tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31565715213728549822024-02-20T07:41:59.702-08:00Casting CallzI read it...then I cast the film version.WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-55152337535284999882014-03-18T08:40:00.000-07:002014-03-26T10:08:18.286-07:00Mistborn: The SequelsMistborn's sequel is probably more engaging than even the first. The funny thing is, it's almost entirely about a protracted siege, and yet it's a very involving read. It probably doesn't, however, lend itself as easily to film format, especially if it's marketed to teens and young adults, who might be expecting more of a <i>Hunger Games</i> type film. Despite that, I know there are ways to make it work.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sfsite.com/gra/0807/walg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sfsite.com/gra/0807/walg.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
As with the first, this has pretty much gotta be a movie. It's a longer novel, but there's a lot of internal monologuing and scenes that could be shortened. That said, while there's a lot of cast from the first film coming over to this one, there are also a lot of new characters.<br />
<br />
For this blog, I'm not going to mention the characters I've already cast from part one. There's no need to. They don't really age much from then, and I don't plan on needing to recast any of them. I will say, however, that this will be the film that really fleshes out the roles played by Jamie Blackley and Diogo Morgado, and preps them for future stardom.<br />
<br />
So, here's the new characters, and my choices for each.<br />
<br />
First, there's Zane, a Mistborn who intrigues Vin, and who has some anti-establishment ideas. Zane's hiding several secrets, and in the interest of refraining from spoilers, I won't say what they are, except to say that it's very hard, initially, to know what side he's on. This is a very engaging role, and I think should be played by an up-and-comer who doesn't have a ton of star power yet, but who could very soon. I chose <i>Black Sails</i> actor Luke Arnold.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.magweb.com/picts/nm2315197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.magweb.com/picts/nm2315197.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luke Arnold</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The next role was harder, and open to numerous different interpretations. Lord Ferson Penrod (whose first name I pronounce "FEHR-sun" because I don't think it should rhyme with "person") is an older, conservative nobleman who likes Elend but doesn't think much of Elend's present rule. Again, not much I can say without spoilers, but for some reason, the image of Timothy Spall came to my mind. He's aging, but not elderly, and isn't bald, but I still think he could work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/TimothySpallFeb2011.jpg/220px-TimothySpallFeb2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/TimothySpallFeb2011.jpg/220px-TimothySpallFeb2011.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timothy Spall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next, we have Lord Ashweather Cett. I had no trouble casting this one. The only real concern I have is the actor's age. He's 77, but I'm not all that upset about it because he seems to have stopped aging somewhere around 60, plus he just fits the character so well. Cett is a pompous blowhard with a booming voice and a huge beard. He's implied to be rather heavy of frame, but even if he isn't, it fits the idea that Cett is also a paraplegic, and therefore doesn't likely get much exercise (not that the actor is fat). So...can do pompous and loud with a booming voice and wears a big bushy beard? That sounds like Brian Blessed to me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdnds.net/08/40/550w_birthdays_brian_blessed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdnds.net/08/40/550w_birthdays_brian_blessed.jpg" height="320" width="224" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian Blessed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My next choice might be somewhat controversial. Terriswoman Tindwyl shows up early on to help Elend look and behave more Kingly. As she's from Terris, I wanted a Latina actress for her, but I wasn't sure who would be best. However, she's described as "mature" but still beautiful, and young enough that Sazed feels she's his contemporary. So, I didn't want someone aged, just maybe in their late 40's and still with good looks. I picked Salma Hayek.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.berlinale.de/media/60_jubilaeum_1/starportraits/2012_6/2012-02-15-9440-2892_Salma_Hayek_IMG_x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://www.berlinale.de/media/60_jubilaeum_1/starportraits/2012_6/2012-02-15-9440-2892_Salma_Hayek_IMG_x900.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salma Hayek</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For Lord Cett's daughter, Allrianne, I wanted someone who was easy to mistake for a brainless beauty, since that's exactly what Allrianne wants you to think she is. I also figured this is a great role for a not-yet-famous actress who's star is just beginning to rise. So I picked <i>The Wolf of Wall Street</i>'s Margot Robbie.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/Margot_Robbie_Wolf_of_Wall_Street.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/cultist/Margot_Robbie_Wolf_of_Wall_Street.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Margot Robbie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next choice is for a voice actor, so a picture probably isn't necessary. Vin's shape-shifting footman, OreSeur, spends most of the film in the body of a dog. His voice isn't really described, but somehow, I think British comedian Matt Berry could handle the gruff, but still very cultured and mannered, tones of OreSeur's dog body. A picture of Berry doesn't do much good here (though I'm still including one) because really, you'd have to hear him speak. Trust me, he has an impressive voice.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/content/images/2006/08/22/berry2jpg_396_images_snuffbox_comedy_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/content/images/2006/08/22/berry2jpg_396_images_snuffbox_comedy_.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matt Berry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Two minor, but very important roles are next. The first is newly-empowered merchant-turned-city councilman Philen Frandeau. Frandeau makes me think of a weaselly little runt who makes you want to smack him the first time you see him. I see him simpering and sniveling, and being obsequious. Sounds like a role that Adam Godley could play with ease.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMzNDU4OTY0MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzM1Mjk0NQ@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTMzNDU4OTY0MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzM1Mjk0NQ@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Godley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I'll have part three up soon, but to be honest, there aren't many new characters in that one. There's certainly a few, but few enough I may even just add them to this entry. We'll see.<br />
<br />
<u><b>EDIT:</b></u><br />
Yeah, I decided to just update this entry. There are really only three characters in <i>The Hero of Ages</i> that are new.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKQaxodYf965o8j6uhREmEmG5oJISViDw1D_Vw7qvBlFFSSKslTNulQjVxeOHyyUwKgLA6dWMT2AklClbjQqxvDR_66-1lx3bnbUFN3ne0Ec2a_5MuRsAT3FxhhGJCpRZvcILh9NLdJI/s1600/mistborn-triptych.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKQaxodYf965o8j6uhREmEmG5oJISViDw1D_Vw7qvBlFFSSKslTNulQjVxeOHyyUwKgLA6dWMT2AklClbjQqxvDR_66-1lx3bnbUFN3ne0Ec2a_5MuRsAT3FxhhGJCpRZvcILh9NLdJI/s1600/mistborn-triptych.jpg" height="145" width="400" /></a></div>
