Randall Wallace has already tread a fine line between mediocre films and Oscar nomination. He is best known for his success with writing Braveheart in 1995, which was nominated for ten Oscars (five of which it won).
Wallace has also directed a three films in his career: The Man In The Iron Mask, We Were Soldiers and Secretariat.
Though all decent movies, none of them were terribly big hits, which is why I’m somewhat worried that Wallace will be trying his hand at directing again, with a film called The Conscientious Objector.
That being said, considering the nature of The Conscientious Objector, perhaps Wallace is the perfect candidate for the role. The movie will look to tell the story of Desmond Doss, who was a medic and the first conscientious objector (called this because of his decision to refuse to carry a weapon in combat) to win the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Wallace has always worked well with scripts dealing with individuals standing up for what they believe in the midst of war and The Conscientious Objector appears to fit perfectly with this theme.
Originally, director Aaron Schneider had been set to direct but had to drop out. And so, Wallace has stepped in to replace him.
The script was written by Robert Schenkkan, who has had some success at penning episodes for The Pacific and The Quiet American. Though he is a Pullitzer prize winner, let’s not forget that John Carter was also written by a Pulitzer prize winner, and we all know how that turned out.
So, all things considered, I’m going to remain skeptical of the film, until casting is announced at least.