Cursing a movie, or an entire franchise, for that matter, is not uncommon. From Exorcist To poltergeist And omen To Crow, many productions have had the misfortune of being associated with such a terrible label. But regardless of whether the mentioned films were affected by some inexplicable external force, they are united by belonging to the horror and thriller genres. Among the long list of films considered cursed, there is one that, if made, would fall into the realm of comedy - Atuk.
Beginning in the 1970s, film adaptation by Canadian author Mordecai Richler1963 novel, Incomparable Atuk, has been undertaken by several directors and actors. But their efforts were overshadowed by a series of tragic incidents that even led some to believe that simply reading the script could seal a premature fate. Under the working title Atukthe project has essentially been abandoned and, perhaps for good reason, the chances of it seeing the light of day seem slim.
Who was “the incomparable writer Atuka”, Mordechai Richler?
One of Canada’s most beloved writers, Mordecai Richler has applied his talents to novels, non-fiction, essays and screenplays. Known for his satire, razor-sharp wit, and exploration of the social dynamics surrounding class and culture, he published his first novel in 1954 at the age of 23. In 1959, perhaps his most famous literary work was released. Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz (adapted to a 1974 film starring Richard Dreyfuss), and just a few years later Richler wrote his fifth novel, Incomparable Atuk.
Atuk this is the story of the main character, an Inuit poet who, after receiving recognition for his work, leaves his rural homeland and moves to the big city of Toronto. Less concrete storytelling and more episodic, Richler’s novel guides its hero through a mosaic of colorful characters, settings, and events. However, slowly but surely, Atuk’s sense of innocence and naivete is fading as he becomes more and more assimilated to the corrupting nature of life in the big city.
Having written for film and television and even received an Oscar nomination, Mordecai Richler was no stranger to show business. So when Hollywood turned its attention to Incomparable Atuk and knocked on the author’s door, there was no reason to suspect that the adaptation of the novel would cause great difficulties. But the movie gods are fickle, and Atukthe journey from page to screen would be anything but a walk in the park.
Director Norman Jewison and John Belushi show interest in ‘Atuk’
In accordance with Star Phoenixdirector Norman Jewison owned the screen rights Incomparable Atuk in 1971. On top of success The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming, In the heat of the nightAnd fiddler on the roof, the Canadian director was not necessarily impressed with the novel itself, but admitted that the premise was “a very good idea”. Enlisting the Screenwriter’s Efforts Tod Carrollthe script was written, but Jewison decided to move on to direct Jesus Christ Superstar.
A decade later, the legendary John Belushi successfully transitioned from TV to acting and got hold of Carroll’s script. Delighted with it SNL alum jumped at the opportunity to play the lead role in 1982. Given Belushi’s comedic ability and penchant for playing prominent characters, the combination of performer and material can easily be imagined as a match made in heaven. But on March 5 of that year, tragedy struck when a 33-year-old man died of a drug overdose at the Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.
When did Sam Kinison join the Atuk?
The planned film remained in development hell for years until another rising comedy star stepped in. Preacher turned stand-up comedian and actor Sam Kinison received the lead role in 1988. Like Belushi, Kinison has taken a uniquely sassy yet compelling approach to comedy, making him another top choice for Richler’s satirical character and storytelling. And unlike Belushi, Kinison was given the opportunity to perform in front of the cameras as Atuk for a few days of filming.
However, according to Tod Carroll, Kinison and his fellow filmmakers soon clashed over creative differences. “When it came time to shoot, Sam wanted everything to be rewritten,” Carroll said. Los Angeles Times. “Once they started filming it, a lot of costs piled up on it.” Unable to reach an agreement, Kinison and his colleagues dispersed and left. Atuk in limbo, and years later, tragedy struck again when the 38-year-old comedian died in a car accident on April 10, 1992.
Atuk attracts John Candy and Chris Farley
Moving on to the 1990s. Atuk created a reputation for being a damned project that was perhaps destined to never be realized. But the rumors and superstitions surrounding the planned adaptation won’t stop two more comedy legends from showing interest in playing the title character. Favorite Canadian Character Actor John Candy reportedly had an eye on Atuk, and with a well-established reputation as a comedic performer in a string of cinematic hits, he proved to be another serious contender for the role. But on March 4, 1994, Candy suffered a heart attack and died at the age of 43 during filming. Vostok carriages in Mexico.
At the time of Candy’s death, another actor was making a name for himself through Saturday night life and appearing in films. As new talent on the small and big screens, Chris Falry in the mid-90s, sought to expand his horizons as a performer and take on more ambitious, character-based fare. Copying SNL colleague John Belushi in terms of comedic sensibilities and career path, Farley also tragically met the same fate on December 18, 1997, when he overdosed and died in Chicago.
Will Atuk ever be filmed?
Half a century later, despite a few big-name stars chasing the lead role at one point or another, Atuk doesn’t seem to be closer to achieving a blue screen. It’s unknown if the supposed curse made people wary of erasing the script for production, but it’s undeniable that Mordechai Richler’s story is a timeless exploration of societal dynamics and the farcical consequences that culture shock can bring. Reflecting on the possibility of a curse and the film’s ultimate fate, original screenwriter Tod Carroll told reporters. Los Angeles Times“I’m not a superstitious person and it doesn’t matter to me. With the right actor and the right tone, it might have been a good movie.”
Source: Collider
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