The first new role is Obligator King Aradan Yomen. He's about the same age as Elend, crafty and analytical. Also a fanatical devotee to the Lord Ruler, and presented as a villain for much of it. Rising star Daniel Sharman came to mind.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.teenidols4you.com/blink/Actors/daniel-sharman/daniel-sharman-1326501844.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.teenidols4you.com/blink/Actors/daniel-sharman/daniel-sharman-1326501844.jpg" height="320" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Sharman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another villain is skaa tyrant Quellion, AKA "The Citizen". He claims to have realized Kelsier's dream of skaa ruling skaa, but he's at least as bad, and as much a hypocrite, as the Lord Ruler. Somehow, the mix of handsome charisma and pretty-boy arrogance of up-coming actor Kyle Schmid seemed appropriate.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kyleschmidcentral.com/kspic/btp_99588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.kyleschmidcentral.com/kspic/btp_99588.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kyle Schmid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Finally, there's the Citizen's sister. Beldre has led a sheltered life, and has an innocence you don't see in many of the other characters. Worldly wise, she is not, but she's still a good character, and one who will have to be able to show strength of character even in her ignorance of how the world works. Think Rose in <i>Titanic</i>. I like Kay Panabaker for her.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i0.wp.com/beautifulbastardfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Kay-Panabaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i0.wp.com/beautifulbastardfilm.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Kay-Panabaker.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kay Panabaker</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I just started the <i>Mistborn</i> distant-sequel novel <i>The Alloy of Law</i>. It seems like the stuff of movies, so I may cast that one as well. We'll see when I'm finished.WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-70808098439689445612014-03-07T13:14:00.004-08:002014-03-10T06:32:37.078-07:00Mistborn: The Final Empire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
The <i>Mistborn</i> series is a trilogy of fantasy novels from the increasingly renowned author Brandon Sanderson. Sanderson combines the ability to tell a fascinating story with characters that are flawed, easy to relate to, and yet still quite heroic, inventive, unique settings, and what truly sets him apart; his often complex, entirely original, and fully fleshed out magic systems.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E+7V-PDyL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51E+7V-PDyL.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
This series takes place in a semi-post-Apocalyptic world covered in ash from a series of huge, but presently mostly dormant, volcanoes that cause frequent ash-falls. During the day, is lit by a red sun and at night, it is deluged by an omnipresent mist that seems at least semi-sentient, unable or unwilling to enter homes of the living and seemingly attracted to the presence of those who use Allomancy (the most prominently featured magic system), swirling around them whenever they venture out into it.<br />
<br />
This crapsack world is ruled over completely by a mysterious, apparently immortal Lord Ruler, who could give Stalin, Pol Pot or Idi Amin a run for their money in the fascism department. The people are divided into two groups; the Nobility, and the Skaa, a working class that the Nobility literally believe are little more than semi-intelligent animals.<br />
<br />
Nobility regularly kill skaa, and since skaa are not afforded basic human rights, they don't get in trouble for it. They also rape skaa women, and are supposed to murder them afterward so that they don't create any "half-breeds".<br />
<br />
Here's the twist: among the Nobility there are some called "Mistborn", who are capable of practicing an arcane art known as "Allomancy", which is the practice of ingesting, then "burning" (which is to say, using) certain metals and their alloys, which give them various abilities. Iron allows you to push against other metals (any metal). Steel allows you to push against the same. Tin enhances your senses. Pewter enhances your physical body (strength, speed, endurance, balance, etc.). And so on and so forth. Basically, a full Mistborn, who can burn all these metals, is one major badass. Less badass but still powerful are "Mistings", who can burn one metal, but not all.<br />
<br />
Did I say these people exist only among the nobility. Hah, well. They're <i>supposed</i> to, but considering how hard it is to make sure you never create a child with a skaa, the ability has spread.<br />
<br />
Revolts have happened before, but they're increasingly uncommon, as the present generation of skaa literally believe that the Lord Ruler is God, or at least <i>a</i> god, and therefore not only is removing him impossible, but as a god, ruling is simply his right. But there's one man who wants to change all that, and truly end skaa oppression and the totality of the Lord Ruler's regime.<br />
<br />
That's how our story begins, and I'm gonna stop there because I'm getting too bogged down in story. I will say, however, that I think these would make a good movie trilogy rather than television. The plot, while intricate, is quickly-moving and could easily fill a three-hour-ish running time (each book is about as long as one volume of <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>) and whoever directs this is gonna have to have a sharp eye for interesting visuals, like the Wachowskis, Zack Snyder or Tarsem Singh. It's important to get the right look of the setting, the red light, oppressive ashfalls, the mists, and above all, the fight scenes, which will, if done right, out-<i>Matrix</i> <i>The Matrix</i>.<br />
<br />
Unlike several other books on this list, a film version of this book has already been optioned, and I sincerely hope this project moves forward. It's still in development hell right now. Maybe this cast list can get some studio bosses talking.<br />
<br />
I initially considered waiting until I'd read all the books in this series and then casting the series as a whole, but it's becoming clear as I near the end of the second book that each movie deserves its own post. And, of course, THERE WILL BE SPOILERS AHEAD!<br />
<br />
Now, on to the casting!<br />
<br />
Our hero is a young skaa thief named Vin. Vin has grown up on the streets of the capital, Luthadel, moving among the thieving crews with the help of her brother, Reen. Now Reen has disappeared, and Vin has caught the eye of another thieving crew...a special one with a daring plan. What is special about Vin, and what will she learn about herself?<br />
<br />
Vin is young, waif-like and riddled with self-doubt, even as she does what she must to survive, and only gradually begins morphing into a confident badass. Whoever plays her should have the ability to look both totally vulnerable and also hardened. I understand that Sanderson himself wanted Ellen Page in the role, but Page is a bit old for it at this point, and while she wouldn't suck, I want Chloe Grace Moretz. I mean, this kid has done it all. She knows how to do a fight scene (<i>Kick-Ass</i>). She can play someone who goes from wallflower to threatening, with arcane powers (<i>Carrie</i>), she's the right age, but always seems to be in roles typically given to older people. She can alter her voice (important as Vin begins to infiltrate Noble society). Personally, I can't see anyone else in the role at this point. Also, it doesn't matter if they don't start filming for a few years because she's very young-looking despite being Vin's age now and will still look the proper age in a few years. (Wow, this is the second time in four posts I've thought of Ellen Page and Chloe Grace Moretz for the same role).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.chlomo.org/gallery/photosets_2010/chloe_moretz_young_hollywood_com_studios/chloe_moretz_young_hollywood_stuidios_003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.chlomo.org/gallery/photosets_2010/chloe_moretz_young_hollywood_com_studios/chloe_moretz_young_hollywood_stuidios_003.jpg" height="251" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chloe Grace Moretz</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next is our protagonist, Kelsier. Like Vin, Kelsier is skaa-raised, but is actually a bastard child of Nobility, so he is a full Mistborn who becomes her Obi-Wan Kenobi. Kelsier's a complicated character. The leader of a thieving crew made up almost entirely of Mistings, Kelsier is a charismatic man, a natural leader, and is always quick with a smile and a quip, even though inside he's boiling with rage against the nobility, for a host of reasons. He's gained legendary status of late because he's the first, and so far only, person to survive the brutal internment camp known as the Pits of Hathsin, and he's spent the last couple of years honing his Allomantic abilities. His newest job, which he took for idealistic reasons rather than money, is to literally overthrow the Lord Ruler and give Luthadel to the Skaa. But he's after more than that; he wants the Lord Ruler dead.<br />
