Tim Burton and Clint Eastwood's Spooky Western Was Almost a Reality
In the annals of Hollywood history, few collaborations are as tantalizing as the one that almost was between Tim Burton and Clint Eastwood. The two legends of cinema came close to teaming up for a gothic western based on Richard Brautigan's novel, 'The Hawkline Monster: A Gothic Western.' The project, which would have marked Burton's first foray into the western genre, never made it to production, but the story behind it is a fascinating glimpse into the whims of fate in the film industry.
The Genesis of a Dream Project
Back in 1994, Tim Burton was riding high on the success of 'Ed Wood,' a biopic that won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Makeup. Despite being a box office disappointment, the film was highly regarded in Hollywood. Burton was eager to get another film into production, and he stumbled upon 'The Hawkline Monster,' a novel by Richard Brautigan that blended gothic horror with the rugged landscape of the American West.
A Unique Blend of Genres
The story follows a young Native American woman who hires two gunslingers to kill a monster living in the ice caves beneath her house. The novel's unique blend of supernatural elements and the classic western setting made it an intriguing prospect for Burton, known for his macabre and whimsical style. It would have been a thrilling departure for both Burton and the genre.
Clint Eastwood's Surprise Involvement
Enter Clint Eastwood, the iconic actor and director whose name is synonymous with westerns. At the time, Eastwood had recently won Best Picture and Best Director Oscars for 'Unforgiven' and had a positive experience working with filmmaker Wolfgang Petersen on 'In the Line of Fire.' This gave him the confidence to take on a project directed by someone outside his usual circle.
A Goofy Western for a Hollywood Legend
Eastwood agreed to play one of the gunmen in the film, a role that would have been a far cry from his usual stoic western heroes. The idea of a gothic, almost goofy western starring Eastwood under the direction of Burton was a tantalizing prospect. The project also had another major star attached: Jack Nicholson, who had previously collaborated with Burton on 'Batman.'
The Roadblocks to Production
Despite the star power and the intriguing premise, 'The Hawkline Monster' never made it to the big screen. The primary obstacle was screenwriter Jonathan Gems' inability to adapt Brautigan's deeply weird novel into a screenplay that satisfied everyone involved. The project ultimately stalled, and the cast and crew moved on to other projects.
A Near Miss in 2019
Years later, in 2019, the novel came close to being adapted again when Yorgos Lanthimos signed on to direct. However, the project failed to materialize once more, reinforcing the idea that 'The Hawkline Monster' is a novel that defies easy adaptation. Despite its challenges, some believe that with the right filmmaker, the story could still find its way to the screen.
The Legacy of What Might Have Been
The story of Tim Burton and Clint Eastwood's abandoned gothic western is a reminder of the many projects that never see the light of day in Hollywood. It also highlights the unique talent of both Burton and Eastwood, who have each left an indelible mark on cinema. While 'The Hawkline Monster' remains a what-if in film history, it continues to inspire speculation about what might have been.
A Possible Future for the Novel
With filmmakers like Paul Thomas Anderson having successfully adapted equally challenging works of literature, there's hope that 'The Hawkline Monster' could one day find its way to the screen. Until then, fans of Burton, Eastwood, and the western genre can only imagine the masterpiece that might have been.
As the film industry continues to evolve, the story of 'The Hawkline Monster' serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of creative collaboration and the enduring allure of the gothic western.
