Pablo Escobar Invades Hollywood, 2009

Simon says on Mar 28, 2008, 14:54:

This shitty project will only hurt decent, hard-working Colombians who live abroad.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

robi666 says on Mar 28, 2008, 14:55:

Agree.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

RAAAY says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:00:

I just wish people would stop posting this crap............no offense MT........but enough already.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

Simon says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:12:

Medellin Traveler has some weird sort of obsession over Pablo Escobar.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

manINred says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:32:

Great, another scumbag we can glorify. Viva la carechimba esa Pablo!

Lisa Zee says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:52:

Carechim.... esa jajajaja, I haven`t hear that in years,LOLOLOLOL.
I thought there was a movie already out there, oh what do I know?

But I tell you, I am hiding when it comes out, I have been taking a lot of crap because I am from Medellin, now it will be worst!

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:56:

Regardless of what we ALL think, it's a go.

SO, I thought it would be interesting to share the info with everyone so you all can at least stay informed on the development of the project.

I am interested in knowing what people think about the production, especially how it will make others (non-PBH'rs) think about Medellin, Colombia today.

It will probably the biggest production Colombia has ever seen, not that I am aware of all the movies shot in Colombia, but definitely feel that this one will make it to the top of the box office when it is released; good, bad, or otherwise

And knowing Joe Carnahan, he will put together an all-star cast for the production of "Killing Pablo" which will make it more popular with the world wide media, with regards to the casting.

Also, will bring more attention to the transformation of Colombia.

For what it's worth, it will probably help promote Colombia around the world, bringing in a whole new wave of tourists who will only help the Colombian ecomomy in the process.

The screenplay is a great read, and it does NOT glorify the life and death of Pablo Escobar, he is painted like a monster throughout the script. So, maybe that may help some of you who are worried it will glorify his actions, relax.

Remember, which is to say don't forget, this is only one of two projects in development. The other being Oliver Stone's "Mi Hermano Pablo" based on Robert Escobar's book, el hemano de El Doctor.

It's going to happen, so let's just talk about it.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Mar 28, 2008, 15:59:

LZ - really? Taking crap, how?

I'm just curious.....

Now that I have lived here, I consider all paisas (worldwide) friends as well as Colombians in general.

god is in your head

Portena says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:00:

I thought the book and documentary were excellent. Really don't see the need for a movie.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:01:

I think MT is a great guy and an excellent pbh poster, but I also agree he does have somewhat of a Pablo obsession.

I also think it doesnt help our image in other countries.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

tejasmarcos says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:04:

Mitch - do you get funny looks? Take crap because of being from Colombia? Medellin?

Do Colombians in general get this same treatment back in the states? other countries too?

god is in your head

paulr says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:08:

I also thought the book and Documentry were great. When my friend came out here i told him to read the book before he came, not to scare the life out of him but to show him the transformation. I agree that it will cause more unwanded bad press for Colombia but never the less i will watch the movie, i also think Torres would be better for the roll.

Life is like a ten-speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.

DodgerDogs says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:09:

Pablo Escobar image has hurt Colombia, and anyone who thinks El Padron was not a
child molester and a physco does not know squat about Colombia.

Because of him and others like him, people hear the word Colombia and think cocaine and cartels.

Medellin was once 80% cowards and corrupt punks who bowed to his like, but now more
people are getting huevos.

Pablo sucks his widow sucks his legit children suck, when they get enough courage to bulldoze his hacienda over and build a prison, then more of his sick image will be gone.

Anyone who thinks Ochoa and Escobar did any good also suck

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.Martin Luther King:

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:26:

tejasmarcos i work in a fortune 500 company in nyc and most latinos in nyc are either dominican or puertorican. Mexicans are growing in the past couple of years but in terms of white collar jobs most latinos are from the above mentioned countries.

When I go out for drinks or at any gatherings when it comes up that I am Colombian there is always the "Oh watch out he might be part of the Mafia Joke" or the "Hey did you know Pablo personally question". These are just small samples of the bs I hear.

I would be lying to you if I told you that it affects me directly. It doesnt. I happen to have a good sense of humor and most of the time I play along and answer back with really funny statements.