<br />
Kelsier is described as being 38 years old with dark blonde hair and an outwardly flippant personality. However, he's also very dangerous, and many on his crew wonder if he hasn't started believing his own legend and started thinking that he can kill the Lord Ruler just because he's who he is. I think Jude Law could do this pretty well, especially because we know he can be serious (lots of his roles) but also jokey, smiley and flippant (<i>AI: Artificial Intelligence</i>, <i>The Talented Mr. Ripley</i>). He's older than 38, but looks somewhere around that age.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hairstyles.thehairstyler.com/hairstyle_views/front_view_images/429/original/2200_Jude-Law-d_copy_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hairstyles.thehairstyler.com/hairstyle_views/front_view_images/429/original/2200_Jude-Law-d_copy_2.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jude Law</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I'm going to list our primary antagonist next, despite the fact that the role is not all that large. The Lord Ruler is described as looking young and handsome, tall with a slim but muscular frame. His face has a stone, unreadable expression and he speaks with a voice that sounds bored and tired. His hair is long and dark, but that sort of thing can be accomplished with wigs. I always imagined him as looking kind of elfin, and somehow the image of Alex Pettyfer kept springing to mind. He's blandly good-looking and capable of stoic evil. Also, I'm gonna be honest here and state that I really don't like the title "Lord Ruler". It's just...so...<i>generic</i>. Maybe that was Sanderson's goal, but it always felt to me like he just couldn't think of a good title for him, so he substituted "Lord Ruler" until he could think of a better name, but then forgot to come up with one. I would have called him the "Lord Ascendant" or something like that. But that's just me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bellazon.com/main/uploads/monthly_07_2013/post-15588-0-64046900-1374080161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bellazon.com/main/uploads/monthly_07_2013/post-15588-0-64046900-1374080161.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex Pettyfer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now onto Kelsier's crew. Most of them are at least half-skaa, but they're city-bred skaa who are mostly tradesmen or administrators. They know oppression, as well, though the plantation skaa are the ones most beaten down.<br />
<br />
To start with, there's Kelsier's right-hand-man, Dockson, who is the only non-Allomancer within the central crew. Dockson is good with numbers, and acquiring things, and it's his administrative skill that gets Kelsier the materials and preparations he needs. Dockson himself is something of a straight man to Kelsier, but he's more than that, as well. He, like Kelsier, believes there's no good in the Nobility, and he has his own dark history to live with. He'd described as being shorter and somewhat older than Kelsier, stocky, with dark hair and a beard. This isn't a "normal" choice, but I pictured Paul Giamatti in this role. Something about how Dockson is a bit of a sad-sack may have brought me to this casting.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/paul-giamatti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/paul-giamatti.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Giamatti</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next, there's Hammond, known as Ham, a tall, muscular "Thug", who can burn pewter to enhance his already considerable fighting skills. But Ham is no "dumb muscle". Instead, he's an armchair philosopher who enjoys posing ethical questions and pondering then out loud, much to the annoyance of his crewmate, Breeze. To me, there is no one who can play this role but Ray Stevenson.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0x8j2tmzo1qi5uyeo1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m0x8j2tmzo1qi5uyeo1_1280.jpg" height="210" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Stevenson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Next is Breeze himself. A Soother, Breeze's Misting talent is that he can calm emotions of others. He's a bit of a smarmy, kinda jerk-with-a-heart-of-gold type who seems to put on airs. He's portly, and could be considered comic relief, at least the more deadpan snarker type. I kept picturing him as Eddie Izzard.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02216/Eddie-Izzard_2216387b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/02216/Eddie-Izzard_2216387b.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eddie Izzard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The next roles are a bit different. They're not members, per se, of the thieving crew, but they're pretty important roles. It's just that in this film, we won't really see that yet. The first is Elend Venture, who is the son of the most important Nobleman in Luthadel, barring the Lord Ruler. Elend, however, isn't like most Nobles. He's a bookish, honest young man who is genuinely disgusted by most of his Noble peers and the way they oppress the skaa. He dreams of creating a better society, but isn't sure how to do it. Then he meets Vin, and it all begins to fall into place. This type of role would be a great "star-maker" for a young, little-known actor, as he segues into the male lead role, and I've chosen Jamie Blackley.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://joannascarrattuabrands.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/jamie-blackley.jpg?w=584&h=438" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://joannascarrattuabrands.files.wordpress.com/2013/06/jamie-blackley.jpg?w=584&h=438" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie Blackley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other role I mentioned is that of Sazed, a Terris steward who is genuinely a hard role to describe. Terrismen can often practice a powerful magical investiture known as Feruchemy, and in order to breed this ability out, and make them easier to control, the Lord Ruler has them castrated at birth (and their women kept in breeding programs). This makes them docile, but also very tall and with arms that seem too long. Sazed, like his people, is very tall, quite docile, but with a rebellious streak that makes him want to actually affect change, thus making him work against the Lord Ruler's empire. He's also a Feruchemist. His earlobes are stretched and lined with earrings, which are actually used with his abilities. He mainly collects information on religions, which is part of why he'd love to see the Lord Ruler toppled, and is very unassuming and warm, friendly, etc. And also very wise. While Kelsier is Vin's trainer in Allomancy, Sazed is in many ways her trainer in life. I had a hard time with the casting. For some reason I picture his skin as being darker, though the book makes it clear that Terrismen are not African in skin tone, and, much like Elend, I think this role should go to someone who's not very well known yet. I chose Diogo Morgado, who played Jesus in <i>The Bible</i> miniseries and the theatrical version, <i>Son of God</i>. This is appropriate, as Sazed is a rather Christ-like character. Camera angles, forced perspective and other visual tricks can help him achieve Sazed's great height.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.cinemagia.ro/img/db/actor/13/95/88/diogo-morgado-674811l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.cinemagia.ro/img/db/actor/13/95/88/diogo-morgado-674811l.jpg" height="320" width="234" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Diogo Morgado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A secondary villain who grows into a major one later, Elend's father is Lord Straff Venture, and boy, if he isn't a boo-hiss villain at near Joffrey Baratheon-levels. A villain role like this can be well-done in the hands of a good actor, but a bad one can make him uninteresting or even goofy. We need someone who can behave like a complete asshole who expects the world to just do what he demands, and have fun doing it. I say that man is Christopher Eccleston.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/wWJAnNLzi_I/hqdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/wWJAnNLzi_I/hqdefault.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Eccleston</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Kelsier's brother Marsh is taller than he, hard-faced (his nickname is Iron Eyes) and devoted to helping end skaa oppression. He and Kelsier don't really get along because he doesn't think Kelsier takes anything seriously and cares more about himself than his people. He is willing to go to great lengths to accomplish his goal, including infiltrating the Lord Ruler's Steel Ministry. For reasons I'm not going to go to great lengths to describe here, I will simply say that I've chosen Christopher Heyerdahl to play the role.