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The critically acclaimed filmBlood Diamond, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Connelly, almost succumbed to the depths of development hell before finally gracing the silver screen in 2006.
The story, originally titledOkavango, was plagued by development issues for years before finally being rescued by producers Paula Weinstein and Gillian Gorfil.
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Development Hell and the Birth ofBlood Diamond
Blood Diamond, a compelling drama set against the backdrop of the Sierra Leone Civil War, is a film that almost never saw the light of day. It crossed a journey from its initial conception, languishing in development hell, to ultimately receiving five Oscar nominations.
The film’s origins trace back to Warner Bros. in 2004 when Charles Leavitt was tasked with rewriting an early draft titledOkavango. The project had been stuck in development hell for years until producers Paula Weinstein and Gillian Gorfil took the reins.
To breathe life into the screenplay, Charles Leavitt immersed himself in extensive research on the diamond industry. Recognizing the potential for controversy, Leavitt assumed his portrayal might offend industry giants like De Beers.
However, Paula Weinstein felt Leavitt’s draft needed further refinement, though she was very much impressed with the script. She brought in Ed Zwick and Marshall Herskovitz for a rewrite.
However, the duo’s involvement went beyond mere rewriting; Zwick, captivated by the story, agreed to take on the directorial reins as well.
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Blood DiamondWas a Critically Acclaimed Movie
Blood Diamondhit theaters in 2006 to critical acclaim, particularly lauding the powerhouse performances ofLeonardo DiCaprioand co-star Djimon Hounsou.
The film not only resonated with audiences, grossing $171 million worldwide but also garnered five Academy Award nominations, including Best Actor for DiCaprio.
Set against the backdrop of the Sierra Leone Civil War (1991–2002),Blood Diamondunflinchingly depicts the devastating consequences of the conflict. The narrative weaves a tale of a nation torn apart by the struggle between government loyalists and insurgent forces, including the rebels’ brutal act of severing civilians’ hands to suppress voter turnout.
WatchBlood Diamondon Apple TV.
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Prantik Prabal Roy
Articles Published :778
Prantik Prabal Roy is a content writer at FandomWire. With over three years of experience in content writing for various media houses, he takes great interest in telling stories about Hollywood celebrities and the world revolving around them. He has done his Master’s in English literature and diploma course in journalism. Being a literature student, he has the ability to delve into the matter and analyse it thoroughly to give the readers a clear view on the specific topics.
