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Jerry Garcia Biopic Gets Script, Director

Richard E. Aaron, Redferns

It's been a while since we've heard any updates on the reported Jerry Garcia biopic, but with the 15th Anniversary of Garcia's passing on the horizon, Variety reveals a healthy dose of details on the project. A script has been finished by Topper Lilien, whose previous film writing credits are limited to 2000's adaptation of 'Dungeons & Dragons,' with Amir Bar-Lev set to direct. Bar-Lev has recently gotten acclaim for 'The Tillman Story,' a documentary about deceased soldier and former NFL player Pat Tillman.

Based on 'Dark Star,' Robert Greenfield's oral history of Garcia, the film is set to examine the late guitarist/singer's life before the Grateful Dead era. Garcia was born on Aug. 1, 1942 in San Francisco and infamously had his right middle finger partially amputated at age four in a wood chopping accident. The loss of his digit would later serve as fodder for Deadheads as to why he could ease through guitar chords in unique ways. Soon after the accident, his father drowned and Garcia was raised by his maternal grandparents while his mother worked.

In 1960, Garcia would go on to join the Army but he had a less than enthused approach to it and was discharged. A wild car accident in 1961 would eventually serve as a turning point in his life, as it was when he started to take the guitar playing seriously. By that time, he'd already met future lyric collaborator Robert Hunter and hooking up with Phil Lesh wasn't too far off.

While the unnamed film has the script and directors in place, it's now up to casting to get this right. As the project largely ignores his time spent with the Dead, a standout performance will be essential in bringing out more than just the faithful Deadheads to the theater.

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mason

Hey Laughingbear--melted, FUM!

July 24 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Addie

There was only one Jerry. There will never be another like him. I hope they do this with that in mind. I love him. Always will. Thank you Jerry for being in my life. Your music was and still is incredible.
Peace to all....

July 24 2010 at 1:12 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
mason

Let it be--oh no that's the Beatles. They have finally ran out of their crappy stories and have stumbled onto a good one. It only took them 15 years after Jerry died and decades before while he was alive. Every Garcia fan knows Jerry's storied and tragic childhood. I really don't want to see some shmuck try to "play" Jerry. I think his legacy is to important to treat in such a cavalier way. Garcia was a legend, mentor, genius that defies being "played." He was many different things to different people. If you try and nail him down with some specifics you think are important, you will completely miss the message of Jerry's life. Can you imagine how "cheezy" this biopic will be? Trying to explain Gracia's thinking and choices during his early life. And its based on someone elses take. So, instead of it coming from Jerry its coming from some idiot--and I don't care how close he was to Jerry--who thinks he knows what was in Garcia's head 60 years ago. Y'all have fun buying into what some writer wrote to make money. I'm surprised Garcia's estate is allowing this. Oh, but I forgot, Deborah Coons, Jerry's last wife and gold digger is in charge of the estate. It should have been left to Annabelle or Mountain Girl to run. Like I said, ya'll have fun pluncking your money down for a fake story, using an actor to portay one of the most prolific, feewheelin' and intellectual musicains this country has ever seen. Me,I'm still going down the road feeling bad. I miss the real Jerry so much--his smile while he was playing, his demeanor and his importance to "our" community. If you want to play make believe Jerry have fun. Mason Pickholz

July 23 2010 at 10:54 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to mason's comment
laughingbear

who pooped in your cornflakes, Mase?

Panning the movie before its made? That's so un-Jerrylike to harsh on something that hasn't happened yet.

Maybe they'll get it right. In any case don't let it give you an ulcer until it opens. 'k?

July 24 2010 at 2:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
john gardiner

Grateful day, Mason! I love Jerry G just like you do. Thanx heaps for your thoughts and I agree wholeheartedly. Jerry was an iconic, talented, giant of a musician. He was one of a kind! I believe he was truly inspirational. What saddens me is that those closest to him didn't care, protect and love him so we could still enjoy his creativeness. He deserved to have a longer life. On a positive note, we have all sorts of media visual, audio etc., of Jerry's work to fall-back on and relish. Jerry is loved in many countries including the USA.
Peace and love mate! John (the land down under).

August 03 2010 at 3:14 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
OrangeSunshyne

Heavy man!
Far out!
A movie about Jerry.
This should be Oscar material.

July 23 2010 at 1:56 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply