Someone wants to make a Van Halen movie…

January 7, 2009 45 Comments

First, don’t get too excited. There is not a Van Halen movie that is set to come out. But one man has a dream to make a Van Halen movie. He set up a website and made a simple, one minute trailer based on the script.

“Running with the Devil”, the unauthorized but inevitable Van Halen movie.

“Running with the Devil” is an unauthorized screenplay about the all time rock kings, the mighty Van Halen.

In the mold of “The Doors,” “Walk The Line,” or “Ray”… it is a work of truthful fiction — a mix of known events, unconfirmed reporting, educated guesses and pure imagination.

I’m looking for people in a position to make this movie. Someone will someday, it might as well be you. Contact me for a printed copy. 120 pages. Screenplay format. Seeking representation.

More at www.vanhalenmovie.com

The website even has a Casting Survey.

Here’s the trailer he made. What do you think? Do you like his ideas?

Filed Under: Van Halen

Gee Lopz

I think Van Halen brothers will not aprove. Well, in fact, it´s not a movie history…The Van Halen history/biography is more like a soap opera!!…:) hahaha…

And Eddie, David and Sammy is gonna start a fight each other again!!

Better read the non-authorized biography…

“Crazy from the heat” (David Lee Roth biography) maybe can be a good history for a screen movie…David probably have good stories to tell…But only when the band is over…

(And HEAR Eddie and Alex TALKING is boring…really sucks!! Seriously…who wants to hear the Eddie´s paranoic side version of the history??)

I Love Van Halen ( Eddie, Alex, David/Sammy, Michael Anthony) as a band… The music…Their talent… and on the stage.
Erick

Jan van Halens accent sounded funny.
http://lunchboxunlimited.blogspot.com Josh Peters

I always thought if they made a VH flick that Timothy Olyphant would be a sweet Dave. He was in Deadwood, but I saw a little Dave in his performance in the flick Go.
pushtoshove

Reaching!!!!!!! okay , all kidding aside I think they should cast Zachary Quinto as Alex Van Halen ,Kevin Connoly as Micheal Anthony , Billy Crudup as Edward Van Halen . Heath Ledger would’ve made a great Roth so the jury’s out on that one
http://na John Greggs

don`t bother……just let the music speak for itself….of course without dave, there was no magic. the recent tour and ticket sales proves that
will

Unauthorized says it all.
http://www.davisfamilydental.com Brian G. Davis

Everyone just needs to kiss and make up in this band so we do not have to check http://www.vhnd.com on a daily basis to see when they are finally reunited once and for all! I have spent thousands of dollars on this band since 1984 on concerts, tee shirts, bootlegs, autographed albums, etc… It really isn’t Fair for the fans to have to wait for music out of this band, since we are all aging past the point of being able to party at the concerts! Hell, my unborn son heard them in October 2007 in the second row and from the motion my wife experienced with him during this concert, he loved it! I am even saving up for the new 2009 Wolfgang for him when he grows up to learn to play. I have seen this band in Kansas City since 1984 and I just really want them to be Fair to all of us that love the music of our time; FORGET THE DAMN MOVIE !!!
cody

dude just leave it alone. that would be a movie that would start hell on earth again. wait until they are dead then do it but not before. but yea totaly let the music ride and let the stories rule but no move!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nick the Knife

I’m a huge fan but this trailer would be better if it was just left to our imagination.
Nick the Knife

Most musicians suck in movies but just bought a dvd called New York Blood which stars Vinnie Stigma of Agnostic Front. Hookers, Drugs and Blood. It’s all in there. I got it on amazon. Dave was also pretty good in The Sopranos. I almost forgot.
http://www.vhtrading.com Scott Roberts

I always thought Joseph Gordon-Levitt (of 3rd Rock From the Sun) would made a great EVH. Take a look at some of his IMDB photos: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0330687/mediaindex

BTW, I wonder who did the voice impersonations in the fake trailer? At times they’re not half bad.
Fluffer

Please leave this stuff to the professionals. This caliber movie has only one chance so lets not ruin it. It requires professional actors and a decent script. You cant just list everything they’ve done and include that into the movie. Only the key elements should be there and more about the personas. Probably it should concentrate mostly on Ed and Alex. Proposal for call sheet: Dave: Owen Wilson. What about others?
tim

while i love the band, who would really care?
Bruce

I’d love to see a movie if it were done right, but these kinds of rock band movies never are. They try to pass over 30 years of history in two hours, and the result is a hodge podge of signature moments rather than a story. They’d be better off focusing on one segment of the band’s story rather than what I’m seeing in the trailer.
Travis

maybe that guy from the food network with play Sammy Hagar? I think his name is Guy something.
http://www.VanHalenMovie.com Van Halen Movie

Hi all, I’m Mike, the author of the Van Halen movie script, site, and trailer.

