Cinematic Tribute to the Historically Acclaimed Contemporary Christian Ballad, "I Can Only Imagine"
In the heart of Oklahoma City, the Erwin Brothers are hard at work on their latest project, the film "I Can Only Imagine." Known for their faith-based and inspirational feature films, the brothers are no strangers to storytelling that resonates with audiences.
The movie is based on the true story behind the most popular contemporary Christian song of the same name. It follows the life of Bart Millard, the front-man of the band MercyMe, who was inspired to write the song after overcoming an abusive childhood and holding onto his faith.
Bart Millard's father, a construction worker, had a traumatic accident on a site that left him with a brain injury and in a coma for a week. Upon regaining consciousness, he struggled with anger issues, leading to abuse towards Bart. However, during the two years Bart took care of his father, their relationship was completely redeemed. His father came to know Jesus Christ and the abuse ceased, leaving a path for Bart to find peace and ultimately, inspiration.
The phrase "I Can Only Imagine" first occurred to Bart Millard when leaving his father's gravesite. The song, written after the band needed a final song to complete their first album, has since become a powerful anthem of hope and redemption.
The opportunity to tell Bart's story came about because of one of the Erwin Brothers' other films. Brent McCorkle, a musician and film writer, co-wrote the movie. With a background in creating emotionally visceral storytelling and soaring scores, McCorkle was a perfect fit for the project.
John Michael Finley, the understudy for "Jean Valjean" in Les Miserables, was cast as Bart Millard. Finley's background connected him to the role as he was born in Arkansas and grew up in southern Missouri, similar to Bart Millard.
The movie was filmed in Oklahoma City for a spring 2018 release. Andy Erwin, the other director, mentions that redemption is a common theme in their movies, making "I Can Only Imagine" a perfect addition to their portfolio.
Interestingly, the producers of the film "I Still Believe," based on the true life of Bart Millard, are not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results. Regardless, the story of "I Can Only Imagine" serves as a powerful testament to the power of faith, redemption, and the human spirit.
