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Verhoeven returning to 'Batavia's Graveyard'

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Verhoeven returning to 'Batavia's Graveyard'

The Dutch director may yet make his historical epic about a terrible mutiny off the coast of Australia.

Nov 22 2005

Having spent three years stuck in development hell, it looks like Paul Verhoeven's 'Batavia's Graveyard' may soon get off the ground.

The 'Basic Instinct' director's long term labour of love was first announced in 2002, but stalled when financing fell through.

Now however, the Dutch Film Fund is investing in the project, which revolves around the bloodthirsty aftermath of the shipwreck of the Batavia in 1629.

The director's long-time collaborator Gerard Soeteman is currently working on the script, which will be based on Mike Dash's book of the same name.

'It's a story in the direction of the Bounty but it's much more about the development of a fascistic regime,' Verhoeven told Screen Daily. 'That story has always fascinated us. We said if we don’t write it now, we will never make it.'

Before then Verhoeven will make 'Black Book', a thriller set in Holland during World War II.

User comments on this story

Steve said...

This movie is dead: Will not happen. leading cast have lost interest and moved on, finance withdrawn and the project considered unviable, given the small budget.
I'm personally pissed off - I auditioned on several occasions and attended callbacks early during casting and won a modest speaking role. I won't get to do it now. Posted on Jul 30 2009 07:28

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Vince Doran said...

I'm going back to the Abrolhos Islands next week to shoot a DVD on extreme kayak fishing. Will be staying around the Wallaby group and intend on diving the Batavia site again (5th dive on the site) Can't wait to get back out amongst the Ghosts.
A mob from South Australia have started filming a multi- $million movie out that way based loosley on what occured on that fateful morning when Batavia ran aground.
I think its called "Batavia tempest fury" or something along those lines but they are not following the actual historic facts. Its a shame really, blowing all that money on a false historical story,
PLEASE!!! will someone tell the whole story as acurately as possible? Posted on Apr 22 2008 11:23

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Rudy Goes said...

Ik ben een Vlaamse acteur en al heel mijn leven gepassioneerd door de Batavia. Meespelen in die film is mijn ultieme droom! Posted on Apr 21 2008 21:21

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kym bernath said...

I would find the movie an absolute must see as I live in Geraldton and have always found the batavia mutiny the worst thing I have ever researched. The content of the film would be horrific if it was made in accordance with the facts. Not only of the ship wreck itself but the pending brutal death of all those poor people wrecked on a bloody awful hunk of rock. I hope a movie is made, maybe I could be an extra and play a stressed out mother ?. After all , I am one of those and a local .Good luck if you proceed with the movie. Posted on Mar 29 2008 09:42

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Jack Ford said...

Hands off. Posted on Jan 10 2008 11:14

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Astrid Sweres said...

This story is absolutely made for film and would be a great co-production, sharing Dutch and Australian actors and crews. Filming in Australia is a good move budget-wise and also for amazing acting talent...think Russell Crowe for Jeronimus, Jeroen Crabbe for Pelsaert, and Cate Blanchett for Creesje Jans. More gripping than Titanic by a long shot! Contact me if you would like any assistance with script/locations. Posted on Jan 07 2008 01:03

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Vanessa said...

I am studying up about this at the moment, after hearing the basic story. I thought it was wonderful material for a film. If you decide to make this, please contact me, as I would love to be involved. I am studying Film next year, and have a background in the Creative Arts. you might also be interested to contact Richard Mills, Australian composer, who made an Opera about Batavia Posted on Jan 02 2008 04:09

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Vince Doran said...

I hope this movie goes ahead, the story needs to be told with images. I have been travelling to the Abrolhos islands for a long time now, It's an awesome place. I am a freelance camera operator and if you need my assistance don't hesitate in contacting me. Go for it. Posted on Jan 19 2007 23:30

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Michael Conner said...

Great to read that Batavia may be made. I am just finishing the read, and it is a most compelling story. Please get the movie done! Posted on Mar 30 2006 23:54

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