Viktor Frankl (1905-97) had never had his story told on screen. There’s a 2012 documentary that gathers memories of those who knew him, but the events of his youth, love, incomparable loss and survival is a Hollywood story. Screenwriter James Patrick Dillon can’t wait to make his script, Viktor – 119104, into a movie.
Frankl’s biography is as important as his work—both encapsulated in his classic memoir-manifesto, Man's Search for Meaning (1946), first published in the U.S. in 1959 under title: From Death Camp to Existentialism. The Library of Congress lists Man's Search for Meaning as one of the ten most influential books in America and even today, over 25 years after Frankl's death, readers around the world cherish him as the ultimate survivor.
In his script, Dillon focuses on years 1937-43, the happies and the most tragic in Frankl’s life. Only nine months into his marriage to Tilly Rosser, the couple and his parents were arrested and sent to Nazi camps. Frankl—prisoner number 119104, according to the tattoo that was put on his arm—was the only one who survived.
Dillon is a Caramel-based writer who wrote, produced and directed award-winning content, including short films and television commercials. His script on Frankl has won nine screenwriting contests so far, including Florence Film Awards and Los Angeles International Screenplay Awards; there’s a chance we will see the story on the big screen soon.
Dillon will discuss his script, Frankl and the future movie 12:30pm on Thursday, June 1 at The Press Club, in an interview with Monterey County Weekly Staff Writer Agata Popęda. There will be time for Q&A after the interview.
The event launches the Monterey County Weekly’s new event series, Mic'd at The Press Club.
Thursday, July 6, 2023 Writer Ava Homa on foreign policy in fiction
Thursday, August 3, 2023, Director Tom Parks on movies v. theater
Thursday, September 7, 2023, Violinist Tien-Hsin Cindy Wu about her biggest adventures around the world (she’s bringing her instrument)
The event is free and open to the public. Free parking is available in the garage behind The Creperie Cafe and on the street.
Purchase coffee, tea, crepes, bagels and paninis before, during and after the event at The Creperie Cafe. Check out their delicious pastry selection. (No purchase required.)
The interview will start promptly at 12:30pm, followed by Q&A until 1:30pm.