Here’s the deal. I’ve been a fan since I was 14 (“Diver Down”). Like most of you I’ve had my ups and downs but stayed a fan through it all.

I am a writer in hollywood, but I’m not a hollywood writer. What I mean by that is I live in LA and I write, but I make my living doing something else. (I work at one of the big studios, but it’s more of a 9-5 job)

I wrote it not because I thought I would make an easy buck off it or that it would be easy to produce, I wrote it because I couldn’t not write it.

I actually put it down at one point thinking, what am I nuts? This will never work, write something else… but I couldn’t get it out of my head.

If anyone with a trusted connection in the VH camp is reading this, I would love to discuss this idea further.

It’s a work of love and passion, done with all professional seriousness.

Peace.

http://www.vanhalenmovie.com
halleen2@yahoo.com
VH2008

Ouch. That trailer is just painful to watch. Hopefully some day someone will make a movie about VH, but why would that someone buy a movie script from a fan who’s not in the business and has no good sources or inside connections to Van Halen?

I take no joy in slammin this guy’s dream, but he needs to dream another dream. If a VH movie ever comes out, it won’t be from this.
Dawn

I think Josh Holloway (from Lost) would make a great DLR.
And I would be more then happy to play Valerie.
Big Al

Now we know why your a writer in Hollywood and not a Hollywood writer!! Maybe you should try comedy!!!!
Ted

The key is to make it rise FAR above the VH-1 level of rock flicks. Those are painful.
jrod78

I want to play Gary cherone
KateTCL

Sweet idea.
MikeBass

OH SHIT!!! Here we go again.
Another “Hack” who thinks Van Halen was made by DLR.
If I’ve said it once I’ve said it 1 million times(and nobody’s ever listens); VAN HALEN MADE DLR…DLR DID NOT MAKE VH!
I can tell you, this guy has no idea what VH is all about…it’s always been about the music.
That includes Dave, Michael, Sammy, Gary and Wolfgang.
Tell this guy to stick to his day job or get one.
http://www.VanHalenMovie.com Van Halen Movie

Hey ya’ll, I’m loving reading your comments and emails.

So much to respond to. It’s all with love, so don’t take any of this wrong.

All writers were once new writers. Just because someone has sold screenplays before doesn’t mean they’re more qualified to write about Van Halen than I am. I’d argue I’m uniquely qualified.

I am a serious writer dedicated to writing. (I mean look how long this post is!) This isn’t my first or only project. I’ve been doing it for years, and nearly everyone who is successful did it for years in obscurity before they succeeded. That’s how it works. Don’t believe me, come out here and try it.

And really, you want to trust the legacy of your favorite band to a typical “hollywood writer”? They’re the ones who will just try to rip them to make a buck, I want to honor them, to tell it right.

My script is not a tell-all, nor a Valentine. And I don’t want to see some made for TV hack job either.

The trailer is just a quick tease I threw together with some stills and my brother in law doing voices, the real product is 120 pages of legit screenwriting. I’m sure the trailer could be better, but the trailer isn’t the point.

At the end of the trailer where Dave says “this is about show business”… that’s his point of view, not mine. And Ed would disagree and say “but what about the music!?” That’s the conflict of the story. (one of them) Just because I gave Dave the last word in the trailer doesn’t mean I agree with him. I’m not taking sides.

Make no mistake, as a fan I’m an Ed guy. But you also have to look at his flaws, and his dark side. His vulnerability. His humanity.

It was Wolf joining the band that finally gave the story a complete dramatic arc. Honestly, however much you miss Mike, I could not have made up a better ending than Wolf. It’s absolutely perfect dramatically. Wolf makes the story come full circle. The rest (singers, records, tours) is a rich context through which Ed’s father/son/father story travels.

