And one week later, here's the rest of my personal awards for the films of 1975! Last week saw Nashville leading with three wins, followed closely by Monty Python and the Holy Grail and its two victories. Honors also went to Amarcord, Barry Lyndon, Dark Star and Dog Day Afternoon.
Showing posts with label Henry Gibson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Henry Gibson. Show all posts
Monday, September 17, 2012
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Two, I'm Thinking of You....
Just days after the tragic passing of Patrick Swayze, we have to say goodbye to another one of the greats.
Henry Gibson, 73, passed away Monday at his home in Malibu.
Gibson is one of my favorite actors. I'll still use present-tense, though he is gone. My personal favorite performance of his is in Robert Altman's 1975 opus Nashville, in which he played high-falutin' country singer Haven Hamilton. Like the rest of the cast, Gibson penned his own songs, and his are among the best in the film, from the satirically patriotic "200 Years" to the genuinely amazing romantic ballad "One, I Love You."
His claim to fame on the Silver Screening Room, of course, is having appeared in more Casting Coups than any other actor. He's an amazingly versatile performer, as proficient in comedy as he is in drama.
Goodbye, farewell, and amen. You are already sorely missed.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Casting Coup: A Season in Purgatory
Wow, okay, so get ready for this.
Dominick Dunne is a popular author of not-quite-fiction. Liberties are taken, names are changed, new characters and situations are introduced. It's all for naught--he means for people to know who the hell he's talking about. It's thinly veiled non-fiction, and since he always focuses on murders among the rich and privileged, it makes it that much juicier. Seriously, the man wrote eight books, only two of which are labeled "non-fiction", but everyone knows the real stories...
Take, for instance, the subject for this week's CCT. A Season in Purgatory focuses on the Bradley clan, a wealthy Irish-Catholic family looked down on by the WASP elite. The sons are all primed for success and politics, with the dashing Constant Bradley holding their greatest hopes. Constant befriends young Harrison Burns, an aspiring author orphaned by his parents' murder. He becomes a pseudo-son in the Bradley household, a position that proves to be none-too desirable when a local girl is murdered with a bat, her blood on Constant's clothes. Harrison helps the family cover up the murder, with the women blissfully unaware (or willingly ignorant).
Fifteen years later (the bulk of the tale), Harrison is a popular author of non-fiction books concerning crime and justice. While researching a new novel of his, he meets up with Constant's sister, Kitt. The two begin an affair, and the combination of this and the subject of his latest book lead him to turning in Constant to the authorities. A magnificent trial starts, and who knows what happens afterward?
There are similarities, of course, to the Michael Skakel case. Skakel is a distant relative of the Kennedys, the well-known Irish-Catholic family with political pursuits. In 1975, Martha Moxley was murdered with a golf club that belonged to the Skakel family. The case remained unsolved until a little over fifteen years later, when new details emerged with the rape trial of cousin William Kennedy Smith. Skakel was indicted in 2000, tried in 2002, and found guilty. He and his family still protest his innocence, and the appeals continue.
A Season in Purgatory is different, though. There is no doubt as to who the murderer is, no question as to the truth. The trial itself is a media circus, with a whizz-bang ending that will leave you open-mouthed in shock. Highly recommended reading. And if you do, see if you agree with this Casting Coup of thirty (!).
FRUITY SUAREZ
Who is He: A former schoolmate of Constant and Harrison's, Fruity was kicked out due to inappropriate conduct with one of the coaches. He knows a thing or two about the wrath of Constant Bradley--he even has a cousin who Constant beat up when he couldn't get it up for her. Fruity suspects Harrison's secret, and encourages him to act.
My Choice:
Jacob Vargas (Bobby)
GUS BAILEY
Who is He: A local reporter who first breaks the Utley case. He never leaves it alone, and eventually it is he who breaks the re-opening of the case. He first casts suspicions in Constant's direction.
My Choice:
Ray McKinnon (O Brother, Where Art Thou?)
CAPTAIN RIORDAN
Who is He: The investigating officer. He knows Harrison has a secret, but what? He also happens to be friends with Cardinal Sullivan, a friend of the Bradleys.
My Choice:
Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Rumor Has It...)
DR. SHUGRUE
Who is He: The Headmaster of the school Harrison and Constant attend. He freely accepts gifts from the Bradley family in exchange for a pass to the troublesome Constant. He believes Harrison's soul is in danger.
My Choice:
Bud Cort (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Harold & Maude)
LUANNE UTLEY
Who is She: The mother of the dead girl. She, too, suspects Constant, but has no proof. The trial gives her some closure, thankfully.
My Choice: Hollmann Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (Infamous)
Hope Davis (American Splendor, Charlie Bartlett)
AUNT GERT
Who is She: Harrison's aunt, a poorer relation devoted to mission work. She distrusts the Bradleys, and later ends up in a nursing home.
My Choice:
Lois Smith (Hollywoodland, Minority Report)
CLAIRE LAFFERTY
Who is She: Harrison's wife, an older woman from whom he is separated when he meets Kitt again.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actress (Little Women) and Supporting Actress (The Age of Innocence)
Winona Ryder (The Ten, Heathers)
RUPERT DI PITHON
Who is He: He used to be the center of everyone's social circle. Having alienated his friends by divulging too many secrets, however, he is desperate to please when Harrison shows up to research his new book.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Chariots of Fire)
Ian Holm (From Hell, Alien)
ELOISE BRAZEN
Who is She: Rupert's realtor, she also happens to be the woman Gerald Bradley was sleeping with the night Winifred Utley was murdered. She would like to sleep with Gerald's son Constant, too, whether he bought her dinner or not.
