Since he published his first novel, “The Bounty Hunters,” back in 1953, novelist and screenwriter Elmore Leonard has established himself as a crime writer par excellence – and the go-to guy when Hollywood needs gritty realism and, well, Leonardesque dialogue. To paraphrase his own “Ten Rules of Writing” essay, “If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.”
The result? A long list of films with memorable characters and snappy dialogue, ranging from 1967’s “Hombre,” starring Paul Newman, to “Out of Sight,” “Get Shorty,” “Jackie Brown,” “Glitz” and the upcoming “Freaky Deaky”-- all based on his work. His latest was for the small screen, “Justified,” which premieres on FX Tuesday.
You’ve had a long history with Hollywood.
(Laughs) Since the ‘50s, but the last screenplay that actually got made was “52 Pick-Up” with Roy Scheider, back in '86.
(Laughs) Since the ‘50s, but the last screenplay that actually got made was “52 Pick-Up” with Roy Scheider, back in '86.
I had nothing to do with all the others, like “Get Shorty” and “Out of Sight.” I just sold the rights. But I knew the screenwriter for those, Scott Frank, and we’d discuss the scripts – not so much for “Get Shorty,” but for “Out of Sight,” and he’d have a lot of questions about the characters.
Why did you stop?You have to work with too many people, and there are so many opinions, so it’s just a big waste of time for me. If you get with the right people, the right director, then that’s fine. But usually at first you’re just working with someone on the producer’s staff.
Of all the Hollywood adaptations of your books, which ones got it right?
I think “Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight” and “Jackie Brown” were the closest in spirit to the books. Quentin Tarantino stayed very close to my story with “Jackie Brown.” The others added little things here and there -- but you have to for a movie.
I think “Get Shorty,” “Out of Sight” and “Jackie Brown” were the closest in spirit to the books. Quentin Tarantino stayed very close to my story with “Jackie Brown.” The others added little things here and there -- but you have to for a movie.
What about “3:10 to Yuma,” which was based on one of your short stories?
The first version was back in ’56, and it stayed closer to my story. The second time around they made it a much bigger picture, with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale -- with a lot more action. I really liked it – right up until the end. The ending didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
The first version was back in ’56, and it stayed closer to my story. The second time around they made it a much bigger picture, with Russell Crowe and Christian Bale -- with a lot more action. I really liked it – right up until the end. The ending didn’t make a lot of sense to me.
The’re going to make a film of “Freaky Deaky”…
Yeah, Walter Matthau’s son, Charlie, has the rights, and he’s going to produce and direct it. He’s had the option for a few years, and I think he’s finally got the script the way he wants it, so we’ll see.
Yeah, Walter Matthau’s son, Charlie, has the rights, and he’s going to produce and direct it. He’s had the option for a few years, and I think he’s finally got the script the way he wants it, so we’ll see.
Tell us about “Justified.” You’ve done quite a few TV projects over the years, haven’t you?
Yeah, I’d sold a couple of projects, such as “Karen Sisco” which only ran six episodes which was too bad, as I thought it was a pretty good show. I was surprised when they came to me about “Justified,” about this Deputy U.S. Marshal played by Timothy Olyphant, who was in “Deadwood,” another great show.
Yeah, I’d sold a couple of projects, such as “Karen Sisco” which only ran six episodes which was too bad, as I thought it was a pretty good show. I was surprised when they came to me about “Justified,” about this Deputy U.S. Marshal played by Timothy Olyphant, who was in “Deadwood,” another great show.