It’s not a story about the band, or about the music. It’s about Ed. Without Ed’s cooperation, there is no movie, I know that.

It’s a story of family, love, loss. It’s a univeral story, an American Dream story. I tried to write it in a way that someone who doesn’t know the band and doesn’t care about rock and roll could still watch it and connect to the characters and their struggles.

It’s not about the facts, it’s about the truth.

Goddamn it’s such a great story, great characters and conflict. I mean come on!!! It has to be made into a movie!!!

and ps, the perfect guy to play Gary Cherone is Gary Cherone.

\mm/
http://www.myspace.com/pridesettemusic PrideSette_2008

Anything VAN HALEN will rock!!! Im for it……hope it works out!!!
Kellyman

First of all , lately Ive been thinking that a movie about the life of a rock band: how they got discovered ,first record, life on the road, war stories in real time. These movies are always fun to watch, ther are so many rock bands I guess thats why Spinal Tap was made. Van Halen is a good candidate I would watch it.
Erick

Andy Dick would make a good Sammy
Erick

He’s too old now, but put a wig on Frasier Crane and you would have Dave
Jim

It seems like all of us Van Halen fans are waiting in vain for what we really want: New Music. Year after year go by and we are left to check this website (a sincere thank you, by the way) in hopes of finally hearing the news that never comes. Even the reunion was disappointing – no Mike, and the vibe that used to be was long gone. I was there in 1984, every show in between, and I went with optimism in 2007. It was NOT even close. YouTube has been good to hold us over as we have scoured hours of footage for glimpse of the greatness that once was. Eddie teases us with talk about 10 albums worth of material. But still nothing. Is anyone else sick of waiting? If Eddie was reading this he’d probably tell me to fuck off – that seems to be how he feels about his fans – ungrateful.

Do we need a movie chronicling the disappointments we have had as fans? A movie that reminds us of all that bullshit? I’d be first in line to buy a DVD that highlighted the best years – there were some amazing times. And I am convinced that there is video and audio in the vaults that would make the most amazing box set ever – but we’ll probably have to wait until the founding members pass away and their estates release these treasures. Why would anyone want to see a movie that shows the embarrassing soap opera that Van Halen can’t seem to keep private? I believe the only real audience would be non-fans – people looking from the outside – a confirmation of why they don’t like Van Halen or this genre of music in the first place. All of this negativity constantly chips away at the positive and greatness that once was Van Halen.

Contrary to what you might think, I am a very happy and optimistic person, glass is half full guy. That’s part of what attracted me to Van Halen – the party attitude and killer vibe music. But somewhere along the way that died. Like all of you I’ve been waiting and hoping for that feeling to be captured again. It doesn’t look promising. I wouldn’t even rent the DVD – sorry man. Honestly, as a fan, you really want to make a movie about this? My first gut feeling upon seeing this link was that this would be a great way for someone to make money off Van Halen and their spiraling descent from the top. I don’t mean to insult you if you are sincere. Let’s be real and honest – this project is more likely to be a joke than a good movie. Even the greatest producers and directors make shitty movies. Who will take this project seriously? Another bad chapter in this saga might be the FINAL nail in the coffin for Van Halen – think about that for a moment.

Where’s the music? We’re waiting. But you’re losing many of us in the meantime. We won’t wait forever. I’m sorry fellow Van Halen fans – I’m just being honest – and I know many of you feel the same way I do.
Dawn

I also think about all the music that Eddie has written that has not been released. Van Halen music has always put a smile on my face and I never ever get tired of listening to it year after year. It brings me so much happiness. Songs like Cathedral are just beautiful. It doesn’t matter what happens in the future I will always be a fan however as far as a movie I would not want one made either but thats just my opinion. The only movie I want to see is a DVD from their last tour.
http://www.VanHalenMovie.com Van Halen Movie

Let me be clear, I did not write this to make money. If I thought this was a good plan to make money then I’d be an idiot.

I have no intention of trying to make the movie without the cooperation of the Van Halen family. I don’t even think that would be possible, and even if it were I wouldn’t be interested.

I wrote this purely out of inspired obsession, there was no calculation or business sense to it at all. The most calculated business thing I did was to STOP writing it a few years ago and start writing something else, but it kept calling to me and I couldn’t not write it.

I just love this story.

Yea, you could ask do we need “a movie that reminds us of all that bullshit?”

