Michael Crichton Nothing Can Go Wrong

A critical examination of Michael Crichton’s books from 1968-1970, particularly through the lens of the media. It explores Crichton’s last book as John Lange, “Binary,” and his first film as director, the ABC TV movie, “Pursuit” (1982) and the development of Crichton’s first feature film as director, Westworld (1973). “Nothing Can Go Wrong” looks at the extraordinary success of “The Andromeda Strain” as a book and three years later as a film, directed by the man who made The Sound of Music.
After “The Terminal Man” was released to huge sales and acclaim, Crichton tried to make it conditional that he would write and direct the film version. This agreement with Warner Bros. was announced across America in newspapers. When Crichton’s screenplay was rejected Mike Hodges was given the helm.
When Crichton wrote his script Westworld he demanded, in no uncertain terms, that he would be director or there was no sale.
He was willing to let the script return to the earth if his terms were not met.
MGM, in 1972, picked up the option and agreed to Crichton’s terms with a few extra ones of their own. The head of MGM turned the making of “A Case of Need” and Westworld into a competition of who had the most power and the biggest balls.
James Aubrey would try to destroy careers if anyone argued with him.