But this may not be the same for all Colombians in different parts of the world. Not every Colombian works where I work or has the opportunities that some of us do. Some individuals deals with minor stuff as jokes to other serious issues as job discrimination and in some ocassions harrassment.

Hey I know we all joke about Jews, Blacks, Chinese, Hindus, etc.... so like I said it can be funny sometimes. But where does the humor end and when do we need to realize that it can be counterproductive to keep showing images of Colombia that only reinforce this stuff.

If the majority of my colombianas traveling to Spain are prostitutes why make movies about prostitutes? If a major part of the negative image of my country is due to Pablo, the cartels, Las Farc or whatever why make movies about them?

Just my 2 cents.

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:27:

Portena says, "I thought the book and documentary were excellent. Really don't see the need for a movie."

It's what Hollywood does, they take books, documentaries, ideas, old TV sitcoms, and whatever else they can produce in order to..... make money.

Hollywood created the Gangster genre, it is banking on this movie to make them lots, and lots of dinero.

MitchAlvarez says, "I think MT is a great guy and an excellent pbh poster, but I also agree he does have somewhat of a Pablo obsession."

I'm a filmmaker, screenwriter, love movies, love Medellin, have a copy of "Pablo Escobar en Caricturas" for sale, and if I'm lucky..... will get to work on the production in some capacity, just for fun. That's about it, for me and El Doctor. NO illusion, or fantasies.

AND... if I get paid to travel to Colombia.... S W E E T !

I was lucky to have a contact in L.A. send me out a copy of the script to read... again, I'm a screenwriter and love reading scripts. Joe Carnahan is very talented, this script proves it once again.

Dodgerdogs,
Escobar is seen as having a taste for young girls througout the script

The story is not about Escobar, but about how the US special forces hunted down Escobar and contributed to the downfall of the Medellin Cartel.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:29:

jajaj MT why dont you audtion bro!! Then Ill go to the premier and all man.

jajaj btw when you going back to mi pueblito lindo?

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:32:

Soon. mi hermano, ya mero.

Oh yeah... I have also done acting as well.

I can play a sicario.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:33:

you cannot stop the roman catholic church and you cannot stop hollywood. i think there should be an effort on the part of the filmmaker to include atleast a full 10 minute spot at the end of the movie about the positive changes and transformation of the city and country - maybe even put it at the beginning of the movie....

god is in your head

MitchAlvarez says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:35:

tejas i like the idea. good one

Tengale miedo a una huelga de mujeres o a una escacez de aguardiente. :)

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:43:

tejasmarcos,
Do you know how much it would cost to shoot 10 minutes of film, with it having nothing to do with script?

Hollywood will not spend a dime on such a "crazy idea."

But don't fret.... this is what I'm talkin' about.

As the film wraps production there will be lots of great opportunities for the actors to promote the positive aspects of Colombia in the many interviews they will submit to before the release of the film.

This will peak someone's interest in doing a sort of travel guide documentary about Colombia in English. They will do a "that was then, this is now" type of production for the world to see. This is where I see the positives of the making of "Killing Pablo" come to fruition.

Also, what do you guys thing I'm doing up in them barrios?

I am immersing myself in life in Medellin, the real life. I write stories about life, about people, about those people who are so often ignored........ I am their voice.

Is there a Medellin Traveler project in the works? Think Cinema Paradiso........ maybe.

But before that... I am in the pre-production stages of developing a project for Bernie Mac, based on an original idea I pitched to some producers in L.A.... more on that some day in the future..........

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

RAAAY says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:51:

..... " I am their voice ".......??

Let's hope that you continue to keep making it back down the hill.

And as for being their voice............I'd keep that to yourself when you're dandering around up there..........

.

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:54:

I just make observations, and note them up in the head.

I'm going up several other new hillside barrios on my next trip to Medellin.

That's what writers do........ if they want to write good stories based on people, the venture and seek life experiences; good, bad, or otherwise.

The sad part is, those types of character driven movies don't make money and are hardly ever produced in Hollywood..

