Exploring Thomas Vecchio’s “Quarantine in the Grand Hotel”

80 years ago in dimly lit corners of bars and pubs, Hungarian author Jenő Rejtő penned a pulp mystery novel, a genre that thrived in the night while he worked as a newspaper journalist by day. Thomas Vecchio, the mind behind the screenplay “Quarantine in the Grand Hotel,” drew inspiration from this forgotten work, aiming to revive the legacy of Rejtő, often dubbed Hungary’s Stephen King.

Vecchio shared, “No one outside of Hungary knows anything about him. I feel an obligation to change that.” His adaptation of Rejtő’s work is the fourth in line, and Vecchio has modernized the story, trimming characters and injecting a dose of humor while maintaining the essence of the original. The setting shifted from the South Seas to the Mediterranean, adding a European vibe that resonated with Vecchio.

Leo van der Gullen, the protagonist of “Quarantine in the Grand Hotel,” embodies the evolution of the anti-hero, a character not prevalent in the forties when the novel was written. Vecchio shaped Leo into a relatable figure – smart, funny, and full of contradictions. “He’s someone you want to hang around with when you walk into a party. And he’s a bit of a smart-aleck. More than a bit. But he’s loyal,” Vecchio shared, emphasizing Leo’s complexities and charm.

When asked about the most challenging aspect of screenwriting, Vecchio pointed directly at structure. “Structure is hard. Period. Full stop. And it must be created,” he stated, emphasizing the crucial role it plays in the storytelling process.

However, the joy Vecchio finds in screenwriting lies in the discovery of the story, comparing it to a puzzle. He described the exhilarating moments when characters take unexpected turns, leading the narrative in uncharted directions. “It’s the gods playing with your head when you’re stuck and can’t figure out what the hell to do with the character and the direction of the story. But that’s okay,” Vecchio said with a chuckle. “When all is said and done and you finally get where you’re now going, you’ve created an even better story.”

As “Quarantine in the Grand Hotel” continues to garner attention, having secured spots in over 45 film festivals worldwide, Vecchio remains open to new opportunities. Filmmakers interested in optioning his screenplay or collaborating on fresh projects can reach him through email. “I’ve written comedies, dramas, farces, historical bios, you name it. It’s always good to change up what you’re doing so that you get confidence in any genre,” Vecchio affirmed, expressing his desire to explore diverse storytelling formats.

His latest venture into crime thriller, a seven-part series inspired by a newspaper article, marked Vecchio’s entry into television writing. Excited about the possibilities in the streaming era, he said, “It’s exciting. I wanted to be a part of that.” 

“Quarantine in the Grand Hotel” is an official selection at the Utah International Film Festival.