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://0.tqn.com/d/scifi/1/0/C/d/0/-/2003-Andromeda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://0.tqn.com/d/scifi/1/0/C/d/0/-/2003-Andromeda.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christopher Heyerdahl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Then there's the "leader" of the skaa rebellion himself, a laborer named Yeden. Yeden dreams of leading the first successful skaa rebellion, and hires Kelsier to do it, despite not liking Kelsier's reputation. Yeden isn't a large role, nor does he have much personality besides always being worried, but he's an important role, and needs to be cast. I chose Kim Coates, an underrated character actor who disappears into his roles.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3YwW41LXh9OViGNRKsoqgGPaIHaSBQZzadGimSrtw_CRnBOIQaWdqjLEgoSMRZr6zIqJg8vcVqv40FNQ2U3m4opBEIciZ71bwFUGZlSObYnC99yR0swYQoQNXanKZM1PN5TGfso2P2n7/s1600/KimCoates_DeGuire_8321835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR3YwW41LXh9OViGNRKsoqgGPaIHaSBQZzadGimSrtw_CRnBOIQaWdqjLEgoSMRZr6zIqJg8vcVqv40FNQ2U3m4opBEIciZ71bwFUGZlSObYnC99yR0swYQoQNXanKZM1PN5TGfso2P2n7/s1600/KimCoates_DeGuire_8321835.jpg" height="320" width="251" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kim Coates</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"Clubs" Cladent, another, though reluctant, member of Kelsier's crew, is an elderly, grumpy "Smoker", whose job it is to mask any Allomancy going on in his vicinity. He also provides their hide-out. His role is pretty small, as well, as Clubs is a man of few words who basically just sits in their meetings and scowls. Despite that, he does have an important role and it will be necessary to cast a good actor, who can say a lot without saying much at all. I chose Mark Margolis.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glasseyepix.com/img/jpg/BeneathSelects_Screengrabs/beneath_screengrab_MarkMargolis_%C2%A9BeneathLLC_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.glasseyepix.com/img/jpg/BeneathSelects_Screengrabs/beneath_screengrab_MarkMargolis_%C2%A9BeneathLLC_01.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Margolis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Clubs also has a nephew nicknamed Spook, a "Tineye" who can use tin to enhance his senses. He speaks in a very <i>odd</i> manner, thanks to growing up on the streets of the Eastern Dominance and learning their "street slang". Spook's role is fairly small in the first book, but grows, and he's going to be a fun character who might even be the break-out from this film. I didn't want to cast a well-known actor in this role, either, though whoever gets cast will need to be able to play him memorably. I ultimately decided on <i>Game of Thrones</i> actor Joe Dempsie, though this role is open for a ton of interpretation.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i2.cdnds.net/13/28/618x349/uktv-joe-dempsie-skins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i2.cdnds.net/13/28/618x349/uktv-joe-dempsie-skins.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Dempsie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In order to secure funds and a face among the Nobility, Kelsier has a mysterious Nobleman working for him who seems to have no problem with Kelsier's extreme anti-Nobility stance. Lord Teven Renoux is another small role that will be important to cast, and I chose Jonathan Hyde, who is good at playing stiff, upper-crust gentlemen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070504215712/muppet/images/f/fc/Jonathanhyde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070504215712/muppet/images/f/fc/Jonathanhyde.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan Hyde</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We've reached the end of the major, must-cast-these-roles type characters, but there's many, many minor roles that I think are important to include. So, all of these guys are one-scene-wonders or background characters, but still got casting decisions from me. Here we go.<br />
<br />
The first one I'm gonna talk about is a character who's not even a character in the books but a memory of one. Vin's older brother, Reen, looked out for her and kept her safe, but he also abused her and kept her always doubting, never trusting. Throughout the book, in Vin's insecure moments, Reen's voice echoes in her head. I think it could be visually demonstrated by having Reen appear to her as an apparition (well, physical manifestation of her inner thoughts) and taunt her. And for some reason, I see him being played by Bronson Webb.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content7.flixster.com/photo/11/27/85/11278577_ori.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://content7.flixster.com/photo/11/27/85/11278577_ori.jpg" height="176" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronson Webb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of characters from Vin's life on the street, there's always her initial thieving crew boss, Camon, the sort of "Fagan" character that Kelsier rescues her from. He's described as being heavyset and always angry, so Jamie Foreman came easily to mind.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Derek_Branning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Derek_Branning.jpg" height="320" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamie Foreman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lady Shan Elariel is a Noblewoman who tries to manipulate Vin and is trying to find out what Elend is really up to. She's a purely evil character, and one I look forward to seeing on screen due to her Mistborn fight with Vin. I chose Caitlin Stasey, even though I don't know much about her, because she looks pretty close to how Shan is described.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.poptower.com/pic-117664/caitlin-stasey.jpg?d=600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://img.poptower.com/pic-117664/caitlin-stasey.jpg?d=600" height="208" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Caitlin Stasey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
One role that's very minor in terms of screen time, but I still feel needs to be cast, is that of Lord Prelan Tevidian. He's the chief Obligator (essentially Attorney General) in the Lord Ruler's empire, a frightening, powerful man with a secret even he doesn't know in full. He needs someone who can look stonily intimidating, and I chose <i>Downton Abbey</i>'s Brendan Coyle<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.nndb.com/people/585/000345547/brendan-coyle-3-sized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.nndb.com/people/585/000345547/brendan-coyle-3-sized.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brendan Coyle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The only other young Nobleman who sees a need for change in the empire is Jastes Lekal, one of Elend's closest friends. Unlike Elend, he isn't an idealist and while he doesn't see the skaa as tools to be used and thrown away, he's not exactly a nice guy. He strikes me as a bit of an idiot, a sniveling twerp who's been handed more power than he could ever handle, and this comes out even more strongly in the sequel. I chose Leo Bill to play him.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://content7.flixster.com/photo/13/89/81/13898149_gal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://content7.flixster.com/photo/13/89/81/13898149_gal.png" height="169" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leo Bill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Then there's Kliss, a Noblewoman of low social standing who seems to be little more than a fluttery gossip. She's on the large side and her fashion sense is horrid. She annoys Vin, but Vin finds her useful to spread rumors. I couldn't picture her as anyone else but <i>Saturday Night Live</i>'s Aidy Bryant. I think it could be a fun cameo, comic relief with a point.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hairstyles.thehairstyler.com/hairstyle_views/front_view_images/8468/original/Aidy-Bryant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://hairstyles.thehairstyler.com/hairstyle_views/front_view_images/8468/original/Aidy-Bryant.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aidy Bryant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Demoux is a young skaa recruited into the rebellion's army, who becomes a true believer. This is another role that starts off rather small and grows in the sequels. I don't know why, but I think Eugene Simon could communicate Demoux's aching earnestness.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://houseofanubis.nicktv.it/files/2012/10/eugene-simon-jerome-anubis-seconda-stagione.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://houseofanubis.nicktv.it/files/2012/10/eugene-simon-jerome-anubis-seconda-stagione.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eugene Simon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Finally, I'm going to cast two of the Lord Ruler's Steel Inquisitors. The Inquisitors are frightening characters, powerful Allomancers with strong resistance to the powers of others. They have tattooed faces and spikes driven through their eyes and out the backs of their heads, which, obviously, means that there is something incredibly unnatural about them, and the fights Vin and Kelsier have with them are pretty intense. I've cast Ian Mercer, whom you might recall as the Quartermaster in the last <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i> movie as Bendal, who has the most fight scenes, and Michael Nardone as Kar, the Inquisitor with the most dialogue.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.discoverbenarty.co.uk/multimedia/images/localPeople/MichaelNardone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.discoverbenarty.co.uk/multimedia/images/localPeople/MichaelNardone.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Nardone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ian-mercer-215x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://primetime.unrealitytv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/ian-mercer-215x300.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ian Mercer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
On a final note, I should point out that many of the actors I chose are American, or Canadian. Basically, I made sure I chose actors who could at least affect a "British" accent, despite the fact that unlike a lot of fantasy, this isn't really a quintessentially British world. I kinda picture it that the higher up you are in the Nobility, the more "posh" your accent sounds, while most skaa speak with a generic sounding accent. I'm fairly certain that most of my choices are capable of that.WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-51355566243150350312014-02-20T09:15:00.001-08:002016-11-30T16:40:58.822-08:00Ketty Jay: The SeriesIn the past year, I have been fortunate enough to become acquainted with a series of novels that's just plain fun, yet a serious, adult read at the same time. I've heard people describe Chris Wooding's <i>Tales of the Ketty Jay</i> series as <i>Firefly</i> crossed with <i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i> in a dieselpunk setting. That's not a bad description, even if it does barely scratch the surface.<br />
<br />
Part science fiction, part fantasy, part western, part sky-pirate story, and mixed together in a way that feels familiar and yet fresh at the same time, <i>Tales of the Ketty Jay</i> is a four-novel long action/adventure story set in a fictional world where electricity, machinery, etc. exist yet society is still at about the level of about early 20th Century. Our heroes are the captain and crew of the <i>Ketty Jay</i>, a Millennium Falcon-esque airship that's seen better days. Darian Frey and his crew are freebooters; they'll take almost any job that pays well, even illegal jobs, even if there are some lines they won't cross. Action and danger rule the skies, and our heroes are frequently at the heart of it. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUJx7ArdQqrDF1AGOpEDpg4SlXRVkhcUMxapXVh0VR2cYWU031ct03v8UOEiQlpbmaxAjX-m0s7mUEZKVCg2hpDNpItlcOqQeU4zAZ3jwitVin5wJYxCRHqw-LtKN2Mzn6aJKcrSqqJI/s1600/The+Ace+of+Skulls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoUJx7ArdQqrDF1AGOpEDpg4SlXRVkhcUMxapXVh0VR2cYWU031ct03v8UOEiQlpbmaxAjX-m0s7mUEZKVCg2hpDNpItlcOqQeU4zAZ3jwitVin5wJYxCRHqw-LtKN2Mzn6aJKcrSqqJI/s1600/The+Ace+of+Skulls.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHrXlwk6M2mgHau6ksnwm4cGWeDUcjx4K-nEl35Fx7B9n_0SRIQLhnix3TIR_gXCOxZcjfhYgq_UnnCWQgNNC-diii6MiMVd34hNSkstMsAEfUQ6FK2AQAh37qb2O9KPIOaRsLAx8l9M/s1600/Ketty+Jay+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTHrXlwk6M2mgHau6ksnwm4cGWeDUcjx4K-nEl35Fx7B9n_0SRIQLhnix3TIR_gXCOxZcjfhYgq_UnnCWQgNNC-diii6MiMVd34hNSkstMsAEfUQ6FK2AQAh37qb2O9KPIOaRsLAx8l9M/s1600/Ketty+Jay+series.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<br />
For those of you who aren't familiar, I'll try and go light on the spoilers, but I will encourage you to go pick yourself up a copy of these books right away. You won't be disappointed.<br />
<br />
Now, up until now I have been casting film versions of the books I've read, but this time, I feel a television series would be best. The books aren't super-long but there's a fascinating world and set of characters to be explored here and I'd love to see a four-season TV series running on, say, Starz or BBC America. I think the best title for the series would be simply <i>Ketty Jay</i> rather than <i>Tales of the Ketty Jay</i>, since really, none of the individual book titles would work for the series as a whole. Well, maybe <i>Ace of Skulls</i> but it sounds a little too obscure.<br />
<br />
Also, I mentioned in my first post that I take into consideration the age of the actors vs. the characters, and for the most part, I've followed that here, but for a few of the roles, I've aged them up a bit (and perhaps down a bit, too). In this case, characters' ages are less relevant, and in the case of at least one of them, I feel he was too young in the novel to have amassed the life experiences he supposedly has. Despite that, I still feel these actors will do a great job.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><u><b>The Regular Cast</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For our intrepid (hah) hero, Darian Frey, I kept picturing Dominic West of <i>The Wire</i> and <i>The Hour</i> fame, but I'm afraid he's just a bit too long in the tooth by now. Darian is self-centered, often greed-driven, treats women poorly in general and is a burgeoning drug addict. We're talking about a seriously flawed, yet very human and engaging, lead character. I'm picking Tom Riley, formerly of <i>Da Vinci's Demons</i>, but I'll confess, I'm primarily familiar with this actor thanks to his performance as Robin Hood (seriously) on <i>Doctor Who</i>, where he showed a great deal of charisma and charm. This tells me he's an actor with range, as his role on <i>Demons</i> was darker and more brooding. There's darkness and charm to Darian, so Riley should work perfect.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CBGqkpryr62S89wDfFePmZpe4drxg12tjtfIHKJpVWRGzEmLng6IiV2NHL5tEZjnRBNnblBdONNY7vN67eshsm_TuixSLjTSlfjRH1J4BTMUlDol5M8PffuMxYKfpqeg4O_ewvJQZi6-/s1600/c4d8054bba5189a868ca1166dfa08621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4CBGqkpryr62S89wDfFePmZpe4drxg12tjtfIHKJpVWRGzEmLng6IiV2NHL5tEZjnRBNnblBdONNY7vN67eshsm_TuixSLjTSlfjRH1J4BTMUlDol5M8PffuMxYKfpqeg4O_ewvJQZi6-/s320/c4d8054bba5189a868ca1166dfa08621.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Also aboard the <i>Ketty Jay</i> is gentleman daemonist Grayther Crake. Crake is on the run, and with him is a mysterious golem named Bess. Crake's main talent is in binding daemons, which comes in handy a lot, and really, his only other skill is fitting in with society crowds, which comes in handy for infiltration purposes. He eventually realizes he belongs on the <i>Ketty Jay</i>. The foppish dandy seems like a good role for Stephen Campbell Moore.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmgvxdeZj71qkkdz3o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lmgvxdeZj71qkkdz3o1_500.jpg" width="248" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stephen Campbell Moore</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Jez, aka Jezabeth Kyte, is the new navigator aboard the Ketty Jay. She's small, looks younger than she is, and is maybe a little <i>too</i> good at her job. What's she hiding? Well, on the Ketty Jay, where everyone has secrets, she's right at home. Kaya Scodelario is a tad young, but to me captures the mysterious, yet inviting, young navigator.