My Choice:
Demi Moore (Ghost, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle)
MAXINE LONERGAN
Who is She: A former high-priced Lady of the Night who happens to know both Gerald Bradley and his inner circle. Harrison meets her while researching his latest book, as she's the mother of the victim.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Song (Nine to Five, Transamerica)
Dolly Parton (Straight Talk, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas)
ESME BLAND
Who is She: The subject of Harrison's latest work. Esme murdered her father's gigolo when he blackmailed her. Admitted to an upscale asylum, she convinces Harrison to reveal his secret. She lives next to the Bradley daughter no one speaks of, the one who thinks she's a nun. Creepy.
My Choice: Academy Award Winner for Best Actress (Coal Miner's Daughter)
Sissy Spacek (JFK, Blast from the Past)
CARDINAL SULLIVAN
Who is He: The Bradleys are devoted Catholics, especially the mother. Sullivan is her personal priest.
My Choice:
Henry Gibson (A Perfect Couple, Luck of the Irish)
SIMS LORD
Who is He: Gerald Bradley's lawyer. It's not enough that he handles all of Gerald's business affairs. He also conspires with the men to cover up the murder of Winifred Utley.
My Choice:
Paul Kaye (Marple: The Sittaford Mystery)
VALERIE SABBATH
Who is She: The high-priced defense attorney that handles Constant's trial. A ball-busting, cussing, aggressive lady, she's never lost a case. Obviously, it does not matter to her whether her client's guilty or not, just whether or not she wins the case.
My Choice:
Rosie O'Donnell (The Flintstones, A League of Their Own)
SALLY STEERS
Who is She: Decorator to the rich and famous! Bradley keeps her on for a number of years, even elevating her to level of mistress. When she is tossed aside, she warns Harrison against the family--a family he heeds too late.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actress (Aliens) and Supporting Actress (Working Girl)
Sigourney Weaver (Infamous, Vantage Point)
JOHNNY FUSELLI
Who is He: Gerald Bradley's personal cleaner. Not like dishes or clothes, but crimes and murders. Connected to the Mob (and to Maxine Lonergan), Johnny destroys the evidence connecting Constant to Winifred Utley's murder. But he's no murderer himself, and fails when ordered to kill Harrison.
Who is He: Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (The Godfather: Part III)
Johnny Fuselli (Dead Again, Smokin' Aces)
BRIDEY
Who is She: Loyal cook to the Bradley family, Bridey is a devout Irish Catholic with a fierce loyalty to her masters. She sees Constant and Harrison in the kitchen the night of the murder, but will she tell the truth when called on to testify?
My Choice: Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress (My Left Foot)
Brenda Fricker (Angels in the Outfield)
SIS MALLOY
Who is She: The plain, poor cousin of the Bradley family. Sis is looked down upon byt he rest of the family, eventually ordered to serve as nurse when one of the clan falls ill.
My Choice:
Elisabeth Moss (The West Wing, Mad Men)
FATTY MALLOY
Who is He: Sis's brother, more in touch with his common roots than Sis. Verbally abused by his cousins as children, Fatty remains his own man, opting to work at a grocery store instead of accepting favors from the Bradleys. He secretly befriends Harrison during the trial.
My Choice:
Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille, Magnolia)
MARY PAT BRADLEY
Who is She: One of the Bradley sisters, she churns out kids like it's going out of style. She shares her mother's religious devotion, as well as the tendency to condemn those who don't adhere to her rules.
My Choice:
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
SENATOR SANDRO BRADLEY
Who is He: The first son to wield power in politics.
My Choice:
Neil Patrick Harris (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How I Met Your Mother, Old Spice ads)
CHARLOTTE BRADLEY
Who is She: Constant's wife. She knows all about Constant's affairs and woman-beating, and even considers divorce. Then the trial happens, and she stays on as the loyal wife, for a price.
My Choice:
Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe, W.)
MAUREEN BRADLEY
Who is She: The oldest Bradley daughter, she takes control during the trial, planning seating, statements, etc. She butts heads with Valerie often.
My Choice:
Drew Barrymore (Cat's Eye, Home Fries)
DR. DESMOND BRADLEY
Who is She: One-time rebel, he married one of the maids before his parents had it annulled. Now a successful surgeon, Desmond drugs Harrison after Winifred's body is discovered.
My Choice:
Simon Baker (Sex and Death 101, The Devil Wears Prada)
JERRY BRADLEY
Who is He: The oldest Bradley boy, he was the first to be groomed for a future in politics. The dream ends after a car accident involving him, a girl, a tree, and road head. Unable to walk without crutches, Jerry compensates through anger and bullying.
My Choice:
Aaron Eckhart (Thank You for Smoking, The Dark Knight)
GRACE BRADLEY
Who is She: The matriarch of the Bradley family, Grace is a devout Catholic. The night Winifred is murdered, she notices Constant's conspicuous absence from the ground. Will this pious friend of the Pope tell the truth in court?
