RoundAbout Madison - Movie Madison 3-04

Jim Caviezel prepares to shoot a scene in the cockpit of the Miss Madison unlimited hydroplane.

‘Madison’ movie to hit theaters in late summer 2004, source says

'Major studio' to fund limited national release

By Don Ward, Editor

MADISON, Ind. (March 2004) – When actor James Caviezel’s face began popping up on TV shows, news magazine covers and in newspapers in mid-February for his role as Jesus in Mel Gibson’s movie, “The Passion,” unlimited hydroplane fans watched with their fingers crossed in hopes of what they believe should be the inevitable: the release of the long-awaited movie “Madison.”
Their hopes were bolstered when they reached their theater seats in preparation of seeing Caviezel suffer under the weight of the cross, only to be teased by a trailer of the “Madison” movie played before them, just prior to the start of Gibson’s controversial flick.
While many argued the merits of Gibson’s depiction of the crucifixion story, “Madison” fans focused mainly on the release of a movie that will certainly put the town of Madison on the national map.
Now, in what has been the surest sign yet that the movie shot on location in Madison, Ind., during the summer and fall of 1999 will actually hit the silver screen, the trailers have people excited and talking about the advertised summer release. A source close to the production team confirmed to RoundAbout on March 1 that the film is scheduled for a “modest national release by a major studio” in August, September or October, with a wider release later “if audiences respond to it.”
The film’s earlier release plans were postponed because one studio went out of business and the second was bought by a larger distributor.
“Those events tied up the film for a period of time and led to the delay,” the production source said. “The heat on ‘The Passion’ will certainly help the film's chances.”
“Madison” movie fans reacted to the news of the impending release with glee.

Jim Caviezel as Jesus in
Mel Gibson's "The Passion."

“Finally! It’s about time. That movie has got to come out sooner or later,” exclaimed Annalisa Strickland, who came to Madison from California that summer to work on the film and later moved here permanently after falling in love with the town.
Other race fans and those who took part as extras have similar views. They not only want to see the movie, they want to own a copy, once it’s released in videocassette.
The movie, co-written by Indianapolis brothers Bill and Scott Bindley and directed by Bill Bindley, is the fictionalized true story of Miss Madison driver Jim McCormick’s Gold Cup victory in the 1971 Madison Regatta unlimited hydroplane race. The production team filmed the movie at several locations in Madison and southern Indiana, and in southern California. Previous movie versions feature the voice of Seymour native and rock legend John Mellencamp and warm, glowing scenes of the Ohio River Valley. Many action scenes were filmed during the 1999 Madison Regatta.

Jim Caviezel at the 2004 Daytona 500.

The movie received critical acclaim at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival in Utah. Many compare the film to that of “Hoosiers,” another heart-warming story loosely based on a true story of small Milan High School’s Indiana state championship basketball victory. It starred Gene Hackman and left few dry eyes in the theater.

Similarly, “Madison” stars acting veterans Bruce Dern and Paul Dooley in supporting roles, plus Mary McCormack, Jake Lloyd, Mark Fauser, Brent Briscoe and Frank Knapp, and the final scenes also tug at viewers heartstrings.
Some lucky fans had the opportunity to see a pre-release version of the film during the 2001 Heartland Film Festival in Indianapolis. The movie also was shown to a private audience at the 2002 Indy 500 Festival, where Caviezel appeared as a guest.
This year, Caviezel was at the Daytona 500 NASCAR race to promote “The Passion.” The world is likely to see much more of the Seattle native and devout Catholic. “Madison” movie fans are hopeful they will see Caviezel and perhaps other actors from the hydro film back here in southern Indiana for the national release of the unlimited hydroplane movie.
Sneak preview parties were discussed at local theaters for previous announcements of the movie’s release that never materialized, the latest of those being in August 2003. Since then, the trail has gone cold on when the movie might become a reality on the big screen – that is, until Jesus, er, Caviezel, appeared on the scene.
You might say that getting the small-budget, independent movie “Madison” to the silver screen took an act of God.

• Editor’s Note: You can view the movie trailer in its entirety online at: www.movie-page.com/trailers/l-m.htm. Click on “Madison.”

“Madison” Movie Credits
Made in USA, 2001
Release Date: Late Summer 2004
Distributors: MGM
Runtime: 94 min.
Executive Producers: Carl Amari, Chris Dennis, Steve Salutric, Roy Millonzi
Producers: Martin Wiley, William Bindley
Co-Producer: Lisa Lloyd
Screenwriters: William Bindley, Scott Bindley
Director: William Bindley (Credits: “The Eighteenth Angel,” “Judicial Consent”)
Principal Cast: Jim Caviezel (Jim McCormick), Jake Lloyd (Mike McCormick), Mary McCormack (Bonnie McCormick), Bruce Dern (Harry Volpi), Paul Dooley (Mayor Don Vaughn), Brent Briscoe (Tony Steinhardt).
Additional Cast: Frank Knapp (Bobby Humphrey), Kristina Anapau (Tami), James Andelin (Merle), Reed Diamond (Skip), Mark Fauser (Travis), Richard Lee Jackson (Buddy), Matthew Letscher (Owen Henderson), Cody McMains (Bobby Epperson), William Shockley (Rick Winston), Vincent Ventresca (Walker Grief), John M. Watson Sr. (Walter).
Storyline: A somewhat fictionalized account of a true story about an Unlimited hydroplane driver’s surprise victory in the 1971 Gold Cup at Madison, Ind.
Official website: http://www.madisonthemovie.com