That's why I'm working on developing a very commerical comedy script.... to get PAID!

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Mar 28, 2008, 16:57:

MT - keep on keepin on! i see what you are saying and agree with your points. that is what will happen next, which should lead to a larger BUZZ about Colombia in general.

* however - if i were the Colombian government, i would try to insist on the "recent transformation" trailer. damn the price! the Colombian govn't could pony up the $$ and produce it themselves. however, i also see the perceived "interference" it would cause the producers, investors, etc.

god is in your head

beisbollover says on Mar 28, 2008, 17:22:

Killing Pablo will obviously show Colombia at it's worst but at the same time did the movie Schindler's List stop people from taking a vacation in Germany? The bottom line is that Colombia's rep has more to do with what goes on daily than what happened during the 80's in Medellin.

RAAAY says on Mar 28, 2008, 17:31:

..............

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 17:36:

So do I.... Pablo Picasso, that is....... I'm sure that is who you were talki' 'bout RAAAY....

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

RAAAY says on Mar 28, 2008, 17:40:

....................

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

pedro says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:06:

Let's use Scarface as a reference. Much of the film is a bloodbath. In the end credits there was one paragraph saying something like "these characters don't represent the whole Cuban community, many of whom have made great contributions to their adopted home".

MT has a point, they'll probably shoot some kind of vision of the present day city, which I guess will appear on the DVD release. It'll be the actors saying how it was great to work with everyone blah blah blah.

¡save pow wow!

Simon says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:24:

"The story is not about Escobar, but about how the US special forces hunted down Escobar and contributed to the downfall of the Medellin Cartel."

Oh great, and on top of it making Colombia look bad, it's probably gonna give most of the credit to the 'heroic gringos' for taking down Escobar!

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

manINred says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:35:

"I am immersing myself in life in Medellin, the real life. I write stories about life, about people, about those people who are so often ignored........ I am their voice."

Are you indeed? No offence, that is a fairly self-indulgent thing to say. How long have you been living the 'real life' of Medellin, and how can you come to such a seemingly pompous conclusion?

No offence of course, but I don't know anyone from Medellin who would claim a gringo to be 'their voice'. If you are genuinely doing good things in Medellin, that is great, but don't lay claim to be some sort of saviour, it sounds very bombastic.

And actually Simon, I was thinking the same thing! Sounds like a self-indulgent Pearl Harbour type film.

robi666 says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:35:

RAAAY says on Friday March 28th, 2008 17:31:
I think Pablo was a great man.

RAAAY says on Friday March 28th, 2008 17:40:
No I mean Pablo Escobar

Ray, why do you think that he was a great man? Very superficial, indeed.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:36:

U.S. State Department, CIA, Delta Force, Centra Spike, DEA, Colombia's Military Search Bloc, Colombian National Police, Los Pepes, Cali Cartel, former Medellin Cartel members, former Colombian President Cesar Gaviria, and one Colonel Hugo Martinez and his son Hugo Martinez Jr., with the help of gringo MAJOR STEVE JACOBY took down Escobar.

Ask Colonel Hugo Maritinez.... without the gringos, they no get EL Doctor..........

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

manINred says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:37:

Lisa Zee, I am glad that I was able to amuse you... I'm full of many amusing terms thanks to my animated friends

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:39:

manInRed,

I was being facetious about my "voice" statement, it was more of a class lecture statement one would hear in an introduction to creative writing course.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

RAAAY says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:41:

...robi666 says on Friday March 28th, 2008 18:35:
.." does anyone know where I can buy a nice dress for myself in Medellin."



????????

.........Its useless to argue with ignorance

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:42:

manINrd says, "And actually Simon, I was thinking the same thing! Sounds like a self-indulgent Pearl Harbour type film."

It's not. I read the script, am familiar with Joe Carnahan's work and very aware of his talents.

He wrote an incredible screenplay, y'all will just have to wait for the movie.

The one thing about Carnahan is he's got BALLS to go up against the Hollywood heavy weights to get what he wants.... he's no HACK!