My Choice:
Fiona Shaw (Jane Eyre, Super Mario Bros.)
KITT BRADLEY
Who is She: The youngest of the Bradley girls. Attracted to Harrison from the start, she begins an affair with him twenty years later. She, too, refuses to admit Constant's complicity, but she alone of the family listens to Harrison. She alone is well aware of the corruption within her family.
My Choice:
Isla Fisher (Definitely, Maybe, The Lookout)
GERALD BRADLEY
Who is He: The powerful, corrupt patriarch of the Bradley clan. Dominating over all with an iron fist, Gerald bribes Harrison to write essays for Constant and keep quiet about the murder. Twenty years of lies, adultery, bribes, and cover-ups eventually catches up with him.
My Choice:
Tom Skerritt (MASH, Steel Magnolias)
CONSTANT BRADLEY
Who is He: The youngest, handsomest of the Bradley boys. Athletic, handsome, charming, a good dancer. He's also hot-tempered, abusive, cocky, and amoral. Unable to get it up for a girl, this leads to him beating his conquests up. He is able to get it up for Harrison, though....
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actor (Brokeback Mountain)
Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You, The Dark Knight). Seriously. He had the looks, the body, the charm, everything. He would have been perfect for this role. But, he's dead, so....
My Living Choice:
Jensen Ackles (Supernatural)
HARRISON BURNS
Who is He: The lead. A writer of true crime, Harrison carries the weight of what he knows throughout his life. Esme Bland makes him realize that it is time to stop writing about justice and start making it happen. Attracted to Constant as boys, married to Claire as adults, he has an affair with Kitt, dragging him back into the Bradley fold and necessitating his confession.
My Choice:
John Krasinski (Smiley Face, The Office)
Dominick Dunne is a popular author of not-quite-fiction. Liberties are taken, names are changed, new characters and situations are introduced. It's all for naught--he means for people to know who the hell he's talking about. It's thinly veiled non-fiction, and since he always focuses on murders among the rich and privileged, it makes it that much juicier. Seriously, the man wrote eight books, only two of which are labeled "non-fiction", but everyone knows the real stories...
Take, for instance, the subject for this week's CCT. A Season in Purgatory focuses on the Bradley clan, a wealthy Irish-Catholic family looked down on by the WASP elite. The sons are all primed for success and politics, with the dashing Constant Bradley holding their greatest hopes. Constant befriends young Harrison Burns, an aspiring author orphaned by his parents' murder. He becomes a pseudo-son in the Bradley household, a position that proves to be none-too desirable when a local girl is murdered with a bat, her blood on Constant's clothes. Harrison helps the family cover up the murder, with the women blissfully unaware (or willingly ignorant).
Fifteen years later (the bulk of the tale), Harrison is a popular author of non-fiction books concerning crime and justice. While researching a new novel of his, he meets up with Constant's sister, Kitt. The two begin an affair, and the combination of this and the subject of his latest book lead him to turning in Constant to the authorities. A magnificent trial starts, and who knows what happens afterward?
There are similarities, of course, to the Michael Skakel case. Skakel is a distant relative of the Kennedys, the well-known Irish-Catholic family with political pursuits. In 1975, Martha Moxley was murdered with a golf club that belonged to the Skakel family. The case remained unsolved until a little over fifteen years later, when new details emerged with the rape trial of cousin William Kennedy Smith. Skakel was indicted in 2000, tried in 2002, and found guilty. He and his family still protest his innocence, and the appeals continue.
A Season in Purgatory is different, though. There is no doubt as to who the murderer is, no question as to the truth. The trial itself is a media circus, with a whizz-bang ending that will leave you open-mouthed in shock. Highly recommended reading. And if you do, see if you agree with this Casting Coup of thirty (!).
FRUITY SUAREZ
Who is He: A former schoolmate of Constant and Harrison's, Fruity was kicked out due to inappropriate conduct with one of the coaches. He knows a thing or two about the wrath of Constant Bradley--he even has a cousin who Constant beat up when he couldn't get it up for her. Fruity suspects Harrison's secret, and encourages him to act.
My Choice:
Jacob Vargas (Bobby)
GUS BAILEY
Who is He: A local reporter who first breaks the Utley case. He never leaves it alone, and eventually it is he who breaks the re-opening of the case. He first casts suspicions in Constant's direction.
My Choice:
Ray McKinnon (O Brother, Where Art Thou?)
CAPTAIN RIORDAN
Who is He: The investigating officer. He knows Harrison has a secret, but what? He also happens to be friends with Cardinal Sullivan, a friend of the Bradleys.
My Choice:
Richard Jenkins (The Visitor, Rumor Has It...)
DR. SHUGRUE
Who is He: The Headmaster of the school Harrison and Constant attend. He freely accepts gifts from the Bradley family in exchange for a pass to the troublesome Constant. He believes Harrison's soul is in danger.
My Choice:
Bud Cort (The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Harold & Maude)
LUANNE UTLEY
Who is She: The mother of the dead girl. She, too, suspects Constant, but has no proof. The trial gives her some closure, thankfully.
