What Success This Film Would Make?

Question

Me and a group of authors have composed a great historical story about the Muslim conquest of Acre in 1291, and how the Muslim Mamelukes defeated Europe and the Mongols at the same time.
The film is intended to show how mankind's greatest cavaliers and swordsmen fought and what techniques they were using (I swear to you these techniques are far more thrilling than those in Braveheart, Troy, Kingdom of Heaven, etc accurate swords!).

Again, correct costumes, physical features of historical figures, historical events, archtecture, etc are all provided in the script.

This is why most figures are to be seen bearded; Yet homo's and bi's are included too, and we could not hide the fact that Acre was full of prostitutes.

We've written great lyrics and enchanting music has been already composed for the film!!

Could a film like that ever find a good production in the West? If yes, will there be a high number of audience? Could it win Oscars and other awards if it was very well done?

Kevin, you hit the point which was frightening me: would the West accept a film glorifying Muslim chivalry and superior ability in swordsmanship and other fighting methods? I mean "Kingdom of Heaven" showed Saladin more humane than the Christians...but it didn't depict the Muslim warriors being superior; in fact, they appeared inferior to the Christians to the extent that they had to compensate that by providing armies far superior to those of the Christians in battlefield.

Though our story does not show the Christian defenders at Acre to be numerically superior to the Muslim army, it does depict the Mamelukes fighting in an unbelievable manner; a historical fact admitted myriads of times by the contemporary Christian chronicles. This is one big problem.

Another big problem would be the hairstyles which are out-of-date. I don't think the audience could stand watching men with big beards most of the time. They need clean-shaven men to watch instead.

Yes! There are Homo's and Bi's on both sides. This is revealed in the film to show that these two categories of people did exist from a long time ago; though they were not as numerous as those of today, nor were they that free to cry it out loud. I think this could attract a lot of homo's and bi's, and in the evaluation; could be a plus for the film.

Again, Jews are depicted in the story; though to a lesser degree.

Again, I find it difficult to believe that the West could accept a film that will show Muslim warriors being superior to Christian ones in swordsmanship and other feats of chivalry. It only happened once (as far as I could remember) in Kevin Costner's Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves; which was full of phrases glorifying Islamic militarism and denouncing the Crusading spirit!

Answer 1

yes it will
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Answer 2

You have a chance of making it; provided the studio doesn't ruin it with a super tight budget or it is given a director who has no clue. Setting and costuming will be a nightmare because the studio will settle for "close enough" while you want "exact."

There will be problems though. Can you find enough men who can fight in the same style and ride a horse? The Humane Society will not like you using horses in battles scenes, so you might not get all the visuals you want. With the uncertainty of region, you can forget filming at the actual sites. Most importantly, is it dumbed down enough for the average person to understand what is going on? Most people in America do not know where Acre is, let alone a battle was fought there in 1291. I had to look up the location myself and I have a degree in geography.

Another problem will be in the timing of the release. Right now a film glorifying Islamic warriors will not sit well with the general public. Especially when the Muslims win. Top that off with the anger stirred up by Muslims if you depict people of their faith as homosexual or bisexual. Yes, I am sure there were non-heterosexuals there, and even Muslims today who are bi or homosexual; but these things are not acceptible to a large part of the potential audience. "Alexander" suffered from the negative spin put on the homosexual aspects of his life.

Overall, I would say that while I would be interested in seeing it, your movie would be a very tough sell to a studio, let alone an audience. "Alexander" , "Kingdom Of Heaven", and "Troy" did not do super at the box office, as I recall, and that will be the critical factor for whether or not your script will be considered by the studios.

I would love it if you could prove me wrong and get this movie made; but I honestly think its going to be very tough for you.

Answer 3

great work. what i think is, do the screenplay trying to capture all moments of the subject, which should have the quality of telling what u have to and the audience must understand ur film language too. contact some great prod companies and have a talk abt the budget. winning awards is not to be mentioned here, i think. thats only depended on how u tell the craft in sense. good luck.

Answer 4

yes