The DOOM Movie

SPOOFE · Post by **SPOOFE** » 2004-12-12 03:54pm

On the other hand, Doom simply has *no* quality story after all.

Yeah, which is why it's stupid for the studios to change what little story is there. It's an atmosphere-driven game, but it's a unique atmosphere brought about by the Hell-themed influences. By eliminating Hell, you basically eliminate Doom.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-12-13 12:18am

The fact that there is very little story makes it gold for making a movie because the movie makers can add pretty much anything they want, new characters, a more interesting plot, anything. The fact that they've actually taken away from it shows just what shitty writers they are.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2004-12-15 04:07am

The creater of the Doom script writer has posted a letter in response the enourmous internet shit storm he created when he leaked details
Homeland is hosting it
http://www.homelanfed.com/index.php?id=28042

*Edit I'm posting both the letter and this snip of this persons wonderful response

Dave Callaham wrote:A Open Letter To Doom Fans From Dave Callaham - 14 December 2004 00:03 - John [JCal] Callaham User Comments : 25
Editor's Note: Back in October, HomeLAN was fortunate to conduct a brief telephone interview with movie scriptwriter Dave Callaham, who wrote the script for the upcoming film version of id Software's hit first person shooter series Doom. The movie is currently filming in Prague for a scheduled release by Universal in August 2005. While Callaham briefly addressed the differences between the game and the film version in his HomeLAN interview, more recent news reports about the Doom movie have caused some public concerns about the Doom movie from fans of the game. Callaham, who recently returned from visiting the set of the Doom movie, contacted HomeLAN and asked to address the fans of the game directly about these reports. The following open letter from Callaham is posted below, completely unedited.

OPEN LETTER TO DOOM FANS

Dear Doom Fans:

Sometime in the last week or two, there was quite an uproar over a quote I allegedly made regarding my bravado in completely disfiguring the plot of the Doom games when I went about writing the screenplay for the film. First and foremost, allow me to state that I never made that quote. The reporting news source reported that I made that quote during an open press visit to the Doom set in Prague, during a week in which I was in fact in Los Angeles. Additionally, I want to add that I would never under any circumstances address either the press or the Doom fans with anything resembling the snide elitism that I perceive that quote to connote. In these regards, I consider the journalism involved to be nothing less than shoddy and irresponsible.

That said.

The screenplay I wrote DOES differ in a number of ways from the games. I want to be very honest and forthcoming in saying that, and I know that I won't make any friends amongst the fans of the game in doing so. But it should be mentioned that it was never the goal of anyone involved in this film, from myself and the producers to the studio to the guys at id, to make a direct film adaptation of the game(s). The thought process has always been to create an extension of the Doom universe that will give fans an interesting new take on the themes that they've come to enjoy in the game. Because let's be honest here: as far as a completely immersive and cinematic experience, we were never going to top Doom 3 anyway, and we all knew that. Instead, we have toyed with some elements of the game, and yes, I am pretty much solely responsible for that, since it was my pitch and my screenplay that got made. Let me assure you, though, that the themes and elements that you love about Doom are ALL represented strongly in the film...just with some new twists.

I've found it frustrating that I somehow became the goat for the perceived shortcomings of the film, because (and I say this with no humility whatsoever, because I'm not a humble person), that I am, without a doubt, the greatest ally the Doom fan has had during the entire process of the film being made. I am the only person involved creatively who has ever made any attempt to open discourse with the game's internet fanbase, and I am the only person involved who has continually kept the ideals of the game first and foremost in mind. I very truthfully believe that my unapologetic and hyper-violent script would have been a Doom fan's movie dream come true. However, since my involvement, the film has steadily moved away from the realm of fandom and more toward the realm of traditional Hollywood interests. It's not been ideal, in my opinion, but I did what I could when I could, and I stand by that work.

No film adaptation can ever match the expectations of the original fans, and the Doom movie will be no different. You as fans each have your own perfect version of the Doom film already shot in your head, and those versions aren't always what the guy next to you would want to see in the same movie (someone out there on doomworld.com sure loved the idea of Howie Long as Doomguy -- which is perfect aesthetically, but let's face it, totally absurd if you want this movie to come out in theatres). I myself have a perfect version of the Doom movie all played out in my head--I even wrote it down--and it's not getting made either. And I'm not always real happy about it, but I do understand that that is the nature of the Hollywood machine. The bottom line is there are literally hundreds upon hundreds of good people working their asses off on this movie right now, and you, just like me, have to trust them to do the best job they can. I don't enjoy watching a bunch of strangers bastardize my baby any more than you do, but really none of us can do anything about it at this point, so I hope that at least some of you will fret, with me, in the direction of optimism. We all have high expectations, and a lot of them won't be met, but the bottom line is the movie is going to be pretty cool.