My Choice: Hollmann Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (Infamous)
Hope Davis (American Splendor, Charlie Bartlett)
AUNT GERT
Who is She: Harrison's aunt, a poorer relation devoted to mission work. She distrusts the Bradleys, and later ends up in a nursing home.
My Choice:
Lois Smith (Hollywoodland, Minority Report)
CLAIRE LAFFERTY
Who is She: Harrison's wife, an older woman from whom he is separated when he meets Kitt again.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actress (Little Women) and Supporting Actress (The Age of Innocence)
Winona Ryder (The Ten, Heathers)
RUPERT DI PITHON
Who is He: He used to be the center of everyone's social circle. Having alienated his friends by divulging too many secrets, however, he is desperate to please when Harrison shows up to research his new book.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (Chariots of Fire)
Ian Holm (From Hell, Alien)
ELOISE BRAZEN
Who is She: Rupert's realtor, she also happens to be the woman Gerald Bradley was sleeping with the night Winifred Utley was murdered. She would like to sleep with Gerald's son Constant, too, whether he bought her dinner or not.
My Choice:
Demi Moore (Ghost, Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle)
MAXINE LONERGAN
Who is She: A former high-priced Lady of the Night who happens to know both Gerald Bradley and his inner circle. Harrison meets her while researching his latest book, as she's the mother of the victim.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Song (Nine to Five, Transamerica)
Dolly Parton (Straight Talk, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas)
ESME BLAND
Who is She: The subject of Harrison's latest work. Esme murdered her father's gigolo when he blackmailed her. Admitted to an upscale asylum, she convinces Harrison to reveal his secret. She lives next to the Bradley daughter no one speaks of, the one who thinks she's a nun. Creepy.
My Choice: Academy Award Winner for Best Actress (Coal Miner's Daughter)
Sissy Spacek (JFK, Blast from the Past)
CARDINAL SULLIVAN
Who is He: The Bradleys are devoted Catholics, especially the mother. Sullivan is her personal priest.
My Choice:
Henry Gibson (A Perfect Couple, Luck of the Irish)
SIMS LORD
Who is He: Gerald Bradley's lawyer. It's not enough that he handles all of Gerald's business affairs. He also conspires with the men to cover up the murder of Winifred Utley.
My Choice:
Paul Kaye (Marple: The Sittaford Mystery)
VALERIE SABBATH
Who is She: The high-priced defense attorney that handles Constant's trial. A ball-busting, cussing, aggressive lady, she's never lost a case. Obviously, it does not matter to her whether her client's guilty or not, just whether or not she wins the case.
My Choice:
Rosie O'Donnell (The Flintstones, A League of Their Own)
SALLY STEERS
Who is She: Decorator to the rich and famous! Bradley keeps her on for a number of years, even elevating her to level of mistress. When she is tossed aside, she warns Harrison against the family--a family he heeds too late.
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actress (Aliens) and Supporting Actress (Working Girl)
Sigourney Weaver (Infamous, Vantage Point)
JOHNNY FUSELLI
Who is He: Gerald Bradley's personal cleaner. Not like dishes or clothes, but crimes and murders. Connected to the Mob (and to Maxine Lonergan), Johnny destroys the evidence connecting Constant to Winifred Utley's murder. But he's no murderer himself, and fails when ordered to kill Harrison.
Who is He: Academy Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actor (The Godfather: Part III)
Johnny Fuselli (Dead Again, Smokin' Aces)
BRIDEY
Who is She: Loyal cook to the Bradley family, Bridey is a devout Irish Catholic with a fierce loyalty to her masters. She sees Constant and Harrison in the kitchen the night of the murder, but will she tell the truth when called on to testify?
My Choice: Academy Award Winner for Best Supporting Actress (My Left Foot)
Brenda Fricker (Angels in the Outfield)
SIS MALLOY
Who is She: The plain, poor cousin of the Bradley family. Sis is looked down upon byt he rest of the family, eventually ordered to serve as nurse when one of the clan falls ill.
My Choice:
Elisabeth Moss (The West Wing, Mad Men)
FATTY MALLOY
Who is He: Sis's brother, more in touch with his common roots than Sis. Verbally abused by his cousins as children, Fatty remains his own man, opting to work at a grocery store instead of accepting favors from the Bradleys. He secretly befriends Harrison during the trial.
My Choice:
Patton Oswalt (Ratatouille, Magnolia)
MARY PAT BRADLEY
Who is She: One of the Bradley sisters, she churns out kids like it's going out of style. She shares her mother's religious devotion, as well as the tendency to condemn those who don't adhere to her rules.
My Choice:
Christina Hendricks (Mad Men)
SENATOR SANDRO BRADLEY
Who is He: The first son to wield power in politics.
My Choice:
Neil Patrick Harris (Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, How I Met Your Mother, Old Spice ads)
CHARLOTTE BRADLEY
Who is She: Constant's wife. She knows all about Constant's affairs and woman-beating, and even considers divorce. Then the trial happens, and she stays on as the loyal wife, for a price.
My Choice:
Elizabeth Banks (Definitely, Maybe, W.)
MAUREEN BRADLEY
Who is She: The oldest Bradley daughter, she takes control during the trial, planning seating, statements, etc. She butts heads with Valerie often.
