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Home  Wrestling News JIM CARREY'S SCREENWRITER SHOOTS ABOUT HOLLYWOOD, WWE, AND VINCE McMAHON VS PAUL HEYMAN
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JIM CARREY'S SCREENWRITER SHOOTS ABOUT HOLLYWOOD, WWE, AND VINCE McMAHON VS PAUL HEYMAN |
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Written by Dan Bristow (dan@wrestlingnewsdesk.com)
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Monday, 08 September 2008 |
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6:15 AM EST
A great interview with veteran screenwriter Paul Guay
("The Little Rascals," "Liar Liar" with Jim Carrey) has exposed Guay's
feelings on Hollywood's snobbish attitude towards pro wrestling fans, his
feelings on WWE Chairman Vince McMahon, and his unbridled admiration for the
creativity of former ECW owner Paul Heyman.
In discussing why Hollywood execs look down on the grappling
game, Guay states "I really think it's as simple as the fact that it's
fake," he begins. "Because it's fake people look down on it, which doesn't make
any more sense than saying: who likes Hamlet, that's fake." He goes on
to point out that the "real versus fake" debate simplifies the complexities of
good storytelling in wrestling and gives people an easy way to label the
sport-entertainment conglomerate and its fans. "Yeah, it is fake, but is it well
done? Do you get involved with the characters and their personalities? I think
people stop at, 'Oh it's fake, therefore it's for children and idiots.' Well,
there are children and idiots who like wrestling, but there are also intelligent
people who like wrestling. Why not make a film that appeals to every
semi-intelligent person out there? Those of us who fell in love with wrestling
fell in love with it for a reason. Why not show the excitement of it, the
ability to engage people? The experience of seeing a great wrestling match live
hasn't been portrayed anything like it could be on screen."
Guay also describes how he went from being A-List Hollywood writer to a
member of WWE's elite creative team. "I pitched my wrestling movie to WWE Films
and the then head of the film division said they're not doing wrestling films"
Guay offers, at once understanding of the mandate for WWE Films to establish
itself in the non-wrestling arena, but obviously frustrated to have hit another
dead end. "But, he said Stephanie McMahon was looking for writers for the TV
show because at that point the ratings were not doing well (this took place in
the latter part of 2002). She called and we talked briefly on the phone, then I
flew out to Connecticut and interviewed with her. I told her what I would do
with the WWE booking if I were God, and then she brought me the next day to meet
with Vince, Paul Heyman, Brian Gewirtz, Michael Hayes, Triple H, and all the
writers around the table. I sat down and Vince said 'shoot.'" So I pitched them
my approach and Vince hired me."
Guay stated about his time in World Wrestling Entertainment, "When I was in
the writer's room, you wouldn't know if you were being worked or not," Guay
explains. "Part of it is political because some people want to see the new guy
fail, but part if it is just fascinating because with every word that comes out
of someone's mouth you're not sure if it's just to see if you're smart."
The story also goes behind-the-scenes on the
volatile relationship Guay witnessed between WWE Chairman Vince McMahon and
Original ECW cult hero Paul Heyman. "They're both very strong personalities that
were, when I was there, pulling in different directions, and it was clear that
there were personal issues that were affecting what was going on," Guay
theorizes. During his time, though, and even after his short tenure had come to
an end, Guay developed enormous respect for Heyman's abilities
behind-the-scenes. "When I talked to Paul privately, I was more impressed by
what he said than by anyone else I've ever met in the wrestling industry," he
explains. "His ways to pitch stars, to make stars out of guys … I've never
encountered anything like it."
The story continues about Guay's observations in WWE. Guay
quickly points out that his admiration for Heyman does not necessarily preclude
admiration for McMahon, and he doesn't feel the need to enter into an
"either-or" appreciation of the pair. In fact, he suggests, he can understand
why, on the surface, some may find it hard to appreciate Heyman for his talents.
"You've got Vince, whose company is worth a billion dollars," Guay begins. "You
could say 'What has Paul Heyman done?' He joins a tiny company and runs it into
the ground. That's true, that's part of Paul's story. But the other part is that
he kept creating stars who were big enough that WWE and WCW were poaching them
from this guy who they don't even admit exists, although apparently Vince is
helping to fund the company under the table. What is it about this guy who hires
unknowns but is showcasing them in a way that makes you want to poach them and
bring them onto the main stage? This is an interesting guy. I remember when I
was there and we were talking about an upcoming pay-per-view, and Paul and I
were out in the parking lot. He was pitching me on how to make Tommy Dreamer
challenge for the title. Before he said anything I thought 'Why do I want to see
Tommy Dreamer challenge for the title?' Ten minutes later I was thinking I want
to buy that pay-per-view, that's a story I want to see told. Heyman is just
great at creating a scenario that you'd want to invest your money to see, which
is a remarkable talent."
A large part of the interview deals with Guay's desire to still
do the movie about pro wrestling. After reading the story, you'll come away with
the understanding that he really does love it, and is one of WWE's most
passionate fans.
I give this excellent article my highest recommendation! Check
it out at this link: http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Movies/2008/07/18/6199331.html
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