need opinions on a movie idea

[40ozfear]

I'm in college right now taking a film making class and one of our assignments is to write a screenplay which we will eventually make a short film of. I wanted to do a horror movie, but i wanted to be original. There aren't too many original horror movies out these days so i had to do some research. I am thinking about doing a movie about "liver eating johnson", a sort of cowboy cannibal person. Not too many movies about him, and i like the idea. I think there is a lot of horror potential in this guys story, with a few slight changes of course.

If you think this is a bad idea, let me know. but don't be ruse about it. if you disagree, give me some of your ideas.

[Ferox13]

Don't worry about it....if you need to come here for an opinion its not going to happen..So you're all good.

[40ozfear]

yea it'll happen, I'm not new to this. I came here for some advice, but whatever hahaha

[40ozfear]

anyone else?

[bwind22]

You're probably not getting any replies because no one knows who Liver Eating Johnson is. Maybe you can provide us with some backstory on him. Also, it'd be helpful to know how long your script is supposed to be. 5 pages, 10 pages, feature length, etc...

Without knowing any details, all I can say is that a cannibalistic hillbilly/redneck isn't all that original as far as horror villains go.

[wufongtan.]

What if i gave you my idea. And you make a movie out of it, that makes you millions n millions. I couldn't live with myself. So i would have to either kill myself...or you one or the other.
And really, a cannibal cowboy? That isn't horror.

[40ozfear]

he said at least 5 pages and when we film it, it shouldn't be more than 30 minuets. it's just a short. Liver eating Johnson is not fiction, he's a real man from the 1800's. the only movie I know of based on him is "Jeremiah Johnson". And hey, if you give me an idea and it makes millions I'll share :)

[neverending]

Well, what makes a story is the telling...

You can make a movie about nearly anything, and as long as your approach is fresh, it'll be an interesting film.

[swiss tony]

Originally Posted by neverending

Well, what makes a story is the telling...

You can make a movie about nearly anything, and as long as your approach is fresh, it'll be an interesting film.

Well put. I also like this philosophy...'there are no new ideas so, when you inevitably steal, make sure you steal from the best'.;)

Why don't you provide a link to some info on the subject matter and maybe people can make suggestions.

[Ferox13]

I presume since this is a school project it will also be zero budget - making it a period setting - is setting yourself a lot of problems from the get go.