Hollywood Scriptwriter's Voice Heard Worldwide
By A. Faith Camp, 11.19.04

“Every man dies, not every man really lives” are William Wallace's famous words during his passionate appeal to his countrymen on a battlefield in Mel Gibson's “Braveheart.” The inspiration for the powerful scene comes from Scriptwriter Randall Wallace.

Well-known for his work on the blockbuster film, Wallace subtly encourages Christian themes through each of his novels and movies, including “We Were Soldiers,” a movie about American soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War. His latest book “Love and Honor,” is a story of Catherine the Great, and the choices she made in love and war.

All of his works include themes such as freedom, inner strength and integrity.

“I believe all of my films have been Christian films. They have been motivated by Christian faith and the kind of faith Jesus taught,” Wallace said. “I think a Christian film is one that has the values, not necessarily mentioning Jesus specifically.”

Wallace said he grew up attending a Southern Baptist Church, and he read the King James Version of the Bible daily.
Photo by Joe Miracle

“Many of the patterns of my prose have been inspired by the King James Version,” Wallace said. “I love the poetry and the passion of that version of the Bible,” he added.

Wallace's faith has also helped him overcome the most challenging aspects of his career.

“I have to have faith in myself and find what I believe and love,” he said. “It forces me to find what I believe is the rock of my faith, so I have to get on my knees.”

Wallace does not limit himself by only appealing to a Christian audience. In fact, he discourages Christians in the media from excluding a non-Christian audience.

“The most important thing for a Christian to do is to live in the world. God created the world,” Wallace said.

“The world is so dark and cold for so many,” he said. “It is our job to carry the light we have in it.”