Adam Mast - Return With Honor

Posted By:	Adam Mast
Posted On:	Sun Sep 23rd, 2007

AN INTERVIEW WITH "RETURN WITH HONOR" SCRIBE TRACY GARNER!

Recently, I had an opportunity to take in a screening of a new film called Return With Honor. While this well made independent picture is being marketed as an LDS film, it's messages are certainly universal. Following the movie, I was lucky enough to have a sit down with the film's passionate screenwriter, Tracy Garner. We talked about family, life, and, of course, the movies.

ADAM MAST: While Return With Honor will most certainly enjoy crossover appeal, it's being marketed as an LDS themed film. I was wondering what your opinion was on the LDS film market. What are some of your favorite LDS movies and film makers?

TRACY GARNER: Yes. The film is being marketed as an LDS film. Which is a little disheartening, because it is a story that works no matter what your faith happens to be. Had I made the protagonist a Baptist, it wouldn't be marketed as a Baptist genre film or an Amish, or Catholic etc... It's a film about love and tolerance, not religion. I chose to place the story with a Mormon back drop primarily because of my familiarity with the Mormon culture. The Mormon genre is like any other genre. Some of the films are well liked, and others not so much. As more and more LDS films continue to lose money, it will become increasingly difficult to raise the appropriate funds to finance new projects, but that is the nature of this business. Shrinking consumer confidence in LDS cinema over the past three to four years should be a concern for everyone including the distributor's of LDS films. Consequently, the best LDS filmmakers will end up leaving the genre in order to survive and pursue their passion for filmmaking. As far as my favorite films, I would have to say, Saints and Soldiers ranks at the top.

AM: How long ago did you write Return With Honor, and how hard was it to get the project off the ground?

TG: I wrote Return with Honor in 2004 and it finally hit theaters in September 2007. If that were the entire story it would appear to be easy but, it's never that easy. I've been trying to make a movie for well over twenty years and it finally happened. It was especially difficult for me, because I never went to college or film school. It took years to convince investors that I could do it.

AM: On a personal level, it's clear that you're a fan of film otherwise you wouldn't have chosen movie making as a career. Can you name some of the film makers who've inspired you during your life time?

TG: I get inspired by great writers as much as I do great filmmakers. Without great writers, there are no great filmmakers. Making a good movie is like building a house. The foundation, (script) must be sound. Having said that, a quality script without a great director/filmmaker, typically ends with a product that is unwatchable. What makes film so challenging and rewarding is that it requires the successful collaboration of many talented people to make a movie that works for an audience. I think we can both agree that movies that have great production value and quality performances without an emotionally engaging story are utterly forgettable. My favorite contemporary writers include, Alan Ball, Lawrence Kasdan, Charlie Kaufman. Great directors would include, Milos Forman, Francis Ford Coppola and Norman Jewison, to name just a few.

AM: What are your favorite films of 2007 thus far?

TG: Nothing that I'm absolutely crazy about thus far. In 2006, Little Miss Sunshine, and Babel were two of my favorites. These were two completely different films, both brilliantly told, directed and performed.

AM: What's next for Tracy Garner?

TG: I've made a lot of mistakes over the years, but the one smart thing I did was to keep writing. As a result, I have three completed scripts that are being discussed as part of a three-picture deal. The first one slated for production is a romantic drama, entitled, Blue Diamond. The theme explores the concept of divine intervention and how life beyond the veil may not be so far removed from life on earth, as we may think. Once again, I aim my theme toward spirituality vs. religion.

AM: Your performance in Return With Honor, was an absolute riot. Any chance we might see some more acting from you?

TG: I hope so. Acting was my first love. I relish in the process of creating a character. I know that in order for me to participate in a meaningful role in a film, it will have to be at the expense of everything else (producing, directing etc.) I can only see myself in bit parts or small supporting roles otherwise. I don't think I have the talent to take on a major role while taking on other significant responsibilities at the same time. Hopefully, if not in one of my own films, someone else will give me that chance.

AM: I don't want to take up too much of your time, but I always end my interviews with this question. You're stuck on a island with a DVD player. You can only have five movies with you for the rest of your life here on Earth. What five movies would you pick?

TG: First, I would take Shakespeare in love to remind me to live with unbridled passion. Second, Amadeus, to remind me to be grateful for the talents I have rather than be envious of those I don't. Third, Shawshank Redemption, to remind me that no matter how dire the circumstances may be, I can continue to do good and live with hope. Fourth, Big Fish to remind me to live in my imagination. Fifth, any comedy with Steve Martin, Jim Carey or Bill Murray, for obvious reasons.

Well there you have it. My brief but informative interview with Tracy Garner. I want to thank Mr. Garner for taking the time to talk to me and I greatly look forward to Blue Diamond. For now, I'd like to encourage folks to run out and see Return With Honor. It's a very touching film. You can read my review here at Zboneman.com.