go get it today. i was at my moms house some months ago and i saw a old history book. at the time i was (and still is)who's mother is Columbian. i would always try to figure him out and wonder why all he acts like he cares about is money. as i opened the book i saw something about columbia. i got on the internet and search his Poblo Escobar and saw his life on "Youtube" and said to my self this should be a movie. and now i cant wait until the movie comes out this year.

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  4. I am so pleased that an acomplished director is going to bring the brilliant book "killing pablo" to the big screen. what ever you label Pablo, You cannot deny his life has been a gripping and facinating story about the rags to riches boy brought up in the slums of Columbia. As well as reading 'Killing Pablo' you should also read 'Escobar' an account of pablo's life seen from the man that had always been at his side, his brother Roberto. It is a must read if, like me you are captivated by the story of Pablo Emilio Escobar Gavira.

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