by Dan Millman
Over the years, a number of young actors expressed interest in playing the role of Dan, and I spoke with a studio executive or two, but nothing clicked for me until 1986, when I agreed to option the rights to David Welch, a stuntman-actor and aspiring first-time producer.
David put his money where his heart was and set out to develop a workable script. As with most films, we had ups and downs over the years, until 2000, when Sobini Films, headed by Mark Amin, took on the project. Mark continued working on the script and finally put together the necessary elements — director, cast, and the rest. The process is truly synchronistic, depending on luck, the timing of actors’ availability, and so forth.
In the end, they found an experienced director and a talented cast and crew. The book had not only touched a deep place in Mark Amin but had also impacted the lives of director Victor Salva as well as the principal actors and many of the crew. So it was a labor of love for all involved.
Q: Were you involved in the final script?
A: I wrote an early draft; the producer also hired a number of other screenwriters to rework the script. Director Victor Salva made a strong contribution and a final rewrite before the film went into production. And about ten days before shooting began, he took ten or so pages of material from my original script — a number of lines and some whole scenes — and slipped them seamlessly into the story. All part of the process.
Q: In what ways is the film like the book and in what ways different?
A: The primary difference is that the film covers only part of the book — my college years — yet it manages to capture much of the heart, spirit, and key messages of the book for a new audience. Those who want the whole story can read the book — or wait for the sequel.
Despite the film’s condensations, it addresses the dramatic core of the story: the passionate struggles and growing friendship between student and mentor, and the initiation of a young man into a higher wisdom and a larger vision of life. In any event, filmgoers can now experience the adventure that readers have enjoyed for all these years, and Socrates can reach out to new generations, reminding them of what really matters in life.
Q: What do you think of the casting of Nick Nolte as Socrates?
A: Over the years, the producer and I discussed many possible actors who could play the role. And readers all formed their own mental images of Socrates, the archetypal peaceful warrior. As it turned out, it was a stroke of good fortune that Nick Nolte stepped into the role. First, because he’s one of our finest actors; second, because he had a personal connection to the book.
I also gave Nick a copy of my most recent book, The Journeys of Socrates, which relates the story of my old mentor, so Nick would understand the character more deeply. His performance reflected this understanding.
One of the biggest challenges in turning a message-filled novel into a film was avoiding any trace of “preaching.” Few actors could have pulled off this feat the way Nick did. His voice conveyed a lot of love and hard-earned wisdom; his delivery of universal reminders worked so well. It was one of the joys that my wife and I experienced as we sat alone in the screening room, watching the film for the first time.
Q: How are you like, or unlike, the character of Dan as portrayed in the film?
A: For one thing, Scott Mechlowicz, who so ably portrays me in the film, is taller than me. And he had to do some rigorous physical training to prepare for the role. Also, unlike the character in the film, I didn’t get straight As or have quite as active a love life.
Since conflict is the core of drama, the gymnasts in the movie get into arguments, and Dan and the coach also confront each other. In real life, while my teammates, my coach, and I had our moments, we actually got along well most of the time. Oh, and we didn’t drink as much beer. (At least I didn’t — I won’t speak for my teammates.)
But many core experiences and incidents, such as the motorcycle accident, were accurate — except that my leg was shattered even worse than is depicted in the film. Most important, the relationship and lessons learned and higher truths presented all reflect elements of my experience.
Q: Weren’t you a world champion on the trampoline? Why is there no trampoline or tumbling in the movie?
A: That was a practical directorial decision based on what stunt doubles were available and what events allowed the best dramatic shots of Scott (as Dan). So the director chose to feature the rings and pommel horse, although we see some shots of a few other events. Besides, I didn’t mention the trampoline that much in the book either.
Q: What about the tag line on the movie poster: There are no ordinary moments? Did you come up with that?
A: It was a collaborative decision to use that line as a central theme for the film. It was inspired by an incident described in my book and a lesson dramatized in the film. That line also relates to the title of my book No Ordinary Moments, which serves as a peaceful warrior’s guide to daily life.
Q: Do you have a favorite scene in the film?
A: I have a number of favorite scenes, some where I laughed, some where I was deeply moved — scenes of hope and despair, struggle and triumph. So I can’t really single out just one scene. Besides, each reader of the book or viewer of the film will have his or her own favorites, as true and important as any I might choose.
Q: What’s next? Will there be any sequels?
A: It’s quite possible. I hope so. That will depend on the audience response and how well the film does in the U.S. and overseas. If the film is popular, we are likely to see more of the story unfold. Perhaps there will even be a film based on my newest book, The Journeys of Socrates, the odyssey that forged the character and tempered the spirit of my old mentor.
