When watching a movie, audiences are often captivated by the actors’ performances, special effects, or scenic backgrounds, rarely considering the story’s mastermind behind the scenes. However, the man behind blockbuster films like Saving Private Ryan, Planet of the Apes, and many more deserves recognition. Today, we turn the spotlight to Houston-born writer William Broyles, a creative force with a lasting impact on Hollywood, as shared on i-houston.
William Broyles
The mind behind such films as Saving Private Ryan, The Polar Express, Apollo 13, and Planet of the Apes, Broyles has woven compelling narratives that have become cinematic legends. Born on October 8, 1944, in Houston, Broyles grew up in a modest household with his parents, Elizabeth and William Dodson. The family soon relocated to Baytown, where young William attended Robert E. Lee High School. He later enrolled at Rice University in Houston, studying history and graduating with honors at age 22.
During his university years, Broyles’ writing talent began to blossom. He contributed to student newspapers and wrote articles for The Houston Post. Active in university life, he served as president of the Student Association and received numerous awards. Despite his future film career, he maintained a strong connection to his alma mater, eventually delivering a commencement speech to new students in 1983 and earning a place on the university’s list of notable alumni.
Military Service and Early Writing
After completing his studies, Broyles continued his education at Oxford University, where he refined his writing skills and contributed to various cultural and political publications. He later joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served in Vietnam, where he began documenting his experiences. One of his first well-known works, Brothers in Arms, and the screenplay for the series China Beach (1988) drew heavily from his firsthand experiences in combat.
Hollywood Career
In 1991, Broyles contributed to the creation of the series China Beach, which would later earn a Golden Globe Award. Then, in 1993, he co-wrote Apollo 13, a film directed by Ron Howard that brought the harrowing space mission to life. Broyles and his fellow writers received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay, propelling his career in Hollywood.
One of Broyles’ notable collaborations was with Tom Hanks and director Robert Zemeckis on Cast Away. Zemeckis, famed for Back to the Future, joined forces with Broyles to create the story of survival and resilience. In addition to these, Broyles also penned screenplays for films like Entrapment, Jarhead, and Flags of Our Fathers.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite his outstanding career, Broyles didn’t neglect his personal life. He married three times and has four children from these marriages, balancing family with his cinematic pursuits.
In conclusion, Broyles’ achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of film. Houston, Texas, and the U.S. can take pride in this remarkable screenwriter, who has contributed profoundly to cinema, leaving the world with stories to enjoy for generations.