My Choice:
Drew Barrymore (Cat's Eye, Home Fries)
DR. DESMOND BRADLEY
Who is She: One-time rebel, he married one of the maids before his parents had it annulled. Now a successful surgeon, Desmond drugs Harrison after Winifred's body is discovered.
My Choice:
Simon Baker (Sex and Death 101, The Devil Wears Prada)
JERRY BRADLEY
Who is He: The oldest Bradley boy, he was the first to be groomed for a future in politics. The dream ends after a car accident involving him, a girl, a tree, and road head. Unable to walk without crutches, Jerry compensates through anger and bullying.
My Choice:
Aaron Eckhart (Thank You for Smoking, The Dark Knight)
GRACE BRADLEY
Who is She: The matriarch of the Bradley family, Grace is a devout Catholic. The night Winifred is murdered, she notices Constant's conspicuous absence from the ground. Will this pious friend of the Pope tell the truth in court?
My Choice:
Fiona Shaw (Jane Eyre, Super Mario Bros.)
KITT BRADLEY
Who is She: The youngest of the Bradley girls. Attracted to Harrison from the start, she begins an affair with him twenty years later. She, too, refuses to admit Constant's complicity, but she alone of the family listens to Harrison. She alone is well aware of the corruption within her family.
My Choice:
Isla Fisher (Definitely, Maybe, The Lookout)
GERALD BRADLEY
Who is He: The powerful, corrupt patriarch of the Bradley clan. Dominating over all with an iron fist, Gerald bribes Harrison to write essays for Constant and keep quiet about the murder. Twenty years of lies, adultery, bribes, and cover-ups eventually catches up with him.
My Choice:
Tom Skerritt (MASH, Steel Magnolias)
CONSTANT BRADLEY
Who is He: The youngest, handsomest of the Bradley boys. Athletic, handsome, charming, a good dancer. He's also hot-tempered, abusive, cocky, and amoral. Unable to get it up for a girl, this leads to him beating his conquests up. He is able to get it up for Harrison, though....
My Choice: Academy Award Nominee for Best Actor (Brokeback Mountain)
Heath Ledger (10 Things I Hate About You, The Dark Knight). Seriously. He had the looks, the body, the charm, everything. He would have been perfect for this role. But, he's dead, so....
My Living Choice:
Jensen Ackles (Supernatural)
HARRISON BURNS
Who is He: The lead. A writer of true crime, Harrison carries the weight of what he knows throughout his life. Esme Bland makes him realize that it is time to stop writing about justice and start making it happen. Attracted to Constant as boys, married to Claire as adults, he has an affair with Kitt, dragging him back into the Bradley fold and necessitating his confession.
My Choice:
John Krasinski (Smiley Face, The Office)
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Casting Coup: Anna Nicole Smith
Yes, it's finally Tuesday again, which means another round of Casting Coup!
A special request has been made. My Casting Coups, which I started at livejournal, tend to be of books or older films. Yet surely, surely there is more out there. Not just plays or TV shows, but real stuff. Literally. And what with biopics being all the rage nowadays, might it not be advisable to turn my attention to something of that sort?
And now I confess that there are two guilty pleasure-type dreams that I have. The first is to write a role for Elizabeth "Showgirls" Berkley that gets her an Academy Award nomination. That one has nothing to do with today. The other dream is one I've had since E! gave her her own reality series: a biopic of Anna Nicole Smith.
Naturally, this would have to be a few years down the road. There's still some mystery surrounding her untimely death. By the time the film rolls out, this cast may even be too old. But hey, this is all fantasy, right? Click the link and experience Too Much, Too Soon: The Anna Nicole Smith Story.
JUDGE LARRY SEIDLIN
Who is He: He was the judge who, in South Florida, broke down and cried during the custody hearing for Anna Nicole's body. Was it genuine, or was he just trying to secure a TV contract? A small cameo which, in the right hands, could lead to a SAG nom.
My Choice: A reliable character actor who actually looks exactly like him.
Elias Koteas (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Zodiac)
E. PIERCE MARSHALL
Who is He: The stepson, if you will, of Anna Nicole Smith. He battled her for a decade over his father's estate, before dying of an infection in 2005 at the age of 67.
My Choice: From the first moment I saw Marshall, I knew only one man could play him. I think my actor is a fine one, grossly undervalued, and even resembles the man a little.
Craig T. Nelson (The Family Stone, The Incredibles)
VIRGIE MAE TABERS
Who is She: Anna Nicole's mum, of course. Tried raising her with her sister-in-law before sending her off to Kay. Tried getting custody of the body, since, you know, she's her daughter and everything.
My Choice: A toughie. I was thinking Shirley Knight, but she's too old for the part. By, like, twenty years. However, choice Number Two is both an acting legend, an award winner, and the right age. And she looks a little like the lady herself.
Academy Award Winner Kathy Bates (Misery, About Schmidt)
BILLY SMITH
Who is He: Anna Nicole's first husband, the father of Daniel. He was 16 when he married the 17-year-old Vickie.
My Choice: He may be in his early thirties, but God help me, he looks and sounds like a high-schooler. To me, at least. And to most people I know. Not that that's a bad thing; I think he's a very fine actor, thank you very much.
Academy Award Nominee Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Drowning Mona)
J. HOWARD MARSHALL
Who is He: You know his name. He's the oil tycoon who fell for Anna Nicole at a strip club and married her. He married the 26-year-old when he was 89, and died a year and a month later.