Finally, to the fan that suggested I get an enema (ostensibly to clean out my head, I think): That was awesome.

Dave Callaham

A Doom Fan wrote:When you write the screen adaptation for a game in where a lone space marine fights off waves of hellspawn spewing from Hell on a desolate space rock, the fans of the game expect a few things:

-A lone space marine
-Waves of hellspawn
-Hell
-A desolate space rock

So far, it seems we're not getting any of those. No, instead we're being given excuses on why said things cannot be placed into the script and that some "new twists" have been implemented in their place. But it's okay everyone! The "themes and elements that you love about Doom are ALL represented strongly in the film". Isn't that exiting!? Well I have some news for you friend, there are no themes or elements in Doom. This game does not have a deeper meaning or a subtle underlying tone. It doesn't have, however, a lone space marine fighting off waves of hellspawn from Hell on a desolate space rock. Nothing more, nothing less. If you add or subtract from that formula, what you will have is no longer Doom. It is something else masquerading in Doom's clothing.

See why we're a little pissed?

Eleas · Post by **Eleas** » 2004-12-15 04:22am

A Doom Fan wrote:When you write the screen adaptation for a game in where a lone space marine fights off waves of hellspawn spewing from Hell on a desolate space rock, the fans of the game expect a few things:

-A lone space marine
-Waves of hellspawn
-Hell
-A desolate space rock

Spot fucking on. Now, I may not think much of the whole Doom thing, but at least it shouldn't be made into a travesty of what it is. Ignoring the basic concepts of a licence is just stupid, and to basically use the Doom licence to slap a name on a resident evil clone throws cowardliness into the mix.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2004-12-15 09:52am

In summary: I never said that! Liars! Uh, but, uh, it was the truth.

Captain Cyran · Post by **Captain Cyran** » 2004-12-15 09:55am

That guy sounds like a real arrogant asshole.

Post by **Kuja** » 2004-12-15 10:02am

"I don't have the talent to be true to DOOM on-screen so shut up, whiners."

Post by **Ghost Rider** » 2004-12-15 10:06am

What themes, what elements?

The whole anything of Doom was clearly posted by the retort. I mean fucking A this isn't Dickens...this is one big guy, one very large amount of guns, a huge amount of drolling beasts, and HELL.

There isn't some underline sociological themes that need to be explored or divined.

When I think I can't imagine Hollywood fucking something up, they prove me wrong in ways I can't fathom.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-12-15 11:39am

I agree with the fan, if there's no damn demons, no fucking space rock and no SPACE MARINES, it just isn't fucking Doom.

I bet 10 bucks that they're going to shoehorn some deep socially acceptable "message" into this though and apply it with the subltity of a sludgehammer to the face.

Post by **Kuja** » 2004-12-15 01:02pm

frigidmagi wrote:I bet 10 bucks that they're going to shoehorn some deep socially acceptable "message" into this though and apply it with the subltity of a sludgehammer to the face.

I'd take that bet, but I'm betting your side.

Mutant Headcrab · Post by **Mutant Headcrab** » 2004-12-15 02:02pm

If they want more than one human character, they could always do what the novelization did. Just have the main guy hook up with a few survivors from his squad. Whether or not they are expendable would be up to screenwriters, but at least it would still jive with the (base) storyline of Doom. Didn't the game manual (at least for the first game) mention how your character was stuck on guard duty for the ship or something?

SPOOFE · Post by **SPOOFE** » 2004-12-15 04:27pm

Goddammit, some stories are simply simple, that's all there is to it. Robinsons Crusoe was about a guy stranded on an island, and the loneliness and isolation that comes with it. Were there deeper subtexts? Sure, but without the guy stranded on an island, you have nothing.

Citizen Kane was about a guadzillionaire and his shitty life. Imagine trying to re-do Kane, but focusing on a homeless bum instead of the richest guy on the planet. WOW! What a horrible movie!

