T hat they're handling such a seditious premise makes sense once one takes a look at this writing team's resume. When the picture was greenlighted, however, Karaszewski and Alexander were fired, and a committee of writers was brought in to transform the project into a dumbbell family comedy. It was our first time seeing our names up on a big Hollywood screen, and it was very demoralizing. Ed was really struggling to make good movies, but it just wouldn't happen for him. But it's been a great opportunity to work in the studio system but still be able to express ourselves in a very personal manner.
Most writers never get that chance.
They have three solid acts, a protagonist, an antagonist, and a twist on page 60, so a studio can feel comfortable with the form. Starring Woody Harrelson, Courtney Love and James Cromwell. Directed by Milos Forman. Written by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Produced by Oliver Stone, Janet Yang and Michael Hausman.