Richard's Regret At Making The Kc Story
newvillefan
18 May 2004
Hi all
I knew Richard regretted making the film, but I didnt' realise he felt quite so strongly about it - his comments on the liner notes for 'Gold' are scathing!!
Reading between the lines, it sounds like he's well ashamed of allowing himself to be persuaded and annoyed at whoever it was who persuaded him:
"KAREN’S THEME - Music by Richard Carpenter
We all make mistakes, and one of my biggest was allowing myself to be persuaded into authorizing, and participating in, the making of The Karen Carpenter Story, approximately 90 minutes of creative license that give biopics, in general, a dubious name. I wrote the opening melody of “Karen’s Theme” for one of many fictitious scenes in the movie, which first aired – to monumental ratings – on January 1, 1989. I completed the melody, arranged and recorded the piece, in late 1996 for my album, Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor that was released by A&M in March 1997."
Stephen
I knew Richard regretted making the film, but I didnt' realise he felt quite so strongly about it - his comments on the liner notes for 'Gold' are scathing!!
Reading between the lines, it sounds like he's well ashamed of allowing himself to be persuaded and annoyed at whoever it was who persuaded him:
"KAREN’S THEME - Music by Richard Carpenter
We all make mistakes, and one of my biggest was allowing myself to be persuaded into authorizing, and participating in, the making of The Karen Carpenter Story, approximately 90 minutes of creative license that give biopics, in general, a dubious name. I wrote the opening melody of “Karen’s Theme” for one of many fictitious scenes in the movie, which first aired – to monumental ratings – on January 1, 1989. I completed the melody, arranged and recorded the piece, in late 1996 for my album, Pianist, Arranger, Composer, Conductor that was released by A&M in March 1997."
Stephen
RobinRaven
18 May 2004
Wow! I never knew that was a regret of his. I assumed he would have had a great hand in the approval of the script before authorizing it. How unfortunate for him. I wish he would make one that he feels is true and fair to all. Since it was made with approval, I assumed it to be fairly accurate.
I like the biographies like the one VH1 did.
I like the biographies like the one VH1 did.
LeadSister
18 May 2004
I had a feeling that he regretted it. I've never seen him talk about it other than the quote you just left. The movie was just for ratings... not to honestly display the truth about Karen's life. Just so much was missing and inaccurate... but still, I'm glad there is something.
Well, Richard could right it by making a better one!
*hint hint*
Pamela
Well, Richard could right it by making a better one!
*hint hint*Pamela
daclint1982
18 May 2004
I would love more than anything to have a hand in doing a project like that! As we all know, my attemp is still sitting on the shelf! Who would play karen?
enigma
18 May 2004
I have to agree with Leadsister he really should participate in a movie that more accurately tells Karens story and tells the whole story. I know that Richard is protective of Karens privacy but a more acurate movie needs to be made. When I saw the Karen Carpenter Story I was disappointed at the lack of accuracy and one sided nature of the movie. Richard should be ashamed to put his blessing on this ficticious ratings grabber and I don't think Karen would have put her blessing on it.
smw
18 May 2004
I'm sure we are all extremely happy that so many people were still interested in Karen and her death and her legacy....it was one of the highest rated tv movies of all time. However, it is a fantastic idea for Richard to begin the process of a more accurate portrayal of Karen's life. I almost say begin it with the record deal....and go from there, leaving more time for the highlights of her life. She was an amazing person who accomplished a lot more than that movie gives her credit for. 
Also, her life is worth more than a TV movie. I believe that with the right script, and the right actors...it has the making of an Academy Award Winning motion picture.
Also, her life is worth more than a TV movie. I believe that with the right script, and the right actors...it has the making of an Academy Award Winning motion picture.
Mikey
19 May 2004
Absolutely,
it's about time the truth was told (without revealing Karens inner secrets) and there is more than enough to fill a 2 hour movie. I say start with NewHaven and tell the whole story.
I'm sure Richard is in more pain than he makes out. He is always made out to be the baddy (even by me) but as time has gone on I think he is suffering more and more by punishing himself. "What if I had done this or not done that" etc.
This is why he is so protective of his family. From the inside it is difficult to see what is best. But I strongly believe Karen and her family would want a truthful account to be made and I that this would contribute greatly to Richards recovery.
You can't beat vocal therapy. And he has millions of potential listeners to help, if he would just let them in.
Who to play Karen? Thats a tough one. One thing is certain, they must not use a sing-a-like, but mime to Karens original recordings. Otherwise, young people who'd never heard of the Carpenters wouldn't understand what all the fuss was about.
it's about time the truth was told (without revealing Karens inner secrets) and there is more than enough to fill a 2 hour movie. I say start with NewHaven and tell the whole story.
I'm sure Richard is in more pain than he makes out. He is always made out to be the baddy (even by me) but as time has gone on I think he is suffering more and more by punishing himself. "What if I had done this or not done that" etc.
This is why he is so protective of his family. From the inside it is difficult to see what is best. But I strongly believe Karen and her family would want a truthful account to be made and I that this would contribute greatly to Richards recovery.
You can't beat vocal therapy. And he has millions of potential listeners to help, if he would just let them in.
Who to play Karen? Thats a tough one. One thing is certain, they must not use a sing-a-like, but mime to Karens original recordings. Otherwise, young people who'd never heard of the Carpenters wouldn't understand what all the fuss was about.
