Simon Birch

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Simon Birch
Simon Birch theatrical poster
Directed by	Mark Steven Johnson
Produced by	Roger Birnbaum, Laurence Mark
Written by	Mark Steven Johnson (screenplay), John Irving (novel)
Starring	Ian Michael Smith, Joseph Mazzello, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt
Music by	Marc Shaiman
Cinematography	Aaron E. Schneider
Editing by	David Finfer
Distributed by	Buena Vista Pictures
Release date(s)	11 September 1998 (USA) 25 June 1999 (UK)
Running time	113 min.
Language	English
Budget	$20,000,000 (estimated)
IMDb profile

Simon Birch is a 1998 drama and comedy film loosely based on the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. It was directed and written for the screen by Mark Steven Johnson. The film stars Ian Michael Smith as Simon, Joseph Mazzello as Joe, Ashley Judd, Oliver Platt and Jim Carrey. It omitted much of the latter half of the novel and altered the ending. The movie does not share the book's title at Irving's request; he did not believe that this novel could successfully be made into a film. The name "Simon Birch" was suggested by him to replace that of Owen Meany.

The film opened on September 11, 1998.

1 Synopsis
2 Cast
3 Production
4 VHS/DVD release
5 Soundtrack
6 External links
- 6.1 Trailer

[edit] Synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Simon Birch, a young boy with stunted growth is convinced that God has a plan for him. He and his best friend, Joe Wenteworth set out on a journey of friendship. When Simon accidentally kills Joe's mother through striking a baseball at her during a game, he and Simon try to find out who his father is as his mother told nobody at all. Then they find out who the father is the story takes another breathtaking, tearjerking turn, on there way back the bus wrecks and goes into the freezing lake. As Reverend is knocked out and the bus driver has ran away safely. It is up to Simon and Joe to save all the kids. This tragedy makes Simon a HERO as he said he would be earlier in the story. Simon later dies in the hospital with Joe by his side.

[edit] Cast

Ian Michael Smith as Simon Birch: This was Ian Michael Smith's first and only role in film. He was chosen due to his small height caused by Morquio syndrome. His role in this film was suggested by a hospital worker in Chicago. After his parents read through the novel (A Prayer for Owen Meany) they agreed to let him work on the film.
Joseph Mazzello as Joe Wenteworth: Having previously worked on The Cure and Radio Flyer (these were both dramatic roles) this was another role he could undertake. His character is seen as a friendly boy who enjoys baseball and hanging out with his friend, Simon Birch. Mazzello also co-starred in Jurassic Park.
Ashley Judd as Rebecca Wenteworth: Ashley was cast as Joe's mother, Rebecca Wenteworth. Originally, Sandra Bullock was considered to take the role. Her character is caring, loving and supportive.
Oliver Platt as Ben Goodrich: Oliver was cast as Ben who falls in love with Rebecca on a train. As Rebecca has had other men in the past, Joe is certain that he is not worth it for her. Eventually, he finds out Ben to be a true caring person for his mother and himself.

[edit] Production

The film's quarry scenes were shot at Elora, Ontario. The church featured in many parts of the film is in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Its black borders were painted white for the film. At the end of the film when it switches to the future, the border is black.

[edit] VHS/DVD release

The film was released on VHS on November 2, 1999 and on DVD in 2002 (Region 1). The region 1 DVD contains a theatrical trailer.

[edit] Soundtrack

Simon Birch features many songs from the 50s and 60s era. Babyface had written "You Were There" for the film. It was used in the ending credits and a music video was produced. There were also four cover songs by Marc Shaiman. The film's OST was released with the following songs (available on CD and cassette):