Nah, this Callahan guy is full of shit. You want to add "twists"? Do it without erasing the core material, you brainless chunk of lard.

Doom is going to flop bigger than Cutthroat Island.

Jim Raynor · Post by **Jim Raynor** » 2004-12-15 05:08pm

SPOOFE wrote:The worst part is, after Doom flops, Hollywood will decide it's simply because games don't make good stories and stop giving any of them a shot.

That's exactly what will happen. I remember the "games don't make good stories" argument being used after Super Mario Brothers and Street Fighter. The fact that those movies had little to nothing in common with the games and shitty scripts/acting didn't have anything to do with it.

I suggest that we refer to this movie project from now on as Doom In Name Only (DINO). Comic book fans have taken to calling the Halle Berry's Catwoman CINO because it has nothing to do with the actual Catwoman. This supposed Doom movie is no different.

Drooling Iguana · Post by **Drooling Iguana** » 2004-12-15 06:25pm

Jim Raynor wrote:
SPOOFE wrote:The worst part is, after Doom flops, Hollywood will decide it's simply because games don't make good stories and stop giving any of them a shot.
That's exactly what will happen. I remember the "games don't make good stories" argument being used after Super Mario Brothers and Street Fighter. The fact that those movies had little to nothing in common with the games and shitty scripts/acting didn't have anything to do with it. :roll:

I suggest that we refer to this movie project from now on as Doom In Name Only (DINO). Comic book fans have taken to calling the Halle Berry's Catwoman CINO because it has nothing to do with the actual Catwoman. This supposed Doom movie is no different.

As far as I know, that practice actually began when people started calling the 1998 version of Godzilla "GINO".

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2004-12-15 07:41pm

Honestly - the only thing a doom needs to be a doom movie are:

-Evil hellish critters. The actual existance of hell as a destination is not a requirement! As long as there are demon-like monsters, does it really matter whether they came from?

-Badass marine(s). It doesn't have to be about one guy, just as long is the movie focuses on the "badass marine killing stuff" element, it's all good!

-The events are occuring far away from civilization.

Those are really my criteria.

White Haven · Post by **White Haven** » 2004-12-16 12:00am

Not even that last point, there were plenty of Doom maps that took place in urban areas.

InnocentBystander · Post by **InnocentBystander** » 2004-12-16 01:28am

White Haven wrote:Not even that last point, there were plenty of Doom maps that took place in urban areas.

True, but I would perfer it to be somewhere other than Earth (even the moon is a little close for my tastes).

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-12-16 05:29am

Here's a screen play.

We're on Mars, a marine shows up, goes through whatever proceedures new marines go through when the arrive. He doesn't say much except when answering questions.

There are some other characters around that are introduced, some chick's complaining about being the only woman there. There's a bit of a build up where people are getting creeped out by strange things. Someone's yelling at someone else for screwing up an order of mining drills and sending chainsaws. There's a TV in one corner showing a scene from the first episode of the animated TV series "Invader Zim" where the teach is saying "...the universe is doomed, doomed, doomed." Camera cuts to two techs, one asks the other what he sees in that kind of thing. "It's just the same damn thing repeated over and over again, originality is gone."

These kinds of conversations get shown in multiple places including the bar, an awkward scene in the semi-crowded men's bathroom and a followup shot of the woman from earlier sitting in one of the stalls in the ladies room, she sighs as the camera cuts to a shot of the whole room showing her to be the only one there. There are some awkward camera angles used to make the movie goer feel slightly clostrophobic.

This goes on until about 15-20 minutes into the movie, then all hell breaks loose (litterally). The lone marine goes blasting his way through wherever he can. Meanwhile there are three other groups of characters milling about in different areas. At certain points they manage to establish contact with the marine through the internal comm system and manage to help each other out solving various problems. The marine has to blast away at untold numbers of hellspawn with various big guns found along the way while keeping or getting the other groups out of trouble through whatever means are at his disposal. Most of the time they're either oblivious to what's going on or just thankless while they have to deal with their own problems.

The centrepiece of the movie is a massive shoot out with a variety of weapons between all the various hellspawn and the marine. Some of the other characters are in a nearby booth watching the arse kicking in awe. This scene makes the battle between the Bride and the Crazy 88 look tame. As the marine picks up the BFG there's an accident with the teleporter (someone makes a comment about this being the second time today that this has happened "Someone should really look into that.")