My point is, it’s not bullshit. There’s a real story behind it that, if we care at all about the legacy and the man, we should want to hear. And we should want the world, the non-fans to hear.

To talk of disappointment and “where’s the new music” is to be selfish. You’re telling Ed that he only exists to serve you, that you don’t care about his reasons or humanity.

You say “I’d be first in line to buy a DVD that highlighted the best years”. Did you buy “The Van Halen Story: The Early Years”?

http://www.amazon.com/Van-Halen-Story-Early-Years/dp/B0000DJYPW

I did. I’ve also met some of the folks behind it. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t anything we didn’t already know. It’s a valentine. It relives and celebrates the past, but doesn’t illuminate, and therefore only existing fans will really be interested.

What I’ve written is my understanding of the story from Ed’s point of view, including his struggles, and that makes it universal. You don’t have to be a fan to relate to it.

Yes, it’s extremely presumptuous of me, but my hope is Ed would want to tell that story, but not to make the fans happy, he’s done enough for us already. (Thank you Ed for all you’ve given us, you owe me nothing).

But he might want to do it for himself, to tell it the way it was. To set the record straight.

http://www.vanhalenmovie.com
phillster

hello mike, author of the VanHalen movie script,site &trailer!!I`ve been a rock movie/documentry “afficianado” for 30yrs. and i can safely tell`ya, you`re taking a BIG chance here,you`ve got to approach this very carefully.-nevermind dealing with hollywood execs,i`m talk`in bout the fans (passionate to a fault).In my humble opinion,you`ve got a whole lotta research to do.Have you thought of maybe a different approach? like what Jeff Stein did with “The Kids are Alright”? or say the 4hr long Tom Petty “doc”? i realize involving any currant members would take the same amount of effort as curing cancer.but even a “doc” style in the vein of the who`s doc- Amazing Journey maybe?. there`s already a DVD like this called “the van halen story-the early years” It`s o.k. but it doesn`t do any justice. if you`re gonna do it, ya gotta have everything 100% fact.too many people know way to much about this band, taking too many “artistic liberties” could ruin the impact of what your trying to do here, i applaud your dream,dream BIG!!- don`t make it like that crappy “def-leopard”vh1 movie. That would be an insult.YOU`VE GOT TO GIVE THIS PROJECT WHAT IT DESERVES!!! YOU`VE GOT TO RE-CREATE THAT FEELING EVERY FAN FELT THE 1st TIME THIS MUSIC HIT`EM RIGHT BETWEEN THE`RE– LIVE&NAKEDSTEAMING EYES!!!! GOOD LUCK.p.s.-the FACTS are what MAKE the TRUTH.- BUT–”WHEN THE LEGEND IS BETTER THAN THE TRUTH;PRINT THE LEGEND”(get the reference???)GOOD LUCK TRYING TO FIND A “HAPPY MEDIUM”:)i hope it comes to fruition,i look foward to it.peace out bro.& YEAH-A DVD OF THEIR LAST TOUR WOULD BE GREAT.-(I concur with”dawn”):)
phillster

YEAH- MIKE!it`s me again.-just had a “brainstorm”!.this could actually be a “criticly acclaimed” piece of work if done right!God willing you can convince ED&AL that this would be every bit as tastefully done as all they`re “idols”(i.e,-”STONES 25/5″,”WHO30yrs MAXIMUMR&B”&AMAZING JOURNY”,BEATLES ANTHOLOGY,GIMME SHELTER,CLAPTON`S RAINBOW CONCERTetc).Reasure them that this would be a great chance In their own words(&hopefully some new insight from all members)to really tastefully&powerfully celebrate not only the history of the band but the absolute roots&makeup of what truly makes them as legendary as the stones&who&zep&cream. i`d love to see the 120 pg manuscript,:)don`t let these over-opinionated fuckers get you down. ANY chance to get ed,al,dave,mike,sammy,gary&&wolfie together remenicing on film in any aspect, would be the best we can hope for-this side of a new roth/halen album,-P.S.If you`re going the reanactment route,(&I know i`m “just a peasant”here:),-but how about a “CAMRON CROWE” type approach? like an “Almost Famous” type vibe? BOTTOM LINE MY FRIEND,YOU`VE GOT TO TRANCEND THE AUDIANCE.DON`T DO “JOEL SCHUMACHER”BATMAN,DO “THE DARK KNIGHT”BATMAN.ED,AL&DAVE WOULD AGREE.(i think)HAPPY PLANNING!!!peaceout m`brutha.
Erick

Carrot Top would be a good Sammy
esv

“DRINK THIS….BUT DON’T TELL YOUR MOTHER.” LOL THAT’S FUNNY!
http://www.VanHalenMovie.com Van Halen Movie

Thanks Philster…

The Almost Famous vibe is definately closer to what I’ve imagined than The Kids are Alright. It’s not a documentary.

