What I Didn't Say
a feature film project in development
What I Didn’t Say is a feel-good tragedy that follows Paul Maguire, a snarky Ohio sales executive in his early fifties, as he begins to unravel—one tremor at a time. When subtle neurological symptoms suggest early-onset Parkinson’s, the same disease that claimed his father, Paul does what he does best: deflect with humor, deny with flair, and hide behind the chaos of his life. His pragmatic wife Marty tries to hold it all together, even as Paul seeks comfort in questionable places—from a cuddler to a man-child best friend. But as hallucinations of his father return and professional cracks deepen, Paul is forced to confront the vulnerability he’s spent a lifetime avoiding. Equal parts funny, raw, and deeply human, What I Didn’t Say is a story about facing the truth, finding connection, and learning that saying the hard thing out loud might be the bravest act of all.
This project is in development. The script and a short film version of the project are making the film festival rounds and have received some great feedback. Our plan is to shoot the film in Matthew's hometown of Columbus, OH.
Please feel free to make a tax-deductible donation to Yes, And...eXercise! to help get this film made.
Screenwriter: Matthew Michael Moore
The story behind What I Didn't Say
The Cinema Therapy class where this screenplay was written helped me in a million and one ways, but it best prepared me in two:
1) It gave me something to hang my hat on. We can say we're going to write a story and we can even put pen to paper, but when it comes to a finished product, that takes a different level of commitment. I'm so glad the class held me accountable. Robert believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. And, having a finished product (which is still ever-changing) gave me immense pride and the confidence that I can start and finish something. I wrote a screenplay and did it with excellence.
2) It taught me a structured way of thinking. It's hard to accomplish something you've never done when there is no structure in place. If you're going to build a barn, you need barn-building plans. The same thing goes for writing. You need a plan, and the class gives you exactly that. Following the 12 steps of the hero’s journey gives focus and purpose to your writing. I'm so glad I have a working grasp of the form, so I will always know where to start and where to end (and what should happen in the middle).
