Without Delay – ARTURO GATTI’S MOVIE “Can You Hear the Thunder”

(July 11, 2014 – Interview by Pattee Mak]

Just a few years ago people had Arturo Gatti’s death on their minds and wondered what really happened that night in Brazil while Arturo Gatti was vacationing with his wife, Amanda Rodrigues. Was it SUICIDE or was it MURDER? Hmmmmm…. Back in 2011, I interviewed Will Evans who wrote the script and no other than Gatti’s trainer, Buddy McGirt about the upcoming movie entitled “Can You Hear the Thunder (The Arturo Gatti Story)”. Click here for the original interview: http://bit.ly/GattiMovie. Now fast forward a few years later and the original script was rewritten. I had the liberty of reading the updated version and now that script is becoming a realty.

Pattee Mak: Thank you so much for sending me your revised script. I must say in the beginning I couldn’t put it down. There was so much intrigue that kept me reading it through the end. Why did you eventually switch it up a bit from your original script?

Evans: In the beginning the script was mostly a bio-pic, after more intensive interviews with trainers, managers and writers I saw that I needed to show the different personalities that Arturo had and the effects that fighting, drugs, booze and especially women affected him.

Pattee Mak: How many times did you eventually change the script?

Evans: The script has a number of drafts, I probably settled on the eighth rendition.

Pattee Mak: Previously we chatted and you mentioned to me that you wanted to already start shooting but I don’t believe that has happened to date. When do you start?

Evans: The shooting schedule will now be decided by the production companies and director.

Pattee Mak: Are you still planning on shooting mostly in Pennsylvania?

Evans: The film’s budget has increased and we see a multi-location shoot.

Pattee Mak: Will any of the fight scenes be filmed in the actual venues?

Evans: The goal has always been to replicate fight scenes as realistically as possible.

Pattee Mak: Will there be any actual footage from any of the bouts?

Evans: TBD on availability, but we have identified specific scenes we’d like to integrate.

Pattee Mak: As I was reading the script, in my impression it was implied to me that maybe just maybe there was something going on between Gatti’s trainer, Buddy McGirt and Erika Gatti, his wife. Am I correct to state that?

Evans: (Prefer we don’t address this question-would like to keep some suspense for movie): Buddy’s and Arturo’s relationship went through a dynamic arc as depicted by the screenplay. Was he paranoid? Was there Truth?

Pattee Mak: You captured a side of Gatti that some fans/people may not be aware of. Do you think some people will be shocked to see this side of him?

Evans: I actually don’t think it’s a shock for most fans/experts. Arturo’s demons were emphasized in the film. Having spent a good portion of my own life boxing, I wanted to emphasize the dedication, often lonely lifestyle of a fighter – they are truly a breed of their own.

Pattee Mak: Who is your casting agent or are you casting the cast yourself?

Evans: There are several casting agents involved.

Pattee Mak: Way back when you wouldn’t disclose to me any of the cast and the boxing fans are asking who is going to play Gatti along with other famous known boxing celebrities. To name a few in your script you have his trainer Buddy McGirt, Michael Buffer, Larry Merchant, Micky Ward, the list goes on and on.

Evans: Within the very NEAR future some of these roles will be disclosed.

Pattee Mak: You know I’m going to hold you to it. 😉

Pattee Mak: Also written into the script is well known professional boxer, Paulie Malignaggi (33-6-0). Did he add in any way to how the script was written?

Evans: Paulie was a great help as he and Arturo were friends. He helped me understand how the haters and leechers that surround fighters can affect their everyday lives. Paulie also gave insight into Buddy and Arturo’s relationship in the later years as it began to breakdown and dissolve. We have talked with Paulie about consulting and training for the film.

Pattee Mak: If I don’t ask you this question I’m sure the ringside physician during one of the Gatti/Ward wars, Dr. Michael Schwartz will never let me live this down. Did you cast the Doctor?

Evans: We intend to use as many as the real characters as we can.

Pattee Mak: Amanda’s role has a bit of nudity. Do you find it difficult to cast actresses for these types of roles?

Evans: Not if it’s relevant to the story. There are many aspiring actresses who would love this role.

Pattee Mak: Well if you need me, you know I can dye my hair darker and play a fierce Amanda Rodrigues. Except I’d need a body double for the nude shots.

Evans: See above.

Pattee Mak: How much of the script is 100% true to his life story?

Evans: The script is as true to the facts as I could get. Given there is such controversy over both his life and his death, I believe I have depicted a good 80% true to his life. In reviewing all the controversies of his life, I told the story as I see it.

Pattee Mak: Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions. I’m excited to see this on the big scene. Keep me posted to any and all updates.
Evans: Thank You Pattee. Thanks to everyone who has been supportive of the projective and bringing this great fighter’s story to the big screen.

Lastly, I would love everyone to go to the IMDB page [http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3326762/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1] for “Can You Feel The Thunder” and provide their feedback, suggest actors and most importantly remember him on July 11th, which marks the anniversary of his tragic death. For questions feel free to email me at thecigargame@yahoo.com.

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