The story of a charismatic rebel at the heart of Detroit's Motown Sound. He radiated love in his life and music, yet courted destruction.
His jealous preacher father gave him a strong spiritual base, and a gnawing streak of self doubt. His mother was his abiding love; a long-suffering, benign inspiration.
Early marriage to Anna, the guiding sister of Motown founder Berry Gordy, gives way to a head-over-heels love affair with muse Jan. Followed by exile in Europe, and a tragic return home.
This man confronted his demons on a turbulent crusade of discovery. This man was Marvin Gaye.
I was asked to write a treatment on spec, prompted by an insider's belief that the estate and music sync rights were negotiable. Meanwhile, a Hollywood based project seemed to have obtained all necessary approvals, but has been stalled by the core casting problem.
The subject was fascinating so I wrote the screenplay anyway, as a showcase. I was guided by Marvin’s inimitable comments and self-analysis - amused, bemused, always perceptive. Becoming the basis for lightly used V.O. narration.
Written in kaleidescopic manner to project Marvin's chaotic, extraordinary life - and anticipated death.
The tone is essentially celebratory, of a man fated to embrace the extremes of secular and sanctified, and with the genius and wit to portray his journey in sublimely soulful music.
There are no attachments to the project.
