Product Description
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An inspirational and triumphant film about the power of
the human spirit, Peaceful Warrior is the incredible true story
based on Dan Millman's bestselling novel. A gifted young athlete,
bound for Olympic gold, Dan has it all: trophies, talent, and all
the women he wants. But after a life-changing event, Dan comes to
rely on Socrates (Nick Nolte), a mysterious stranger, and Joy
(Amy Smart), an elusive young woman, to teach him the secret to
overcome incredible odds and tap into new worlds of strength and
understanding. Hailed by celebrities and critics alike, Peaceful
Warrior is "an inspiring film that could change lives." - Sting
Bonus Content:
* Deleted Scenes
* Extended Scenes
* The Journey
* Developing Your Warrior
* Book to Screen
* Michelle Featherstone: "I'm There Too" Music Video
Set Contains:
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Interview With Dan Millman, author of The Way of the Peaceful
Warrior
Dan Millman, the author of Way of the Peacful Warrior: A Book
That Changes Lives ( /dp/1932073205 ), took the time to answer a
few questions for us about the making of the film, the creation
of a new genre, and five movies that you should see.
Many writers have found the process of getting their books onto
the screen to be frustrating, for many reasons, usually dealing
with creative issues. How did you find the whole process? How
much control over the final script did you have?
Novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, who was drafted into screenwriting,
once suggested, "Any authors interested in seeing their work
adapted to the screen should stand at the California border,
throw their manuscript in the direction of Hollywood, and run the
other way." This sentiment may be good advice for authors who
expect or insist that all their precious narrative and dialogue
be transferred directly to the screen. I understood, going in,
that adapting a book to film is like turning a painting into a
sculpture -- changes are sometimes necessary and even desirable.
Once film rights were sold, I had (like most authors) no control
over script, casting, or any other aspect of the film-making
process--but I was able to at least achieve some influence with
the producers and director based on earned credibility. I served
as a consultant, offering notes along the way. The director also
incorporated about ten pages of material from an earlier script I
had written. But overall, the process was an exercise in letting
go and getting out of the way.
It seems we're seeing a wave of positive-thought/spritually
based work in literature and movies lately, for example, The
Secret, The Celestine Prophecy, and What the Bleep Do We Know. Is
this a temporary fad or do you see this as a larger cultural
shift?
There are apparently millions of people today who find comfort
in metaphysical and so-called "quantum" ideas that promise to
help them attract all manner of good things by intending,
focusing or thinking positively. The Peaceful Warrior's way is a
call to move from wishful thinking to constructive action. In
other words, it's fine to have big dreams, but our lives are
shaped by what we actually do, moment to moment. The smallest
good deed surpasses the grandest good intention. As Thomas Edison
wrote, "Most people miss rtunity because it's dressed in
overalls and looks like work." Let's keep our head in the clouds
but our feet on the ground.
)Who exactly was Socrates? What can you tell us about the actual
person he's based on? And how did Nick Nolte come into this role?
Way of the Peaceful Warrior provides a glimpse of life's bigger
picture through a story that blends autobiographical material and
fictional elements. I did meet an old service station mechanic
about three a.m. on a starry morning. And I did call him
"Socrates." He impacted my life not only with his words, but with
the light in his eyes and the way he carried himself - and he
became the archetypal Mentor described in my book. As to how Nick
Nolte came to play the role (quite brilliantly) -- that was
simply a conjunction of the stars, of timing and fortune, along
with the good casting sense of the director and producers. I'm
glad it turned out that way.
What are your thoughts on the final cut of the movie?
When my wife and I saw an early screening of the film, I was both
moved and relieved. It was not an easy adaptation. The
screenwriter, director and producers made some choices different
from mine, but I enjoyed the result. Every film, like every
person, has both flaws and virtues. In my view, the virtues of
Peaceful Warrior outweigh any flaws. Although the movie covers
only the first two-thirds of the book -- leaving out the most
important part of the story -- it still manages to capture the
spirit of the book, and to offer wisdom that can impact the lives
of those who view it. Peaceful Warrior reflects a new genre --
"cinema with substance" -- transformational film..
This is being billed as "a movie that changes lives." What are
five movies you would recommend that, in your opinion, change
lives?
The subtitle of the book, based on reader feedback, is "A book
that changes lives." Universal Pictures adapted this for the film
as well. If any film can change lives, it does so by providing
stories and role models that expand perspectives about what is
important in our lives, and about the human spirit. Although
others might come up with quite a different list, here are a few
films that I consider examples of transformational film: It's a
Wonderful Life; Groundhog Day; Rudy; Contact; To Kill a
Mockingbird; Twelve Angry Men. There are many more; hundreds
more. But these films in some way call us to living with a
peaceful heart and a warrior spirit - to live with courage and
love, to stand tall even when we stand alone, to do what is right
and speak and live our truth. This is what the peaceful warrior's
way is all about.