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

manINred says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:42:

Fair enough Medellin Traveler, if you were being facetious that's fine, as long as you don't actually think you're a superhero you shouldn't need a reality check... I generally don't mind bloated headedness, I'm a victim of it myself from time to time ;)

manINred says on Mar 28, 2008, 18:44:

Well, as long as it's not "Heroic USA saves the inept Colombians from themselves" type thing... I hope it's a good film, don't know whether or not I will support it yet.

nueva york bombero says on Mar 28, 2008, 19:36:

If Benicio is in it.... It will rock! That dude is the man. Traffic, Usual Suspects, Fear and loathing....
He's perfect for the role of Pablo. I'm interested......

Brians says on Mar 29, 2008, 05:02:

Who is Pablo Escobar???

tejasmarcos says on Mar 29, 2008, 06:08:

"The bottom line is that Colombia's rep has more to do with what goes on daily than what happened during the 80's in Medellin."

- no offense, but i disagree. there has been alot of positive press over the last 2 years about medellin and colombia in general. however, most of the stereotypes still exist because of the overexposure in the 80's. i know because it used to be the first thing i thought of when i heard "medellin" - now my perception is completely different.

god is in your head

nueva york bombero says on Mar 29, 2008, 06:25:

My best friend is from Medellin. He tried for 9 years to get me to visit his home town.
Because of the stigma attached to "the most dangerous city on earth" I declined for 9 years.
A year and a half ago, I decided to take him up on his offer. It turned out to be the best trip of my life! I think my overall decision had to do with the increasing positive media attention.
If you're somewhat intelligent, and do a little research, you'll find Medellin has been reborn.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 07:30:

Well, wait to you see all the POSITIVE media attention Medellin attracts before, during, and after the release of "Killing Pablo."

Some of you may not be happy in the end.... when the flood gates open up with tourists invading the lovely city, some of you call home. You may regret ALL the positive attention. As they say, be careful what you wish for; good, bad, or otherwise.

I'm doing my part... www.medellintraveler.com, sitting back waiting for when that time comes. Then I will.... inform y'all of my plans, in due time.

I traveled solo, without knowing anyone in town, and was treated like family by every Paisa I met. It was definitely the best trip in my life as well.

I shall return...............

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Mar 29, 2008, 07:44:

good job. keep it up, mt.

god is in your head

nueva york bombero says on Mar 29, 2008, 07:47:

Any attention Medellin gets at this point will be a positive thing for the city.
Once people see the true beauty of Medellin, I think the word will spread and
then the city will grow. I see it as a positive thing for the people living there.
Change is good.

tejasmarcos says on Mar 29, 2008, 07:55:

there will be positive and negative ramifications. it will be a mixed bag....

god is in your head

nueva york bombero says on Mar 29, 2008, 08:09:

The negative is the flavor of the city may change, but in the end, I think poverty will improve.
An influx of new money in the area will strengthen the local economy and create new jobs.

tejasmarcos says on Mar 29, 2008, 08:15:

the full impact both socio and economic could only be summarized in a 90+ page research document. these things are complicated and complex to say the least. however, there are reports out there on the subject. i can specifically think of costa rica and panama as examples, but it happens all throughout latin america when foreign investment floods a market economy/country.

god is in your head

nueva york bombero says on Mar 29, 2008, 09:39:

I agree it is complicated and I'm no economist. But Costa Rica boomed, Panama is booming and Colombia next? Who knows....
At this moment in time, I'd like to retire there......but who knows what it will be like in 10 years. Costa Rica looked a lot different 10 years ago. My friends there say it is better now (economically).

Portena says on Mar 29, 2008, 10:46:

Sorry I stomped on your enthusiasm regarding the movie. I will definitely go see it, and it sounds like it will be a great project. Just seems like it might be hard to top the documentary.

