Hi everyone!
I hope you have had a chance to read MB. It's an excellent story told through the eyes of the main interrogator, Eric Maddox. As many of you may already know, the film is already in pre-production. The director of the film is Jean-Stephane Suvaire and Robert Pattinson (Remember Me, Water For Elephants, Cosmopolis) has been cast as Maddox.
I'm still working on providing some more info other than what I have included below. There are pictures in the book, however for those of you who have not had a chance to get a copy of it, I will include some of those pics as well. Just be patient!
Muhammed Ibrahim Omar Al-Muslit
Saddam's right hand man who ultimately led Maddox
to Saddam's hide out.
Downtown Tikrit
Saddam and the spider hole
Eric (L) and Lee (R) in Baghdad
(that will be the infamous blue shirt for Rob)
U.S. Army Intelligence Center where Maddox was trained
Director of CIA Porter Goss presenting Maddox with the
National Intelligence Medal of Achievement for his role in the capture.
I thought this book was fantastic! I loved seeing things through the eyes of the intelligence officers/interrogators who actually got this capture to come to pass. I think it was very well written. The only thing that bothered me was when I googled images of Eric Maddox, I was bombarded with Robert Pattinson. Not that I don't love Rob, but this was a little absurd.
ReplyDeleteHi LB-
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures. I'm at the end of the book and it's very enthralling. Its really hard to put down. Maddox I just love his descriptions and attention to detail. U really feel like your right there with him. Can't wait for the discussion.
Hi OB and everyone!
ReplyDeleteI thought this was a great story of true events from the ACTUAL SOURCE! Maddox told a very compelling story and I liked how he included his real thoughts about things. Sometimes it was pretty funny.
After reading and digesting everything, I think he was the perfect person for the interrogations. He was new eyes and ears to the situation and didn't have years and years of interrogating "habits" which would make him inflexible to the new ways he actually had to develop. Sometimes you really do have to start with the people you would think wouldn't know as much to get where you want to go.
I think Maddox really developed from start to finish and it was interesting to see the different tactics he used. I also appreciated his explanation for doing or saying the things he did. I also appreciated his definitions of acronyms and other words the military uses. (I hate when authors don't care to explain how to pronounce foreign words. Serious pet peeve because if I read a part out loud to someone or try to explain something I have to say, "I don't know what it's called, so let's call it 'X'.")
I found myself getting those adrenaline rushes as he did just before a raid or when he would find someone who gave him what he needed. Especially at the end when things really started to pick up!
What did you think of the book?
OB,
ReplyDeleteI don't know why it won't let you post. maybe restart your computer????
OB said:
This story had me captivated from start to finish. What I like most about this book was Maddox honesty and straight candor about his experience as an interrogator. All the preparation in the world can't prepare u for an unpredictable situation when at war. I like the part when Maddox questions the irony behind the term "Friendly Fire." I had a real good laugh reading his inner dialogue when he goes on his first hit and comes under "Friendly Fire." U really get a chance to see his humor but also his vulnerability. He never regrets or blames his insecurities (regarding his lack of field experience) on others. Instead he's willing to work (that not so glamourous job) to grow.
Maddox interrogating procedures were amazingly creative and progressive. His ability to remember facts and details was astonishing. In this story he allowed u to see his set backs. But were they really? I mean for every step he took forward he took five steps back which frustrated me sometimes. I would shout. THIS IS IT!! COME ON!! But in those steps back he got more information than before, so who's to say if it was really a waste of time? The truth is Maddox was creating (in real time) a new formula for interrogating procedures and it was rewarding to watch it develop and materialize into something tangible. The story is very well written, thrilling and interactive. The atmosphere and characters are so real u feel like your a fly on the wall. Maddox is a real living superhero IMO. I mean u have to have some super human faith to persevere when things don't seem to be going in the direction u thought or when people are constantly doubting your tactics. I really fell in love with his humility most of all. At the end his willingness to share his success with others said a lot about his character. I can go on but this is just my first impression of the book. It was a great roller-coaster ride filled with suspense, humor, reserve and compassion.
Hi LB-
ReplyDeleteYeah!!I finally figured it out, it's my computer I need to fix so I can post.
Oh good u got my comment. I'm so glad this book is being adapted. There are not enough films reminding us what these men and women sacrifice and go through.
I "heard" Summit is behind the project. Let's just hope Mr. Scott gets exactly what he wants financially and production wise.
DeleteGreat review by the way! hahaha!! I think I'm speechless. Nothing to add. :) I agree with everything you wrote and really, REALLY hope the films stays very true to the book and it's from Maddox's point of view as opposed to third person Maddox.
Are u referring to C44? Well it's the story that really matters. If anyone could make a dollar look like 100 million bucks it's RS.
DeleteThank you PTSS and everyone for your reviews! I'm humbled to read the compliments! I hope you'll like the movie just as much. And just to let you know, I'm very much involved in it, to ensure it follows the story.
ReplyDeleteIf you have any ques, add me and feel free to ask away:
http://facebook.com/ericbmaddox
http://quora/eric-maddox
All the best!
r/
Eric Maddox
Mr. Maddox!
DeleteWow! What a truly wonderful and unexpected surprise! So glad you liked our review. :) Sorry it took so long for us to notice your comment! We have a lot of questions for you so I will be sure to check out your facebook page.
LB :)