I get chills thinking about this band. I would want the movie’s to audience to feel that way as well.
http://www.vanhalenmovie.com Van Halen Movie

Hey, I’ve updated the casting survey with new suggestions based on fan input.

http://www.vanhalenmovie.com

Check it out!
Jor-L5150

weak. please god , no.

as an aside . ” sawyer ” from ” LOST ” would be a serviceable DLR.
Frank

Jan van Halen’s accent sounds ridiculous, I thought it was Achmed the dead terrorist.

Greetinx,

Frank
Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Gee Lopz

Man…it´s would be easier to make a movie about Hendrix…($$$$ too)

Eddie Van Halen is my Guitar Hero, but is a crazy and too much complicated(boring)human being. Ask Mike, Dave, Sammy…

If this movie idea is about EVH, forget it.

Sorry, man!!

Why we, the VH fans don´t make a official pettition to ask for a new cd??? Even a Eddie Van Halen solo-instrumental release??

Let´s kick the Van Halen asses!!!
chris omeara

Yeah, I chased the Van Halen guitar glory dream for 17 years- More years than I should have held on for. All the years after the FAIR WARNING era were a series of unfortunate letdowns and hope disappointments. After that, each album had only 2 songs each of what they built their following and reputation on.

I will say this- when I heard Me Wise Magic on the radio, I knew they could still do it if they really wanted to. But I agree with Jim’s comments above about Eddie’s attitude towards the fans that made him. But the man has a serious problem that took the life of his father and threatens his life too, and we should be praying for his recovery and mental well-being.

Any movie that would be made that covered anything after FAIR WARNING would just be detrimental to Ed and the rest of Van Halen and the fans, in my opinion. Eddie although gifted with guitar genius has become a drunken pathetic fool from the reports circulating in the last 10-15 years. He used to be my hero, now I just feel sorry for him now.
JG

I’d certainly download this movie
http://www.doctorsonmusic.com danny boy

This is the best video EVER! I have watched this everyday, and I can’t stop laughing. I literally have tears in my eyes!!
It is genius! The voices are hilarious! The best part is the “IMMIGRANT” parts where he says “always play with passion boys” and “drink this, but don’t tell your mother”. I love love love it! Especially when Eddie talks about kickin Dave in the nuts! Oh man, who else sees the beauty in this, it is pure entertainment. The Valerie part ha!!!! “I’m with you Eddie” hahahah! Some folks may be taking this too seriously with the posted comments but man it is the best thing on the web right now! The Dave voice is hilarious!Ok I’m done I hope the guy who made this is very successful because he has brightened up my days-brother you are good!
http://www.vanhalenmovie.com Van Halen Movie

Hi,

I want to let Van Halen know how much the fans are behind the idea of the Van Halen Movie.

I’ve heard from many of you privately or on this board, in favor and not, but now let me hear you at your loudest, most passionate, most loving and supportive!

PM me or post it here. I’ll put them together and get them to the band.

My own is below…

Please include your name and where you’re from. If you want, include your favorite song and/or album, what shows you’ve seen.

Please no, “when’s the next record” or other complaints, stay positive!

Here’s mine:

Ed,

You should make this movie because people don’t really know your story. They think they know, but they don’t.

It’s a story that transcends rock and roll, it’s a human story of triumph and tragedy. It’s about family and love and loss. It’s an American Dream story that speaks to everyone.

IT WOULD BE MONSTEROUS!!!

Mike, Los Angeles
Favorite album: Fair Warning
Favorite song: Unchained
Shows: 1986 Detroit, 1988 Alpine Valley, 1998 Chicago, 2004 St. Paul, 2004 LA, 2007 Charlotte, 2007 LA.
Tim

Video isn’t working. Embedding disabled. Might want to remove the story.