I feel better! I can smile at it now, I feel better. Ohhhh, better! Gnarls Barkley

tejasmarcos says on Mar 29, 2008, 11:02:

nyb - it is good for alot of folks who can keep up with the increased costs of an emerging economy. for alot at the bottom, it becomes alot more difficult to deal with all of the inflation that comes along with it - across the board.

there are alot of locals who can no longer afford real estate in panama city now, as one example. this was not nearly the case 5,6,7 years ago in PC.

god is in your head

nueva york bombero says on Mar 29, 2008, 12:11:

True, people will be forced out....
A lot involved here to sum up in a few posts.....
I guess we'll see.

morphus says on Mar 29, 2008, 16:04:

I'm looking foward to seeing the Pablo movies. First in the U.S. and then in Medellin. I want to see how Colombians react to the movie. Will they laugh or will they be angry? We'll see!

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 16:31:

I'm pretty sure NO ONE will be laughing since it's not a comedy. There is nothing in the script that was written to be funny.

There is also nothing to really be angry about.

It's based on a true story about a gangster in Colombia who wanted what most gangster want... power and money.

It's basically a cat and mouse chase type of story, which was very well written.

To those who are against the movies, I say just be glad it's in the hands of Joe Carnahan and not some no-talent hack director trying to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

Carnahan has been developing the project for over five years now.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 17:30:

I cant wait to see those movies. A lot of Colombian made movies put the country in a bad light (Sumas y Restas, etc) but that element of the mafia and drug life does exist there. I get the bs Colombia remarks all the time ("you must have a death wish to go there, bring me back some coke, etc.) but I really don't care and ignore them. They can stay ignorant and I'll enjoy the hell out of my trips.

manINred says on Mar 29, 2008, 18:27:

"I'm pretty sure NO ONE will be laughing since it's not a comedy."

Wrong.

I share Morphus' enthusiasm for wanting to see how Colombians take to the film. Blow certainly isn't a comedy, but when Pablo Escobar made his appearance there (first in theatres I think in 2001), all the paisas in the theatre burst out laughing because he was some Mexican actor attempting (and failing) to sound like Escobar.

The same will happen when they DON'T cast a Medellin actor to portray Escobar. In fact, it would be almost comical seeing Benicio Del Toro playing the part, despite the immense respect most (including myself) have for him as an actor.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 18:39:

Medellin actor?

How many great Colombian actors can you name? If they cast a novela actor, then it would be funny.

Blow was a medicore movie, directed by someone who attempted to immitate Martin Scorsese's work, but failed miserably.

I hardly doubt that a Benicio de Torro perfomance would be seen as comical, unless it was intentional.

Blow was about a gringo in the drug business, with an appearance by Escobar.

Killig Pablo is about killing Pablo, so Pablo plays a much bigger role, it's high drama from page one until the end game.

In any case, it will definitely be worth the wait.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

manINred says on Mar 29, 2008, 18:44:

"I hardly doubt that a Benicio de Torro perfomance would be seen as comical, unless it was intentional."

I doubt it too. But I was pointing out potential paisa reactions to seeing a role played by someone who does not speak like them.

You said that it would not be viewed as comical, but you have no idea how it will be viewed. I gave an example of how previous Escobars were viewed, that's all.

"Killig Pablo is about killing Pablo, so Pablo plays a much bigger role, it's high drama from page one until the end game."

All the more reason to want to see Colombian reaction!

"In any case, it will definitely be worth the wait."
I hope so indeed

manINred says on Mar 29, 2008, 18:45:

The point is, Medellin Traveler, if this Pablo story is too far removed from the people it is depicting, it will not get a favourable reception from the people in Medellin, and probably Colombia.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 18:53:

Agree.

I guess my POV is greatly affected after reading the script and being familiar, not just with Joe Carnahan's work, but his commitment and dedication to the script and story for more than five years.

At this time, I have no idea how much of the movie will be shot in Colombia, in Medellin, but I hope they shoot in Medellin.

I would love to see the real Medellin in the movie.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Simon says on Mar 29, 2008, 19:27:

"How many great Colombian actors can you name? If they cast a novela actor, then it would be funny."

Colombia has several great actors (Victor Mallorino, Robinson Diaz, and Frank Ramirez all immediately come to mind) but you just probably don't know who they are.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:08:

Sorry Simon, I do not know who they are.... are they familiar around the world or just Colombia?