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC3aj1Px2-oOkW7NNlPilLxwGEqxPUHAuINwHiPVWksNzd0t3DvLB4NLJ_HgZ4Q-s6FE63_c4vgTHNo4KixcABUHGtN1FTinZAecr7adSik_7pgmZXMzkqYi6ag9sMZnMMwnHrxEIcPii/s1600/gallery_showbiz-24-hour-celebrity-gala-kaya-scodelario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnC3aj1Px2-oOkW7NNlPilLxwGEqxPUHAuINwHiPVWksNzd0t3DvLB4NLJ_HgZ4Q-s6FE63_c4vgTHNo4KixcABUHGtN1FTinZAecr7adSik_7pgmZXMzkqYi6ag9sMZnMMwnHrxEIcPii/s320/gallery_showbiz-24-hour-celebrity-gala-kaya-scodelario.jpg" width="226" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then there's good old Doc Malvery. I like Althazar Malvery, and you will, too. He's a fatherly, wise old feller, even if he is a functioning alcoholic. He's sort of the mentor character, and one of my favorites. I wanted to match his girth, age and wisdom with an actor that would be TV-ready, and came up with <i>Game of Thrones</i>'s Ron Donachie. All he needs is a walrus mustache.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-XorZHOrF1HiKxMVqy8Fdk18BRO1oax61KX2SfblTbbjIdHSjb-6md1o6MtgNSloSr3oPjfww5pHj5xshKX317KlwEUQrCUsOLD0B2ENg15ZEHo0fnX_sq2tCB-MZNtgBnwhJ_-PYEM/s320/ron+rodrik.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF-XorZHOrF1HiKxMVqy8Fdk18BRO1oax61KX2SfblTbbjIdHSjb-6md1o6MtgNSloSr3oPjfww5pHj5xshKX317KlwEUQrCUsOLD0B2ENg15ZEHo0fnX_sq2tCB-MZNtgBnwhJ_-PYEM/s320/ron+rodrik.gif" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ron Donachie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The role of the Ketty Jay's engineer, strong silent-type Silo, was tougher, because he's probably the most layered character in the book. A Murthian, Silo is basically a strapping, handsome black man with a thick accent and bass voice. He starts off so serious, quiet and withdrawn that he's hardly a character. But once we begin to delve into him, well, let's just say that still waters run <i>very</i> deeply in this case. I think I've found my Silo in Jimmy Akingbola.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://hamiltonhodell.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jimmyholby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://hamiltonhodell.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/jimmyholby.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy Akingbola</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Then there are the two out-flyers. These are the men who pilot the planes that scout ahead of the Ketty-Jay and help in any dogfights they get into. First up is Artis Pinn, the whipping-boy for the rest of the crew who is a few bricks shy, and also chubby, sexist, perpetually horny, even a little mean-spirited. Sounds like a great guy, eh? Well, no, he's not, and the book even makes it clear. The only thing he's good at is flying, and he thinks of himself as a dashing hero because of it. To me, he looks like Calvin Dean.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHrVZHspz61_dougcQ6sFPK9Ut5Ljn9GhlcUy9B5t10FB22rvT9fuCGiPMNnEjLFizEEyGNoD2K4WHwtKx2sAeDqIFkQcKtUl9t3lnapiwoP7Z38U7K1TJ4-PryvVEOiB5qM6P1DelaU9/s1600/280full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHrVZHspz61_dougcQ6sFPK9Ut5Ljn9GhlcUy9B5t10FB22rvT9fuCGiPMNnEjLFizEEyGNoD2K4WHwtKx2sAeDqIFkQcKtUl9t3lnapiwoP7Z38U7K1TJ4-PryvVEOiB5qM6P1DelaU9/s320/280full.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Second outflyer is Jandrew Harkins. Harkins fought in the Aerium Wars (read the books to find out what they are) and is still shell-shocked from them. He's perpetually frightened, only ever feeling at home in his plane. He was another who was hard to cast, but I think Jason Flemyng could handle the jittery, rat-faced, balding, gap-toothed pilot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpOr4nBMWr_4g8OfOpxYdPHaVo_DVbnx97oSrqhSCb0CoLhYl-1ufsj9Csr3HZGJ8q2onPXH4hWftRMYL1FEtMnhTarkn4qGJlq1nPm-GeBJy6XB7FpjrE61KbuHK7-95z1_ijvberhgi/s1600/jason-flemyng-09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpOr4nBMWr_4g8OfOpxYdPHaVo_DVbnx97oSrqhSCb0CoLhYl-1ufsj9Csr3HZGJ8q2onPXH4hWftRMYL1FEtMnhTarkn4qGJlq1nPm-GeBJy6XB7FpjrE61KbuHK7-95z1_ijvberhgi/s320/jason-flemyng-09.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In the last two seasons, a new regular comes aboard. Her name is Ashua Vode, and she's a street rat trying to break into bigtime thievery. She's a short ginger with a tattood face, and kinda looks like this:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG7JHefUOAcl0Qr5eGtuXfYJbpBjMVwi2Idiv1eVs_cavxp8XOXfHji3d-HgTRfEBdwcujzVcAEqsrDey5Yf1chGN1Zo2U_NbDmIgrbor3vkOuoPOMLVswKshGT7p40nCbm4263tWXD2f/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxG7JHefUOAcl0Qr5eGtuXfYJbpBjMVwi2Idiv1eVs_cavxp8XOXfHji3d-HgTRfEBdwcujzVcAEqsrDey5Yf1chGN1Zo2U_NbDmIgrbor3vkOuoPOMLVswKshGT7p40nCbm4263tWXD2f/s1600/www.pinterest.com.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Which to me, looks an awful lot like Karen Gillan. That's not Gillan in the photo, but it's a pretty good estimation of what she'd look like dressed as Ashua.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Recurring Cast</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The following characters will appear frequently, but probably not often enough to be considered regulars.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The first of these, and the most important, is Frey's love interest, Capt. Trinica Dracken. After he left her, she became probably the most infamous and feared sky pirate in the world, and cultivates an evil persona that she uses to inspire fear. Underneath it all, however, there are hints that Darian's beautiful former fiance is still there. I chose Rosamund Pike for the part. I think she could handle both aspects of the character.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/14600000/Rosamund-Pike-rosamund-pike-14686133-1600-2069.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/14600000/Rosamund-Pike-rosamund-pike-14686133-1600-2069.jpg" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosamund Pike</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Century Knights are a fun group. They're the hundred most deadly fighters in the Coalition, and we get to know one of them quite well; Samandra Bree, a dual-rifle wielding, short, cute badass, she was a lot of fun and I wanted to cast a fun actress in the role. Believe me, I'm not just trying to work in as many <i>Doctor Who</i> companions as I can, but I think Jenna Coleman would rock this part.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://s11.postimg.org/5rh6zx75f/934145_405219722926373_1301310871_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://s11.postimg.org/5rh6zx75f/934145_405219722926373_1301310871_n.jpg" width="244" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna Coleman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Samandra's partner, giant, taciturn Colden Grudge, basically just calls for a really big actor. So I chose stuntman Spencer Wilding, who stands 6'7".</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCR0nK0D3MMOskWUN2DHfiw4nhfR78cvHKERcGs1ZXtXTw_s06pZ6GQ-xR5ojZLhzySN3e4F2KzTgOLyuNIVV2KX-WewvP7GkSEzjt12TAMyzz4H1tK7vR5KDJgZDbphcQeeI8bJxEs/s1600/PICT0041-spencer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTVCR0nK0D3MMOskWUN2DHfiw4nhfR78cvHKERcGs1ZXtXTw_s06pZ6GQ-xR5ojZLhzySN3e4F2KzTgOLyuNIVV2KX-WewvP7GkSEzjt12TAMyzz4H1tK7vR5KDJgZDbphcQeeI8bJxEs/s1600/PICT0041-spencer1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spencer Wilding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are lots of other roles, but few that appear as often as the ones I cast. I'm gonna leave it up to other Wooding readers to suggest actors for people like Kedmund Drave or Plome.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-84011983730948258692014-02-19T15:04:00.003-08:002014-02-19T19:19:03.647-08:00Gideon Smith & the Mechanical GirlThis one's a bit different from my last post. This book isn't a decades-old classic that quite a lot of people know of, and know in depth. This one's relatively new, and quite different. However, as new as it is, I need to advise you of potential spoilers below, so maybe if you haven't read this one and don't care for spoilers, just give this one a pass.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362079933l/16059435.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1362079933l/16059435.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
<i>Gideon Smith and the Mechanical Girl</i> is a rollicking, fun steampunk adventure from author David Barnett that hit shelves last year. Multiple reviews of the book talk about how it feels like a movie, and unlike a lot of the books I read, it's short enough that there shouldn't be any trouble fitting this into a two-hour running time.<br />
<br />
As the cover might imply, there's a ton of spectacle and high adventure. It's a mystery/adventure/quest story that involves vampires, monsters, automatons, airships, magical artifacts, you name it. It mixes actual history (it's set in Victorian Britain) with the fantasy/horrors of that day. Bram Stoker might actually exist, but so might his creation, Count Dracula, and other vampires. And I prefer not to say much more about this.<br />