My Choice: Great character actor with the elfin appearance suitable for the role.
Henry Gibson (Magnolia, Nashville)
LARRY BIRKHEAD
Who is He: The photographer who, among many other men, claimed to be the father of Anna Nicole's daughter. He turned out to be right. There are rumors that he and Howard K. Stern are lovers, a charge with both men deny utterly. Still, if it's true, what an interesting twist.
My Choice: I'm going out on a limb here. Star power, sure, but there's something about this casting that rings true for me. I feel like he could pull it off like no one else.
Academy Award Nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain)
HOWARD K. STERN
Who is He: Anna Nicole's longtime friend and attorney, he gained some fame after appearing on her reality show. Then, of course, they turned out to be lovers. Pending a paternity suit, he and Anna Nicole fled to the Bahamas, and were informally wed in a commitment ceremony.
My Choice: It's not just that he looks like him. Out of everybody in Stella, though, this is the one that I feel could deliver the most, dramatic chops-wise.
Michael Showalter (Stella, Wet Hot American Summer)
ANNA NICOLE SMITH
Who is She: Teen bride turned exotic dancer who married an oil tycoon, posed for Playboy, did a few movies, had her own reality series, then died under mysterious circumstances after the death of her son and the birth of her daughter.
My Choice: She's young now, but she has proven (to me) that she can handle roles like this one. She may not do it in her continued attempt to recapture old-glam Hollywood, but hey--it's a biopic, not a trash flick.
Scarlett Johansson (Scoop, The Prestige)
A special request has been made. My Casting Coups, which I started at livejournal, tend to be of books or older films. Yet surely, surely there is more out there. Not just plays or TV shows, but real stuff. Literally. And what with biopics being all the rage nowadays, might it not be advisable to turn my attention to something of that sort?
And now I confess that there are two guilty pleasure-type dreams that I have. The first is to write a role for Elizabeth "Showgirls" Berkley that gets her an Academy Award nomination. That one has nothing to do with today. The other dream is one I've had since E! gave her her own reality series: a biopic of Anna Nicole Smith.
Naturally, this would have to be a few years down the road. There's still some mystery surrounding her untimely death. By the time the film rolls out, this cast may even be too old. But hey, this is all fantasy, right? Click the link and experience Too Much, Too Soon: The Anna Nicole Smith Story.
JUDGE LARRY SEIDLIN
Who is He: He was the judge who, in South Florida, broke down and cried during the custody hearing for Anna Nicole's body. Was it genuine, or was he just trying to secure a TV contract? A small cameo which, in the right hands, could lead to a SAG nom.
My Choice: A reliable character actor who actually looks exactly like him.
Elias Koteas (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Zodiac)
E. PIERCE MARSHALL
Who is He: The stepson, if you will, of Anna Nicole Smith. He battled her for a decade over his father's estate, before dying of an infection in 2005 at the age of 67.
My Choice: From the first moment I saw Marshall, I knew only one man could play him. I think my actor is a fine one, grossly undervalued, and even resembles the man a little.
Craig T. Nelson (The Family Stone, The Incredibles)
VIRGIE MAE TABERS
Who is She: Anna Nicole's mum, of course. Tried raising her with her sister-in-law before sending her off to Kay. Tried getting custody of the body, since, you know, she's her daughter and everything.
My Choice: A toughie. I was thinking Shirley Knight, but she's too old for the part. By, like, twenty years. However, choice Number Two is both an acting legend, an award winner, and the right age. And she looks a little like the lady herself.
Academy Award Winner Kathy Bates (Misery, About Schmidt)
BILLY SMITH
Who is He: Anna Nicole's first husband, the father of Daniel. He was 16 when he married the 17-year-old Vickie.
My Choice: He may be in his early thirties, but God help me, he looks and sounds like a high-schooler. To me, at least. And to most people I know. Not that that's a bad thing; I think he's a very fine actor, thank you very much.
Academy Award Nominee Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Drowning Mona)
J. HOWARD MARSHALL
Who is He: You know his name. He's the oil tycoon who fell for Anna Nicole at a strip club and married her. He married the 26-year-old when he was 89, and died a year and a month later.
My Choice: Great character actor with the elfin appearance suitable for the role.
Henry Gibson (Magnolia, Nashville)
LARRY BIRKHEAD
Who is He: The photographer who, among many other men, claimed to be the father of Anna Nicole's daughter. He turned out to be right. There are rumors that he and Howard K. Stern are lovers, a charge with both men deny utterly. Still, if it's true, what an interesting twist.
My Choice: I'm going out on a limb here. Star power, sure, but there's something about this casting that rings true for me. I feel like he could pull it off like no one else.
Academy Award Nominee Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Cold Mountain)
HOWARD K. STERN
Who is He: Anna Nicole's longtime friend and attorney, he gained some fame after appearing on her reality show. Then, of course, they turned out to be lovers. Pending a paternity suit, he and Anna Nicole fled to the Bahamas, and were informally wed in a commitment ceremony.
My Choice: It's not just that he looks like him. Out of everybody in Stella, though, this is the one that I feel could deliver the most, dramatic chops-wise.
