The Only Living Man
With a Hole in His Head
Based on the True Story of Phineas Gage
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Only Living Man With A Hole in His Head about?
What if you had the misfortune of having a 3 foot long, 13 pound, large metal rod blast through your skull and take out a big chunk of brain? Physically you healed, but your personality changed? That is exactly what happened to Phineas Gage, a railroad foreman who lived in Vermont in 1848.
The Only Living Man With A Hole in His Head (a true story):
After an iron rod blasts through his skull, taking out part of his brain, Phineas Gage enters a journey into changed personality, the P.T. Barnum freak show and driving stage coaches in South America. It ends with medical science forever changed.
Like the very popular "The Elephant Man", this movie can bring to mass attention a little-known, but fascinating subject, in a thought provoking way.
What is so important about Phineas Gage?
Phineas Gage's story was the historical beginnings of the study of the biological basis of behavior. A textbook case, all psychology students and grade school science classes learn about this unusual case. What most of the public doesn't know, however, is the dramatic story of Phineas's recovery from his injury, his experiences afterward and how Dr. John Harlow, the physician who treated him, spent the next two decades being ridiculed and fighting the medical establishment to expose the truth about what happened for the good of humanity.
Who would play the part of Phineas?
There are a lot of great actors working today. The part of Phineas will no doubt attract name talent who will appreciate the challenge and complexity of the role. Our first choice would be Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine, There Will Be Blood). He would make an excellent Phineas. Other actors to consider would be Jake Gyllenhaal and Ryan Gosling.
What else has the director been involved with?
Todd's novel, The Only Living Man With a Hole in His Head, has been published by SB Addison Books. His award-winning short film, "Execution at County Jail", is available for viewing on YouTube (20 minutes, in 2 parts). You can read a full bio below.
Has a budget been done?
Yes, a preliminary budget has been calculated.
Who is writer/director Todd Colby Pliss?
Since relocating to Los Angeles from his native Long Island, New York, Todd has kept busy. Todd spent three years as writer/host of the popular comedy television show, Dino & Rocco's Back Alley. Todd, whom is also a California credentialed teacher, has written and directed the award-winning short films, Execution at County Jail and Einstein's Brain. His screenplay for the feature film, "The Art of Trash", has been produced and has had a successful DVD release. Todd is the founder/CEO of the popular business, Rent a Grandma (www.rentagrandma.com), which has been featured on ABC's Shark Tank.
Todd was a finalist to appear on the Fox Television show about filmmakers, "On the Lot." In 2012, Todd's novel, The Only Living Man With A Hole in His Head, has been published by SB Addison Books. His upcoming novel, American Reich, will be published in early 2013.
Todd has served as writer/director for the following projects:
- Execution at County Jail (also director - won numerous awards at film festivals)
- Einstein's Brain (also director)
- The Art of Trash (feature) - Official Selection, Great Lakes Film Festival; Official Selection, Honolulu Film Festival
- Blarney - It Ain't No Picnic (Video - comedy)
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (818)880-4292 or via email at saxon17@earthlink.net.
See you at the movies,
Todd Colby Pliss
writer/director