There has never been a film quite like Peaceful Warrior. It wouldn’t have been made years ago. The time is right. This film and others that may follow offer needed reminders to new audiences and generations. They give hope and inspiration and show us what is possible for the human spirit on our journey to awakening.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dan Millman is a former world trampoline champion, Stanford gymnastics coach, and Oberlin college professor. His books have inspired millions of readers in twenty-two languages worldwide.
Dan’s seminars and workshops continue to influence men and women from all walks of life, including leaders in fields of business and finance, health, psychology, education, politics, entertainment, sports, and the arts.
Now a grandfather, Dan lives in northern California with his wife Joy. He continues to write and speak, sharing peaceful warrior’s approach to living wisely and well.
For information about Dan Millman’s work,
visit his web site at
www.danmillman.com
FOR THOSE WHO ENJOYED
WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR
WE OFFER A PREVIEW OF
DAN’S SECOND BOOK.
SACRED JOURNEY
OF THE
PEACEFUL WARRIOR
From the Preface
During my training with Socrates, I was sent away for eight years to assimilate his teachings and prepare myself for the final confrontation described at the end of that book. I wrote little about those years, choosing not to reveal their content until I fully understood what had occurred. They began with personal struggles and broken dreams that sent me on a journey around the world to find myself and to reawaken the vision, purpose, and faith I had found with Socrates, but somehow lost.
Sacred Journey relates the first steps on that journey. It began in 1973. I was twenty-six years old.
From the Prologue
Late at night in the old Texaco service station, Socrates would sometimes mention people or places I might someday visit for my “continuing education.”
Once he spoke of a woman shaman in Hawaii; another time he referred to a sacred book of wisdom, somewhere in the desert. He also told of a hidden school for warriors in Japan.
Naturally, these things intrigued me, but when I asked for details he would
change the subject, so I was never certain whether the woman, the book, or the school actually existed.
In 1968, just before he sent me away, Socrates again spoke of the woman shaman. “I wrote to her about a year ago, and I mentioned you,” he said. “She wrote back — said she might be willing to instruct you. Quite an honor,” he added, suggesting that I look her up when the time felt right.
“Well, where do I find her?” I asked.
“She wrote the letter on bank stationery.”
“What bank?” I asked.
“I don’t recall. Somewhere in Honolulu, I think.”
“Can I see the letter?”
“Don’t have it anymore.”
“Does she have a name?” I asked, exasperated.
“She’s had several names. Don’t know what she’s using right now.”
“Well, what does she look like?”
“Hard to say; I haven’t seen her in years.”
“Socrates, help me out here!”
Socrates glared at me. “Do I look like a travel agent? Just follow your nose; trust your instincts. Find her first; then one thing will lead to the next.”
Walking back toward my apartment in the silence of the early morning hours, I thought about what Socrates had told me — and what he hadn’t: If I was “ever in the neighborhood,” he had said, I might want to contact a nameless woman, with no address, who might still work at a bank somewhere in Honolulu; then again, she might not. If I found her, she might have something to teach me, and might direct me to the other people and places Socrates had spoken of.
As I lay in bed that night, a part of me wanted to head straight for the airport and catch a plane to Honolulu, but more immediate issues demanded my attention; I was about to compete for the last time in the National Collegiate Gymnastics Championships, then graduate from college and get married — hardly the best time to run off to Hawaii on a wild goose chase. With that decision, I fell asleep — in a sense, for five years. I would soon discover that despite all my training and knowledge, I was not yet prepared for what was to follow as I leaped out of Soc’s frying pan and into the fires of daily life.
BOOKS BY DAN MILLMAN
The Peaceful Warrior Series
WAY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR
The story that inspired millions worldwide.
SACRED JOURNEY OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR
The adventure continues as Dan meets a woman shaman in a
Hawaiian rain forest.
GUIDEBOOKS
THE LAWS OF SPIRIT
A timeless parable revealing laws that change lives.
THE LIFE YOU WERE BORN TO LIVE
An accurate system for clarifying your life purpose.
NO ORDINARY MOMENTS
A complete guide to the peaceful warrior’s way.
BODY MIND MASTERY
Developing talent for sports and life.
EVERYDAY ENLIGHTENMENT
The twelve gateways to personal growth.
DIVINE INTERVENTIONS
True stories of mystery and miracles that change lives.
LIVING ON PURPOSE
Straight answers to life’s tough questions.
FOR CHILDREN
Beautifully illustrated, award-winning stories of wisdom, magic, and mystery for children 4–10.
SECRET OF THE PEACEFUL WARRIOR
Aided by a brave girl named Joy and a wise old man named Socrates, Danny overcomes his fears with a wonderful secret.
QUEST FOR THE CRYSTAL CASTLE
Danny’s journey through a magical forest reveals the power of kindness and every child’s ability to overcome life’s obstacles.
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