Michael Showalter (Stella, Wet Hot American Summer)
ANNA NICOLE SMITH
Who is She: Teen bride turned exotic dancer who married an oil tycoon, posed for Playboy, did a few movies, had her own reality series, then died under mysterious circumstances after the death of her son and the birth of her daughter.
My Choice: She's young now, but she has proven (to me) that she can handle roles like this one. She may not do it in her continued attempt to recapture old-glam Hollywood, but hey--it's a biopic, not a trash flick.
Scarlett Johansson (Scoop, The Prestige)
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Casting Coup: Archie!
*Haha! This was only the second Casting Coup ever, way before it got its name. Of course, this was before Gossip Girl became a popular television program, but it's interesting to see how my Betty Cooper is best-known for playing a rich girl while my Veronica Lodge is best-known for playing the girl next door. Funny. Brand-spankin' new pics, though, since my original hot-links (de rigeur in the LJ days) no longer work. (Now that I think about it, this would make a better series than it would a movie. Damn those teen actors for aging!)*
Ahoy. Walter here, to inform you of his new dream project: Archie. Yes, that's right. I feel it's high time the Archie Universe get the big-screen treatment, properly. Josie made it, as did her Pussycats. The fact that Archie has never been seen on the big screen is a crime.
What I need is a plot. But until that comes along, what about a dream cast? Like always?
Michael Angarano (Sky High) as Archie Andrews. We'll need to dye his hair red, of course, but he'd be great for it. Look at him: dorky, yet attractive. Looks a little like Antoine Doinel from The 400 Blows.
Blake Lively (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) as Betty Cooper. I've never seen her in a movie before, but come on. Look at her. She's Betty.
Margo Harshman (Even Stevens) as Veronica Lodge. Hot. But has she done anything since Tawny?
Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) as Jughead Jones. Again, haven't really seen him in much, but he seems like he could play Forsythe P. Jones himself. See him in the upcoming Charlie Bartlett.
Ricky Ullman (Phil of the Future) as Reggie Mantle. Good-looking, and can probably pull off the smarmy cockiness (or cocky smarminess). I've seen Phil let his ego get the best of him.
Donald Sutherland (M*A*S*H*) as Burton/Hiram K. Lodge. A sophisticated elderly man with a distinctive voice playing a sophisticated elderly man with a distinctive scream? Yes, please.
J.K. Simmons (Thank You for Smoking) as Fred Andrews. Mustache? Add it. A couple pounds? Sure. But as far as character and hairline go, he could nail it.
Miranda Richardson (Sleepy Hollow) as Mary Andrews, Bonnie Hunt (Return to Me) as Alice Cooper, and Beth Grant (Donnie Darko) as Hermione Lodge. Three bad-ass chicks playing the awesomest mums the comics have ever had.
Will Harris (also, Sky High) as Moose Mason. Now, I hate to typecast someone, because he's played the bug, dumb jock before. However, he's tremendous at it, so he's Moose. So there.
Olesya Rulin (High School Musical) as Midge Klump. First, what kind of surname is Klump? Secondly, yeah, she's pretty hot. Like, unconventionally, but still, hot is hot. I could see Reggie and Moose going for that. I mean, I wouldn't, but I could see them going for it.
Eva Amurri (Saved!) as Ethel Muggs. Awkward-looking, like Ethel. Ballsy, like Ethel. And Susan Sarandon's daughter...probably like Ethel, too.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad) as Dilton Doiley. "Hey, Walter, isn't that the same role he already played?" "Yep."
Chris Warren, Junior (High Schol Musical) as Chuck Clayton. Lord, I love this guy. He's charismatic, good-looking, athletic, but also plays that funny, artistic side. In HSM, he was a cook; in Archie, he's a cartoonist.
Jessica Lucas (She's the Man) as Nancy Woods. She's hot. And black. And age-appropriate.
John Aylward (Down with Love) as Waldo Weatherbee. A pro at playing "the guy with the suit that's in charge of something", Aylward has the build, the presence, and the spare spectacles to play "the Bee".
Jane Alexander (She has done much) as Geraldine Grundy. I always thought Miss Grundy was a classy old broad with a groovy side to her. Jane Alexander is groovy, and classy. Could she be bringing us a sexier of Miss Grundy?
Henry Gibson (Nashville) as Professor Flutesnoot. Admit it, he's perfect, despite the lack of lack of hair. I also just want to say, Flutesnoot is apparently drunk.
Ian Gomez (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Coach Kleats. It's my attempt to keep with the miage of a goofy-looking bald fat man teaching gym.
Harry Lennix (Titus) as Coach Clayton. Dear God, he looks like the comic! What the fuck???
Ellen Albertini Dow (The Wedding Singer) as Miss Beazly. Of course she's going to be in the movie. Not only was she an awesome school cook, but it's Elen Dow.
Paul Dooley (Sixteen Candles) as Pop Tate. "But, Walter, he's so old! He's close to death!" Yeah, but I'd trust Paul Dooley with my malts any day.
Emma Stone (Superbad) as Cheryl Blossom. Emma Stone is hot. Cheryl Blossom is hot. Emma Stone as Cheryl Blossom is hot.
With special guest stars:
Jon Lovitz (Rat Race) as Mr. Cooper.