Great actors are known throughout the world, especially from exposure at festivals like the world famous Cannes Film Festival.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:29:

couldnt john leguizamo do it? Pablo was a little guy (5'4 I think). Just fatten up Leguizamo and let him do it.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:42:

John Lequizamo doesn't have the acting chops to pull it off.

He could play a crazy sicario who gets shot dead.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:42:

He's pale like paisas.

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:43:

They're filming this in Medellin?

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 20:50:

No word yet as to actual shooting locations for the movie.

I believe he will send reps to speak to whoever before actually sending out a location scouting team.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:01:

I am guessing they will do it in Mexico or something as usual. Too complicated in Colombia, although Love in the Time of Cholera was shot in Cartagena.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:13:

I believe they will try to shoot in Colombia, but who knows.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

Simon says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:22:

"Sorry Simon, I do not know who they are.... are they familiar around the world or just Colombia?"

They're known in Colombia and to telenovela audiences around Latin America and the US.

I remember reading an article in the Latin TV section of a US newspapaer that once described Victor Mallarino as a 'Colombian Robert De Niro'. He was an awesome villain in the telenovela 'Por Qué diablos', as was Frank Ramirez.

"You want to talk to God? Let's go see him together, I've got nothing better to do."---Indiana Jones (Raiders of the Lost Ark)

Lisa Zee says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:37:

I just see it being filmed in Mexico, and with big Mexican sombreros and dancing in the background some Mexican slow rancheras, like in "Clear And Present Danger" and Romancing The Stone" they always do that,,,, talk about funny!,

We discussed this in another post long time ago.

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:43:

Lisa Zee,
Sorry, but highly doubt it will be shot in Mexico, those were different times.

The fact that Love in the Time of Cholera was recently shot in Cartagena, proves that Hollywood productions will start to look at shooting in Colombia, if movies are about Colombia.

I also don't think Carnahan will be meeting with Pablo Escobar Jr if he was not considering shooting any of the film in Medellin. I could be wrong, but Carnahan has a reputation for shooting in the trenches if the need calls for it.



I should be able to watch one or two of the four Colombian films to be screened at this years festival. It shoud be a great time, as always.

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

droble77 says on Mar 29, 2008, 21:53:

Hmmm, I've refrained so far from commenting but can't resist any longer. . . :)

Just one thing I want to point out: there's absolutely no guarantee this movie will suddenly cause a massive tourism spike for MDE much less Colombia in general.

Just look at the most recent Colombian-based movie, "Love in the Time of Cholera"

It got mixed reviews and quietly fizzled out. I doubt CTG tourism is going to be booming this summer because of that flick, unless the DVD release causes some momentous chain reaction, lol! :0)

And this Pablo movie is certainly NOT going to have the potential "chick flick" or "date movie" appeal that the cholera one had. I did read the book and thought it was a fascinating read, but I have my doubts that this film is going to have universal appeal/interest even with some big-name Latino actors in the lineup.

Enrique187 says on Mar 29, 2008, 22:09:

to be honest, the escobar genre will only really appeal to the gangster wannabes that love Scarface, etc. It wont provide a huge spike to tourism I dont think.

droble77 says on Mar 29, 2008, 23:01:

Yeah, all the young guys that are going to flock to this film are more likely to buy the video-game version of Killing Pablo [now THERE'S an idea for you MDE Traveler ;) ] than a tour package to Medallo, lol :0)

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 30, 2008, 06:53:

droble77,

It all remains to be seen.

But a movie based on a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez about, about who knows what, is probably not a good comparison because the average person has no idea what the Love In The Time Of Cholera has to do with Colombia. BUT... a movie about Pablo Escobar, 'nuff said. EVERYONE knows Pablo Escobar, associated with cocaine, Medellin Cartel and the most violent city in the world, not to forget kidnapping.

Yes, it all remains to be seen... but I would see the Colombian tourism board going out of their way to put out a video showing and contradicting everything the Pablo Escobar movie shows about Colombia's past, twenty years ago.