<br />
Anyway, our hero is a young, earnest fisherman from a village called Sandsend. His father's disappearance (and rumored death) start the plot, as young Gideon is certain that foul play is behind the situation and does what any loving son would do; attempts to contact the hero of the penny dreadful stories he enjoys reading: the dashing Capt. Lucien Trigger. Gideon, who's about 25 or so, is described as being muscular and broad shouldered, but to me, what came across far more in the writing was his earnestness, vulnerability and wide-eyed wonder. I kept trying to picture him as a strapping, muscular lad, but the image of Andrew Garfield wouldn't leave my mind. Despite that, having reviewed the choice, I think Aaron Taylor-Johnson would fit much better. <i>Kick-Ass</i> showed that he has the same vulnerability but is a much more impressive physical specimen.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUlwnEq0IS1yaEvPISqQWkcCUpEggUjRV6mL46325PXfD5aZFV6qVN7yLNkPtBCnKujvdzzusPEYxP8Ltrk38BYa9G4VvtlPaoD54OmnCqkvl79kDj4jfL2XjCNjdv-C1SJhzJJ5Cv8Ov/s1600/Aaron-Taylor-Johnson-Interview-Anna-Karenina.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZUlwnEq0IS1yaEvPISqQWkcCUpEggUjRV6mL46325PXfD5aZFV6qVN7yLNkPtBCnKujvdzzusPEYxP8Ltrk38BYa9G4VvtlPaoD54OmnCqkvl79kDj4jfL2XjCNjdv-C1SJhzJJ5Cv8Ov/s1600/Aaron-Taylor-Johnson-Interview-Anna-Karenina.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aaron Taylor-Johnson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Along the way, Gideon meets an Irish writer who refuses to believe in the supernatural...at first. His name is Bram Stoker. Michael Fassbender, like Stoker, is Irish, a ginger, and looks like he could pass for the historical Stoker.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs9xnqGVs7OQL017r_eN_U5TSuLi0hmnh7VMAmk-Gkq2ourQhnPbLPnjRSPJ0v4ut6IlyXJk__nRldIdObY5YHIsHXy-u7W4plZBshFIX2vTBhf9tXlSt7eW0GO0soPUqqIlsDOkPDPMO/s1600/michael-fassbender-1147549718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWs9xnqGVs7OQL017r_eN_U5TSuLi0hmnh7VMAmk-Gkq2ourQhnPbLPnjRSPJ0v4ut6IlyXJk__nRldIdObY5YHIsHXy-u7W4plZBshFIX2vTBhf9tXlSt7eW0GO0soPUqqIlsDOkPDPMO/s1600/michael-fassbender-1147549718.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Fassbender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/gneissmoon/BramStoker_zpsb855083b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff412/gneissmoon/BramStoker_zpsb855083b.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bram Stoker</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Stoker's take on the supernatural changes dramatically when he meets - not Dracula, but Dracula's <i>widow</i>, the Blood Countess, Elizabeth Bathory. I'm less worried about historical accuracy when casting Bathory, because we really have no idea what she looked like, only paintings, which may or may not be accurate. All we need is a beautiful woman who also looks dangerous. Eva Green, anyone?<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amazingmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Eva-Green-Wallpaper-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://amazingmaterial.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Eva-Green-Wallpaper-21.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eva Green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After getting separated from Stoker, Gideon's adventure takes him to Einstein's house. Well, not Albert. Albert's grandfather. Among the wonders there is a beautiful automaton (the titular mechanical girl) who looks almost perfectly like a young lady, who begs Gideon to take her with him. He agrees. She looks very young, innocent and blonde. Kinda like Sophie Turner.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/celebrities/sophie-turner/academy-of-television-arts-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-game-of-thrones-in-hollywood/Sophie-Turner---An-Evening-with-Game-of-Thrones-in-Hollywood-03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.gotceleb.com/wp-content/uploads/celebrities/sophie-turner/academy-of-television-arts-sciences-presents-an-evening-with-game-of-thrones-in-hollywood/Sophie-Turner---An-Evening-with-Game-of-Thrones-in-Hollywood-03.jpg" height="320" width="287" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sophie Turner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After meeting back up in London, Gideon meets a foul-mouthed, decidedly hygiene-lacking fat reporter with a sharp mind. Aloyisius Bent is absolutely the comic relief here, but he's also that rare bird; comic relief that is actually useful. He comes along on their adventure, sensing a big story. And Nick Frost would play him to perfection.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flicksandbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/nick-frost-dwarf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.flicksandbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/nick-frost-dwarf.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nick Frost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Bent leads them to Capt. Trigger, who, alas, is nothing like Gideon expected. He's actually a weak, frail, aging man whose one real talent is writing, and he has actually been chronicling the adventures of his friend (and lover) Dr. John Reed, who remains safely anonymous since everyone thinks the adventures belong to Trigger. He's not all that frail looking, but the image of Kenneth Branagh clung in my mind as I read about the aging, cowardly, closeted man.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kenneth-Branagh__120722035034-200x251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www-deadline-com.vimg.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Kenneth-Branagh__120722035034-200x251.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kenneth Branagh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
It turns out that John Reed is missing, too. Trigger reluctantly decides to join the quest, hoping to find his lover. To facilitate the journey, they hire the Mistress of the Airways, Aerostat captain Rowena Fanshawe. She reminded me of Natalia Tena.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Natalia+Tena+3NNhmql6o0pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www4.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Natalia+Tena+3NNhmql6o0pm.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalia Tena</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
They run afoul of a notorious American pirate names Louis Cockayne, who's almost as much a figure of legend as Trigger and Fanshawe. I know that it sounds like type-casting, but every description of him given in the text made me think of Adam Rothenberg. So, I can't help it, he's my Louis.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://directvnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/adam_rothenberg_ripper_street_lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://directvnews.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/adam_rothenberg_ripper_street_lg.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adam Rothenberg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
They need to go to Alexandria, it turns out, and hire local sub captain Mr. Okoth. Who better to play a large, intimidating, but ultimately jolly African man? Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbage, of course!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ilarge.listal.com/image/1153028/936full-adewale-akinnuoye--agbaje.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://ilarge.listal.com/image/1153028/936full-adewale-akinnuoye--agbaje.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adewale Akkinuoye-Agbage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
