Having read a number of mr cussler books ,i would have thought that there where a few very good films in there ,so im suprised that no film company have taken them up,but still a good read on a dive trip p:

Agree. Raise the Titanic (in my opinion) didn't do much for me as a movie even though it may be my favorite of all the books. Sahara I enjoyed a lot but I think the legal issues turned what could have been a great thing into something much less. Dirk and Al were very well done and a repeat performance would be excellent.

How about a "Director's Cut" of Raise the Titanic? Cut out all the sluggish scenes and re-edit it for more impact. t:

It would be worth seeing what they could do. Not having Al in it is a struggle for sure.

That would make for a 3 and 1/2 minute movie.

Pre 1970's, Hollywood had a place in system wherein a Producer or Director got a script and the script was followed to the letter. When the studio system collapsed, movies became star led efforts. One of the unfortunate effects of the collapse was that hack writers were placed on sets so that quick re-writes could be done if the actor "wasn't feeling it man".

In Sahara, it was said that Dirk and Al were former Navy SEAL's. Really ?

A movie only portrays a book if the Director and everyone else involved in the project really love the book. Lord of the Rings is an example of doing it right. Of course, the studio spent a lot of money making the first LOTR movie and it would have been a costly blunder for the studio if Frodo and Samwise were a pair of stoned hitch hikers in the Mojave desert on their quest. So, what happened with Raise the Titanic ?

It was obvious that the studio called around and just plugged in out of work actors in the project-didn't matter that they were 100% wrong for the part they were cast for.

And so, with all that said, the only way a Clive Cussler book will become a movie done right is if the Director/Producer are lovers of the book and the actors in the project don't have the star power to order re-writes.

I have a great script that I know will become a great movie. If I can get that movie made, a re-do of Raise the Titanic is project number four.

1) First, Clive will have to be convinced that it's a worthwhile effort. To that end, he will approve scripts if he's not on set.

2) Relative unknowns should be used in the roles to make the roles believeable. That, and if the movie takes off, they can reprise their roles in the next Cussler project.

3) There will have to be two versions of the movie due to the nude scene. Theatrical release will have to have bare back and shoulders up. DVD release will be the full monty to increase DVD sales. Also, with an unknown in the role of Dana, we won't get one of those "non nudity clause" actresses.

Project number five will be Night Probe. That's a story very much wortn telling.

Project Six will be Deep Six. The battle between the re-enactors and terrorists is just pure fun. Besides, with all the partisanship in D.C., it will be easy to sell a story about a possible coup.

It is obvious that no one here really knows what they are talking about. The only notable exception is Mikedadski, whose sharp observation that it was the legal issues that made the great film SAHARA something much less then what it could have been ,is spot on along with his opinion about that Dirk & Al were extremely well done and a repeat performance would be not only excellent,but most welcome. Good call,Mikedadski !!

Thanks for the kind words! Clive is an amazing and a real first class man.

We were fortunate to attend a signing for Black Wind where he and Dirk signed books for us. Amazing!

I'll never forget is his hand written Eagle Scout letter to my son. Well done and inspirational. Clive is an Eagle also and I believe he received his in '47.

Only challenge I have is getting to read his latest book first as my son is quicker at getting them then me!

Like I said before it will take ONE Screenwriter who loves the Cussler novels and a cast without stars and a Large budget. And at least 3 years or more between movies. p:

[B][FONT=Arial][SIZE=7]After the Titantic fiasco Clive said he would never make another movie. I'm sure other producers wanted to option his books for a movie, but he said no. Now that he has the reputation of being a PIA I doubt anyone will want to work with him.

The part of Al Giordino was horribly written apparently for comic relief.

I couldn't disagree more with that notion. Steve Zahn captured Al almost perfectly in relation to McConaughey's Dirk. The chemistry between the two leads not only mirrored the novels but was one of the best things about the film, which, in itself, give life and breath to Cussler's world.

I also enjoyed the character of Al. The dynamics between Dirk and Al was outstanding. th:

I agree that the interaction between the actors gave the movie a breath of life!!! beer:

Yes,I think so also. Liked Al a lot. Funny sometimes, but in place when needed. This was pictured really great for my opinion :)

I'm thinking the Dirk Pitt character really should and could be the next Bond/ Jack Ryan type character in movies. I have read almost everything Mr. Cussler has written and for the most part everything has made miss many hours of sleep with books I just cant put down. While I'm not privy to the exact details that involve the lawsuit dealing with the Sahara project. I really feel all party's involved should settle so we can start cranking out a Summer blockbuster worthy franchise.
Sahara is a great film, I paid my fair share at the box office to see it and even own on DVD. However to be honest if your serious about making a series of movies Matt McConaughey needs to go. Just start over with a new lead, I'm thinking Chris Pine type. Also something that includes congresswoman Loren Smith. Vlahalla Rising comes to mind for the next movie project, I hope that whatever legal problems the Dirk Pitt franchise has run into can be resolved and lets get back to making an Indiana Jones of the modern times film franchise a reality!

Welcome aboard! I agree we need to get back into film. I enjoyed Sahara a great deal, but wouldn't mind a repeat with the same characters. Having Harrison Ford be a constant factor in the movies was what made them enjoyable for me. I can see the same thing happening with Mathew repeating as well. I guess at the end of the day, I'd go see a new movie regardless! :)

Welcome to the site. w:
I'd welcome a new film myself. I also enjoyed Sahara movie...and the book.
As I mentioned elsewhere, I'd also like to see Clive get into making some of these adventures into video games, think that would be a blast. :)

You'll probably see more movies when Clive has passed on. The money would be too great for the kids to resist

Looking at pictures of Clive lately you'd think he was getting younger by the day! ;)

If I was an aging author of bestselling novels I would ask for too much money tghus discouraging Hollywood. p: beer:

I have always thought Pacific Vortex would make a fantastic movie. With the Storyline being much more linear than other books, I think it would be a great re-starter to perhaps some franchising.