As a writer and a lover of all things spooky, I find myself deeply moved by the captivating journey of Michael McDowell. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and passion. From penning screenplays for beloved classics like “Beetlejuice” to adapting Tim Burton’s three-page poem into the timeless masterpiece that is “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” McDowell left an indelible mark on the horror genre.
Following decades of whispers and conjecture, the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 original movie titled “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” is making its way to cinemas this weekend. However, the question remains: will it match the adoration for the first film? With such a cherished horror-comedy in the hearts of many fans, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” has an uphill battle ahead. Indeed, for numerous admirers, “Beetlejuice” is a standalone masterpiece that requires no sequel.
Numerous elements combined to create this film’s success: its stellar ensemble, spearheaded by a remarkable performance from Michael Keaton as the rough, title character; Danny Elfman’s iconic and instantly identifiable score; and Tim Burton’s distinctive directorial touch. However, there’s another key contributor to Beetlejuice who seldom receives recognition: the film’s writer, Michael McDowell.
However, you might wonder about the identity of Michael McDowell, given that Beetlejuice has just graced our screens once more. It couldn’t be a more opportune moment to delve into his life story!
How McDowell Became an Author and Early Successes
Michael McDowell, born in 1950, was an academically gifted individual. He obtained his B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in English from Harvard College and Brandeis University respectively. Shortly after completing his Ph.D., he turned his writing passion into reality by publishing his debut novel, The Amulet, in 1978. From 1979 to 1987, McDowell penned several novels and short stories, including a novelization of the 1985 movie, Clue.
Known primarily for his Southern Gothic horror works, McDowell delved into psychological thrillers, mysteries, and period pieces as well. However, it was his fascination with the macabre that truly set him apart. This passion was mirrored in his hobby of amassing death memorabilia, which filled more than seventy-six boxes with items such as death pins, photographs, and plaques from infant caskets. The renowned horror author, Stephen King, affectionately referred to McDowell as “the finest writer of paperback originals in America today.” Additionally, he contributed to television shows like ‘Amazing Stories’ and ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents.’
Beetlejuice and McDowell’s Rise to Stardom
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve often pondered over the genesis of the quirky title “Beetlejuice”. The tale unfolds with three creative minds – Michael McDowell, Larry Wilson, and Michael Bender – joining forces to establish Pecos Productions. This innovative trio embarked on their first cinematic adventure with none other than “Beetlejuice”.
The initial draft of the script held a significantly contrasting tone, considering McDowell’s affinity for horror, it was notably darker than what we eventually witnessed. The Maitlands’ car accident is shown brutally violent, and Beetlejuice/Betelgeuse, a winged demon, appears as a short man of Middle Eastern descent. Unlike the final version, he seeks to eliminate the Deetzes rather than scare them, and his intentions towards Lydia extend beyond marriage; he desires to court her romantically instead.
McDowell and Wilson presented their screenplay to an aspiring filmmaker named Tim Burton, who at the time was disheartened by the uninspired scripts he had encountered. However, when he read ‘Beetlejuice’, he found in it the creative spark he’d been seeking, even though the script still needed refinement.
Following the sale of the script to Geffen Company by McDowell and Wilson, Warren Skaaren was tasked with making adjustments. Skaaren ultimately changed the story’s genre blend from straight horror to horror-comedy, softened Betelgeuse’s darkest actions, fleshed out the afterlife setting, and made the Maitlands’ demise less grim. Skaaren’s work underwent several revisions before it evolved into the story that we recognize today.
After that point, their story went on to achieve great acclaim, with Beetlejuice becoming both a commercial and critical triumph. As a result, both McDowell and Skaaren were recognized with a Saturn Award nomination for their exceptional writing.
Continued Success Cut Short by Tragedy
Following the triumph of “Beetlejuice” in 1988, McDowell decided to channel his creativity towards scriptwriting for films and television. He penned numerous episodes for horror-themed shows, including “Tales from the Crypt” and “Monsters.” However, his most significant contributions were made to “Tales from the Darkside,” where he wrote 11 episodes for the TV series and two distinct segments for the 1990 movie adaptation.
One of McDowell’s standout accomplishments was creating “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” the memorable stop-motion animated film from 1993. This project came about when Tim Burton asked McDowell to transform his three-page poem about a holiday-stealing skeleton into a screenplay, but they eventually had disagreements over creative direction – or perhaps these differences were beneficial in the end.
These creative differences inspired Burton to make the film a musical and bring in Danny Elfman to compose the lyrics and songs, a move that undoubtedly turned The Nightmare Before Christmas into an enduring Disney classic. Caroline Thompson was eventually hired to pen the screenplay, though McDowell still earned the adaptation credit for the movie.
One year after the diagnosis in 1994, McDowell found himself battling AIDS. Despite this setback, he persevered and took on teaching roles at Boston University and Tufts University, focusing on screenwriting. Additionally, he continued to create screenplays during this period. Sadly, McDowell’s life was cut short by an AIDS-related illness on December 27, 1999, leaving him only 49 years old. His longtime partner, theatre historian and director Laurence Senelick, stayed by his side until the end.
Unfinished Works and Adaptations
McDowell’s last movie was “Thinner,” released in 1996, based on a novel by Stephen King from 1984. His final book, titled “Candles Burning,” was completed posthumously by another author, Tabitha King, who is married to Stephen King. The book was published in 2006, several years following the writer’s demise.
Interestingly enough, one of McDowell’s last undertakings before his passing was a follow-up to Beetlejuice, a project he was deeply invested in. It brings a sense of peace knowing that the original writer desired this Beetlejuice sequel, or at least a similar concept, to materialize. Here’s hoping that Michael McDowell is enjoying the debut from some ethereal cinema, far removed from any pesky sandworms and malevolent spirits.
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2024-09-08 04:01