David Moreland (Donnie Darko) as Mr. Jones.
Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle) as Mrs. Jones.
Denis O'Hare (A Mighty Heart) as Mr. Mantle.
Fionnula Flanagan (Four Brothers) as Miss Haggly.
Mina E. Mina (Eastern Promises) as Svenson.
and
Bob Hoskins (Awesome shit) as Smithers the Butler.
That's Archie: The Movie. Now, I just need to think of a plot.
Ahoy. Walter here, to inform you of his new dream project: Archie. Yes, that's right. I feel it's high time the Archie Universe get the big-screen treatment, properly. Josie made it, as did her Pussycats. The fact that Archie has never been seen on the big screen is a crime.
What I need is a plot. But until that comes along, what about a dream cast? Like always?
Michael Angarano (Sky High) as Archie Andrews. We'll need to dye his hair red, of course, but he'd be great for it. Look at him: dorky, yet attractive. Looks a little like Antoine Doinel from The 400 Blows.
Blake Lively (The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants) as Betty Cooper. I've never seen her in a movie before, but come on. Look at her. She's Betty.
Margo Harshman (Even Stevens) as Veronica Lodge. Hot. But has she done anything since Tawny?
Anton Yelchin (Alpha Dog) as Jughead Jones. Again, haven't really seen him in much, but he seems like he could play Forsythe P. Jones himself. See him in the upcoming Charlie Bartlett.
Ricky Ullman (Phil of the Future) as Reggie Mantle. Good-looking, and can probably pull off the smarmy cockiness (or cocky smarminess). I've seen Phil let his ego get the best of him.
Donald Sutherland (M*A*S*H*) as Burton/Hiram K. Lodge. A sophisticated elderly man with a distinctive voice playing a sophisticated elderly man with a distinctive scream? Yes, please.
J.K. Simmons (Thank You for Smoking) as Fred Andrews. Mustache? Add it. A couple pounds? Sure. But as far as character and hairline go, he could nail it.
Miranda Richardson (Sleepy Hollow) as Mary Andrews, Bonnie Hunt (Return to Me) as Alice Cooper, and Beth Grant (Donnie Darko) as Hermione Lodge. Three bad-ass chicks playing the awesomest mums the comics have ever had.
Will Harris (also, Sky High) as Moose Mason. Now, I hate to typecast someone, because he's played the bug, dumb jock before. However, he's tremendous at it, so he's Moose. So there.
Olesya Rulin (High School Musical) as Midge Klump. First, what kind of surname is Klump? Secondly, yeah, she's pretty hot. Like, unconventionally, but still, hot is hot. I could see Reggie and Moose going for that. I mean, I wouldn't, but I could see them going for it.
Eva Amurri (Saved!) as Ethel Muggs. Awkward-looking, like Ethel. Ballsy, like Ethel. And Susan Sarandon's daughter...probably like Ethel, too.
Christopher Mintz-Plasse (Superbad) as Dilton Doiley. "Hey, Walter, isn't that the same role he already played?" "Yep."
Chris Warren, Junior (High Schol Musical) as Chuck Clayton. Lord, I love this guy. He's charismatic, good-looking, athletic, but also plays that funny, artistic side. In HSM, he was a cook; in Archie, he's a cartoonist.
Jessica Lucas (She's the Man) as Nancy Woods. She's hot. And black. And age-appropriate.
John Aylward (Down with Love) as Waldo Weatherbee. A pro at playing "the guy with the suit that's in charge of something", Aylward has the build, the presence, and the spare spectacles to play "the Bee".
Jane Alexander (She has done much) as Geraldine Grundy. I always thought Miss Grundy was a classy old broad with a groovy side to her. Jane Alexander is groovy, and classy. Could she be bringing us a sexier of Miss Grundy?
Henry Gibson (Nashville) as Professor Flutesnoot. Admit it, he's perfect, despite the lack of lack of hair. I also just want to say, Flutesnoot is apparently drunk.
Ian Gomez (My Big Fat Greek Wedding) as Coach Kleats. It's my attempt to keep with the miage of a goofy-looking bald fat man teaching gym.
Harry Lennix (Titus) as Coach Clayton. Dear God, he looks like the comic! What the fuck???
Ellen Albertini Dow (The Wedding Singer) as Miss Beazly. Of course she's going to be in the movie. Not only was she an awesome school cook, but it's Elen Dow.
Paul Dooley (Sixteen Candles) as Pop Tate. "But, Walter, he's so old! He's close to death!" Yeah, but I'd trust Paul Dooley with my malts any day.
Emma Stone (Superbad) as Cheryl Blossom. Emma Stone is hot. Cheryl Blossom is hot. Emma Stone as Cheryl Blossom is hot.
With special guest stars:
Jon Lovitz (Rat Race) as Mr. Cooper.
David Moreland (Donnie Darko) as Mr. Jones.
Jane Kaczmarek (Malcolm in the Middle) as Mrs. Jones.
Denis O'Hare (A Mighty Heart) as Mr. Mantle.
Fionnula Flanagan (Four Brothers) as Miss Haggly.
Mina E. Mina (Eastern Promises) as Svenson.
and
Bob Hoskins (Awesome shit) as Smithers the Butler.
That's Archie: The Movie. Now, I just need to think of a plot.
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