Guest Contributor: Controversial Natalee and Joran Movie Set for 2011 Release
Dutch filmmaker Paul Ruven has been filming Me & Mr. Jones since April and is portraying fictional events based on the Holloway case through the eyes of an undercover journalist who visits Aruba five years after Natalee’s disappearance. The central event of the movie follows the journalist and an undercover reporter as they break into van der Sloot’s house and make a “shocking discovery.” In Dutch news, the movie and its filming in Aruba have been a “sensitive” subject, a fact that should warn us about the potential inaccuracies and slanderous portrayals of this “fictional” film.
Taking Advantage of Real Tragedy to Create Drama
While still filming the movie according to its original script, Ruven decided to make changes as the Stephanie Flores case involving van der Sloot escalated. The film now incorporates Joran’s arrest in Peru for the first-degree murder and robbery of Flores. This development is a reflection of Ruven’s desire to include as many twists as possible, making a controversial and potentially popular film that could appeal to the curious or misinformed. At just five years after Natalee’s disappearance, it’s far too soon to be filming fictitious speculation on her and on van der Sloot’s involvement. Any “shocking discovery” in van der Sloot’s house cannot possibly be true to the actual progression of events and should not be widely disseminated to confuse the public.
Riding the Wave of Success
Beth Twitty, Natalee’s mother, wrote a book that was developed into a Lifetime made-for-television movie that depicted real events. The book, Loving Natalee: A Mother’s Testament of Hope and Faith, was incorporated into the movie, Natalee Holloway, to a satisfactory degree as Twitty fully supported this effort and made an on-camera appearance. Premiering in April 2009, it attracted 3.2 million viewers, making it the most successful Lifetime movie to date. Ruven seems to be taking advantage of the fact that the public is still shocked and horrified by Natalee’s disappearance and that people are invested in discovering the truth. The world just isn’t ready for a fictional re-working of Natalee’s tragedy and van der Sloot’s involvement.
Bio: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident education blogger and performs research surrounding College Scholarships. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
20/20 – ABC – 06/18/10
Click Here to watch Full Episode
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Joran’s Ex-Girlfriend Speaks Out
Chris Cuomo Exclusive – 20/20 ABC – 06/18/10
Aruba, Peru Swap Notes on van der Sloot
Today Show – NBC – 06/14/10
Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
Geraldo at Large – Fox News – 06/05/10
Joran van der Sloot Suspected of Murder in Peru
LIMA, Peru (KABC) — Joran van der Sloot, the prime suspect in the disappearance of Natalee Holloway, is suspected of murdering 21-year-old Stephany Tatiana Flores Ramirez in Peru, ABC News has confirmed.
Ramirez was found dead Wednesday morning at the hotel Tac in the Lima, Peru neighborhood Miraflores, after disappearing on Friday. The family of the deceased said that van der Sloot, now 22, was the last person who was with her before her death.
ABC News’ Christine Brouwer reports that Aruban authorities have confirmed the report. Ann Angela, a spokeswoman for the Aruban public prosecutor’s office, says the public prosecutor has received a call from Peruvian authorities confirming that van der Sloot is a suspect in Ramirez’s disappearance.
Reporter Sharon Stevenson says Joran van der Sloot has left the country, passing through customs to Chile, according to Peruvian officials. They believe he may be headed to Argentina, but it appears he is on the run.
In Peruvian media reports, Ramirez’s father, Ricardo Flores, says his daughter left her friends at their home in San Isidro Friday morning and was last seen at 5:16 p.m. leaving a casino with van der Sloot.
May 30 marked the five year anniversary of Natalee Holloway’s disappearance.
Natalee Holloway, Part Six by Susan Kelly
May 30 marked the fifth anniversary of the disappearance of Natalee Holloway. It was, I’m sure, an occasion of great sadness for her family and friends. And a source of frustration for those who would like to see some resolution.
The case is at a standstill. Last March, a husband and wife from Pennsylvania went (more…)
To read parts 1-5 Click HERE
To read Susan’s Blog Click HERE
Natalee Holloway – Missing in Aruba 5 Years