The marine is now making his way through hell while the others (who have dwindled somewhat in number by this stage) try to get to the point where the hell beasts are all coming from so they can shut it down. They start to notice that things are hard without the marine around. Meanwhile the Marine's making good use of his chainsaw in hell. Near the end of the movie there's a confrontation between the survivors and a cyberdemon. All but three of them are killed, the marine pops back just in time to give the cyberdemon a face full of BFG. Whatever plot device is most convenient halts the invasion and everyone's happy except those already dead.

While they're all still in shock over what just happened one of the guys simply says "different." The woman reiterates how much she hates her job, the other guy nervously shakes while the marine stumbles to his feet, and looks at the rest of them.

"What?" The first guy says.

The Marine stands silent for a few seconds. "I actually went to Hell." The Marine finally says.

The group share an awkward silence. "So..." The first man pauses, "Did you kill anything while you were there?"

"Yeah, a few things." The marine nods.

"So...did they like die twice or something?"

"I guess they did." The marine says as he considers the question.

The woman climbs to her feet, her body aching all over. "I'm going home." She says. "Fucking males." She mutters under her breath.

Roll credits.

Doom fans go home happy.

Took me twenty minutes conceive and write up.

Post by **Mr Bean** » 2004-12-16 07:17am

Spyder wrote:Here's a screen play.

*snip

You hired!

Post by **Ghost Rider** » 2004-12-16 07:23am

Spyder wrote:Here's a screen play.

*snip*

Took me twenty minutes conceive and write up.

And sounds a helluva a lot better then the drivel they are planning to pedal.

Good work

.

SPOOFE · Post by **SPOOFE** » 2004-12-17 04:14am

This goes on until about 15-20 minutes into the movie, then all hell breaks loose (litterally).

Ooh, that's a good line! I don't think ANYBODY's used it before.

In fact, we should make a character say it in the movie. Maybe it should be said three or four times, that way, all the REVIEWERS of the movie can say it, too! And then...

OH MY GOD!!! It's so WITTY!!! Because - haha! - it's a pun! Ha! Puns are like jokes! I get jokes! Bwahahaha! That's funn... no. No, it's not. And I'm suddenly hit with a new urge to smack every single reviewer that just HAD to include that line in their write-up of the game...

::sigh::

Maybe it's not just Hollywood that's not original in the slightest. Maybe humanity is just a species of hacks.

Good script idea, though. Better than Callaham's trash.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-12-17 04:25am

SPOOFE wrote:
This goes on until about 15-20 minutes into the movie, then all hell breaks loose (litterally).
Ooh, that's a good line! I don't think ANYBODY's used it before.

In fact, we should make a character say it in the movie. Maybe it should be said three or four times, that way, all the REVIEWERS of the movie can say it, too! And then...

OH MY GOD!!! It's so WITTY!!! Because - haha! - it's a pun! Ha! Puns are like jokes! I get jokes! Bwahahaha! That's funn... no. No, it's not. And I'm suddenly hit with a new urge to smack every single reviewer that just HAD to include that line in their write-up of the game...

Well, it's pretty much what's meant to happen in a Doom movie, that particular line wasn't really a joke.

Post by **Gandalf** » 2004-12-17 04:28am

Fuck Dave Callaham, fuck him up his stupid ass.

I want my Hellspawn, and fire throwing brown looking guys.

SPOOFE · Post by **SPOOFE** » 2004-12-18 05:11am

Well, it's pretty much what's meant to happen in a Doom movie, that particular line wasn't really a joke.

I know. If you saw the reviews just after Doom 3 came out, pretty much every one included the line "all Hell breaks loose (literally!)" as if we didn't already know that.

You'd think that, with such a simple premise that it can be expressed with five words, it'd be impossible to fuck up. Oh well. I guess Hollywood's proven us wrong again.

Spyder · Post by **Spyder** » 2004-12-18 05:57am

SPOOFE wrote:
Well, it's pretty much what's meant to happen in a Doom movie, that particular line wasn't really a joke.
I know. If you saw the reviews just after Doom 3 came out, pretty much every one included the line "all Hell breaks loose (literally!)" as if we didn't already know that.

You'd think that, with such a simple premise that it can be expressed with five words, it'd be impossible to fuck up. Oh well. I guess Hollywood's proven us wrong again.

I'm quite sure hollywood is the only entity I'm aware of that can fuck something up before they've even started making it.