There aren’t many movies as notoriously terrible and universally ridiculed as the space mess BATTLEFIELD EARTH, but at least one person responsible is seeking public penance.
Screenwriter J.D. Shapiro (ROBIN HOOD: MEN IN TIGHTS) has come forth and apologized for his association with the L. Ron Hubbard adaptation.
Shapiro (who also accepted the Razzie Award for “Worst Movie of the Decade”) released a statement in the NY Post that explains his introduction to Scientology and his involvement in John Travolta’s intergalactic flop. And he discusses the usual glaring disparity between script and final product:
“My script was very, VERY different than what ended up on the screen. My screenplay was darker, grittier and had a very compelling story with rich characters. What my screenplay didn’t have was slow motion at every turn, Dutch tilts, campy dialogue, aliens in KISS boots, and everyone wearing Bob Marley wigs.”
When Shapiro refused to incorporate some kooky notes from the Travolta cult, he was released from the project, his script was rewritten, and the rest is history. Or infamy, as the case may be. Shapiro gives the intriguing lowdown RIGHT HERE. Maybe now he’ll gets some work again. Or not.
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