Wednesday, November 13, 2019 - 2:37 AM CST

the longer cut exists. the money people had applied the thumbscrews on the film-maker to admit that there had never been a longer version. My intel have confirmed to me the longer version is too incendiary for public consumption. CIA involvement have de palma on a watchlist and intimidated the money people to sink this film. I'm going to be labelled a crack-pot but the truth is out there.

Friday, November 15, 2019 - 6:07 PM CST

"Domino" was first submitted to Focus with H. P.  Moland as director. The draft was 120 pages. When Moland left to do "Cold Pursuit", De Palma's took over. His film is 89 minutes. An 89-minute film requires a 80/90-page script. So the maestro could well have shot the script as written - which would imply a 120/130-minute film.  

Friday, November 15, 2019 - 6:11 PM CST

A simple internet search revealed this:

https://www.facebook.com/redsquair/photos/a.1198823746814537/1198823736814538/?type=1&theater 

Friday, November 15, 2019 - 7:14 PM CST

Hi Luke-- the DOMINO script was rewritten for De Palma by Petter Skavlan when De Palma was brought on as director. According to Skavlan, "Before Brian got on board, the script was a darker and more intricate story. Some of my dominoes have been removed, creating a simpler and more linear plot that best suited his vision of the film."

The interview with Skavlan was shared here back in June:

https://www.angelfire.com/de/palma/blog/index.blog/1626967/skavlan-on-domino-working-with-de-palma/

The Italian website Inside The Show posted an article today about Domino, which includes an interview with screenwriter Petter Skavlan, as well as the image included here above: a still photograph taken on set by Rolf Konow. A crop of this photo was used on the poster for Domino. Here's a Google-assisted translation of the interview with Skavlan:

How did the idea of "Domino" come about?

I wanted to write a thriller about how apparently unrelated incidents were interconnected, through a sort of domino effect. For example, a murder in Copenhagen may be linked to a terrorist attack in a small Spanish town. I also wanted to examine the primordial concepts of revenge and guilt. Before Brian got on board, the script was a darker and more intricate story. Some of my dominoes have been removed, creating a simpler and more linear plot that best suited his vision of the film.

What research did you do for this story?

In today's society, just follow the news on the news to find a story like this. Terrorist attacks are not only documented by news agencies, but also by terrorists themselves, so news and propaganda often intersect. Dozens of books on European terrorism have been written - and I've read several. I also spoke to specialists in international terrorism, such as Thomas Hegghammer, who gave me invaluable advice.

Are there details in the script that reflect your Scandinavian background?

As a Norwegian, it was natural for me to use Scandinavia as setting for some parts of the film. Copenhagen is the most international and photogenic city among Scandinavian cities - and since Nikolaj lives in the city, it was a breeze to set the story there. Working with Danish producer Michael Schønnemann was another reason for Copenhagen to play an important role in the story.

What are the dangers of writing about terrorism?

Writing about terrorism, partly from the point of view of terrorists, is a potential minefield. Terrorists, as instigators of violence, are the antagonists by nature. But in Domino the protagonists are imperfect and therefore the boundaries between good and evil, right and wrong, are not outlined.

What was it like working with Brian De Palma?

Working with a legendary director like Brian De Palma was an incredibly interesting privilege. Although I felt the need to adapt my existing script to his vision of the film, he always made sure that the heart and soul of the story remained intact. He is very sharp and analytical, and a true gentleman in the creative process.

Sunday, November 17, 2019 - 10:12 PM CST

I doubt we will ever get to see another pure de palma film. I doubt we'll see another dressed to kill, body double and his last pure film femme fatale, unless de palma can get his mind-bender Ambrose Chapel back into development. A film at the time that had Liam Neeson, Brad Pitt and Madonna. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 - 11:19 PM CST

Would have prefared De Palma making Ambrose Chapel then the obvious formula that was Snake Eyes. A film that has great visuals but a dismal generic script that works better as straight to DVD then in a cinema. Have to admit Snake Eyes is a visual treat on the big screen but the script should have found itself in the waste bin.

Ambrose Chapel was the creative and money film not Snake Eyes. 

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 3:57 PM CST

I've never heard of Ambrose Chapel. Does it have anything to do with Hitchcocks The Man Who Knew Too Much ? 

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 5:15 PM CST

Yes, in AMBROSE CHAPEL, the Hitchcock film plays on a TV set and is a key to the plot, in a Manchurian Candidate sort of fashion.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 - 7:27 PM CST

MK-ULTRA films are my cup of tea.

Wasn't DePalma at one stage going to

direct the remake of The Manchurian Candidate?

Would love to read the screenplay of Ambrose Chapel. 

Friday, November 22, 2019 - 8:33 PM CST

Phil, the script of AMBROSE CHAPEL can be purchased at Script City. 

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 4:42 PM CST

good to see this messy often brilliant and often puzzling film cropping up in best of lists, but how on earth is Domino a right-wing story? A ludicrous remark that goes to show good judgement is in short supply.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 - 5:24 PM CST

That part of the review stuck out to me, as well, Dmetri, but ... Edelstein doesn't say outright "right-wing," but rather, "right-wing-ish," for what it's worth.