Also, the stars attached to the movie are WORLDWIDE CELEBRITIES who will get more press just because of who they are, no one is going out of their way to interview John Lequizamo. Javier Bardem is an Oscar winner, he is front page news. Now, the rest of the roles have yet to be cast, but if you look at Carnahan's last film "Smokin' Aces" you will see a great ensemble cast, even for the smallest parts. There are many great roles who could go to hot actors who the press would hound for interviews, which would only generate more positive press.

With that said.... that may be enough to peek someone's interest in traveling to Medellin, especially after all the positive reviews about Colombia.

There will probably be positive reviews in all forms of media; news, TV, talk radio, film critic reviews, talks shows, special documentaries, toursim videos, magazines, newspapers, and non-Colombia internet blogs, and maybe as you suggest a video game about Medellin... that in itself will probably be the most positive media attention Colombia has gotten in a long time, if ever, and prove to be the catalyst needed to change the overall view of Colombia today amongst those who remember Colombia's violent history, not that it has been completed illiminated. But you get the point.

Everyone talks about the Godfather, Goodfellows, and Killing Pablo may join those ranks, no one knows or speaks of that movie based on a book by some Colombian author, what's the name of that movie?

Again, it all remains to be seen.... but think this movie might be the ticket to an overall media overexposure of Colombia.

Believe you me, I'm working on getting on that damn production crew!

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com

tejasmarcos says on Mar 30, 2008, 07:05:

as mt states, all the additional "band wagon" attention the city and country gets will be enough to pull more tourism. how much more, who knows for sure? there will be journalist and reporters looking for that "other angle" to come off as original. what we hope is that the other angle is some of the other 98% positive information about medellin, colombia, it's culture, it's lands and it's people.

god is in your head

Medellin Traveler says on Mar 30, 2008, 10:52:

Speaking of Colombia in the movies...

Join us in celebrating Colombian cinema at the 24th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival - April 4-16, 2008

This year there are 4 Colombian films included in the program, which represents the best of Latin Cinema from around the world.

Buscando a Miguel / Looking for Miguel

Director: Juan Fisher
Colombia, 2007, 110 min

Piper’s Alley
Sunday, April 5, 3:30pm
Monday, April 7, 9:00pm

Miguel Villabos is a well-to-do docter, now interested in politics as a candidate. When he is given a hallucinogen drug he loses his memory and quickly descends into the low class, unlawful society which he never has known. And this underclass is definitely scary to him as well as the viewer.

El Sueno de Paraiso / The Dream of Paradise

Director: Carlos Palau
Colombia, 2007, 83 min

Landmark’s Cinema
Thursday, April 10, 9:00pm
Saturday, April 12, 6:30pm

Isabel Sarmiento, the daughter of a landholder in Colombia Yauca Valley engineers the immigration of Japanese families to hers and her father’s hacienda. It is a glimse of paradise for hardworking, dedicated immigrants. World War II, fought in faraway lands, will impact this dream, as Germans, Japanese and Italians are detained and take to special residential camps. Isabel and the love of her life, Yuzo, will have to live through much hardship and sorrow.

Esto Huelo Mal / Lies

Director: Jorge Ali Triana
Colombia, 2007, 86 min

Piper’s Alley
Sunday, April 13, 9:00pm
Monday, April 14, 6:30pm
Tuesday, April 15, 6:30pm

Based on a true story. “Eso Heulo Mal��? is about seduction, lies and unfaithfulness. No one puts out lies, danger, and intimacy like Ricardo Caicedo, an outstanding business man, until the tragic night in which an explosion occurs in the El Nogal Social Club, where he was supposed to be having a business dinner.

Hacia la Oscuridad / Toward Darkness

Director: Antonio Negret
Colombia, 2007, 92 min

Lanmark’s Cinema
Friday, April 11, 9:00pm
Sunday, April 13, 9:00pm

This is the story about a kidnapping in Colombia, where similar actions seem to be frequent. In this case, the family only wants the return of their son, and will do anything to achieve it. They will engage in negotiations not only with the kidnappers, but with the other dark forces at play, even with the dubious paramilitary groups. Will the young man be rescuded?

http://medellin-colombia.blogspot.com

Medellin Es Una Chimba! - www.medellintraveler.com