They make it to Africa, and they do indeed find Dr. Reed. But is he friend or foe? Iain Glen looks like the middle-aged, strong, bearded man that Reed is.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/590x/galway-378255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/20/590x/galway-378255.jpg" height="189" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iain Glen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Ah, but who is the mysterious Walsingham, who appears to be the one who has been behind most if not all of the trouble? Walsingham is tall, elderly, thin, and has a sharp nose. Sounds like Charles Dance to me.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/6495457-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/6495457-1.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Also, it's a minor role, but Varney the Vampire shows up. I couldn't resist casting everyone's favorite emaciated, reanimated corpse, Julian Richings.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.supernatural.com.pl/uploads/gallery/007seu.julian.richings.004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.supernatural.com.pl/uploads/gallery/007seu.julian.richings.004.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julian Richings</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-68266952704398311572014-02-19T10:33:00.000-08:002014-02-19T19:23:04.372-08:00Dune by Frank Herbert: A Good VersionWhen it comes to sci-fi novels, there may be none more revered than Frank Herbert's <i>Dune</i>, which I like to call the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> of science fiction. At it's heart, it's a sort of sci-fi Messiah tale, similar in many respects to <i>Star Wars</i> (except it came first) but with a staggering amount of world-building and mythology built in. I may as well tell you that I don't have a ton of interest in giving plot outlines on this blog. That's not what it's for. It's mostly about finding the right cast for it, and generally I assume that if you're reading the blog, you're already familiar with the source material.<br />
<br />
In the case of <i>Dune</i>, however, there have already been two filmed versions; David Lynch's 1982 bomb and the somewhat-more-successful 2000 Sci-Fi Channel mini-series. Of the two, the mini-series was marginally better, at least in getting across the ideas in the novel, which the movie tried to compress into just over two hours, and, like a lot of movies based on long novels, poured a ton of detail into the first hour and then rushed the second.<br />
<br />
I think <i>Dune</i> is pretty cinematic, and since its sequels mostly feature different characters and lots of time-jumps, I think it fits much better as a movie. Perhaps it could be turned into a six-hour "Event" television series, or perhaps it could follow <i>Kill Bill</i> and <i>Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows</i> and just split into two (three hour plus) movies. I'm good with either option, and it doesn't change my casting choices either way.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
So, let's get this party started. First of all, we have our hero, Paul Atreides, son of the Duke of the planet Caladan, and young unlikely hero of the Fremen. Paul is described in the novel as being fifteen (though he is seventeen or eighteen before the novel concludes) and small for his age. Honestly, his being small is just kinda mentioned. The character's height really has nothing to do with how he is portrayed, and is probably just to make him seem even less likely to be a hero. Paul is often quiet, moody, intense and very intelligent. At the novel's start he is less moody, but the longer the novel goes on, the more of a brooder he becomes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.assignmentx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/6_AntonYelchin_SS_MG_1443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.assignmentx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/6_AntonYelchin_SS_MG_1443.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anton Yelchin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To play the character, you want a young-looking actor capable of the sort of intensity Paul later shows while still able to play a privileged youth who was raised to be an heir to a Ducal title. For that, I pick Anton Yelchin, a very likeable young actor with a nice range who I think could easily handle both Paul's powerful and vulnerable sides. He's in his mid-twenties, which is okay, because he can be believed as a teenager, and as a young adult. He would, in fact, be the youngest actor to ever play the character.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn01.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/blanchett-style/cate-blanchett-style-06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdn01.cdn.justjared.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/blanchett-style/cate-blanchett-style-06.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cate Blanchett</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Paul's mother, and the female lead, is Lady Jessica, who is a Bene Gesserit "witch" that became his perpetually unmarried father's concubine. Jessica, as a Bene Gesserit, is secretive and manipulative, but also, as Paul's mother who loves the Duke very much, a solidly heroic character. She needs to look austere and mysterious without looking evil. Cate Blanchett should be able to pull that off.<br />
<br />
The role of Duke Leto Atreides, Paul's father, Jessica's lover and, at the start of the story, the Duke of Caladan and also of Arrakis (the desert planet known colloquially as "Dune"), is not a huge part, but is very important and memorable, and will require a solid, recognizable actor in the part. Since he is nobility, he will have to look high-born and noble, but since he's a good man, it's important he also be likeable. I admit, I struggled with this one. None of the movies got the Duke right before. I struggle between Jason Isaacs and Mark Strong, with Strong ultimately winning out. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/strong-stardust.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://blogs.coventrytelegraph.net/passtheremote/strong-stardust.jpeg" height="151" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Strong</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpy8lmzqxd1qi5zdv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpy8lmzqxd1qi5zdv.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jason Isaacs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Yes, I know both men are known for playing bad guys, but their also actors with a ton of presence who have great range. Strong, to my mind, looks more like a noble, but if he's unavailable, I pick Isaacs.<br />
<br />
The story's principle villain is Vladimir Harkonnen, the despicable Baron of the planet Geidi Prime, who is the other half of an ages-long feud between his house and House Atreides. He is secretly in league with the Paddishah Emperor and the Spacing Guild to destroy House Atreides. He is described in the book as being grossly fat, to a degree that he needs an anti-grave belt to even stand up, and speaking in a rumbling "basso" voice. He had red hair as a young man, but that's not important to the character, plus you could even make him bald.<br />
<br />
Neither film version really cast him well. They just went for a heavy-set actor. Baron Harkonnen is supposed to be almost inhumanly fat. After going through a number of fat actors such as Pruitt Taylor Vince, Timothy Spall and Simon Fisher-Becker, I decided that it was far more important that the actor chosen have villainous <i>gravitas</i> and an evil look than that he be overweight. After all, there's probably no one outside of Guinness World Champions who would be fat enough, so I decided to choose a creepy, evil looking actor and let a thousand pounds of latex (<a href="http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20080524190449/buffy/images/1/11/Balthazar.jpg">like so</a>) take care of the rest. I chose Hugo Weaving. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.grantmaiden.co.nz/data/photos/143_1hugo_weaving1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.grantmaiden.co.nz/data/photos/143_1hugo_weaving1.jpg" height="320" width="237" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugo Weaving</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And that should be all I have to say about that.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kodyboye.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ellen-page-8313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://kodyboye.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/ellen-page-8313.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ellen Page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From here, it gets a little harder. I'll start off with Paul's Fremen lover, Chani, who is supposed to be physically small and rather elfin. I know that some people equate the desert-dwelling Fremen with a middle-eastern look, but to be honest, I just don't know enough middle-eastern actresses the right age and look. I'm sure there are some, but I'm not familiar with enough of them. So I'm sticking with my first choice, which was Ellen Page.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
She's a tiny little wisp of a thing that just looks so much like Chani is described that I can't see anyone else. Well, I considered Chloe Grace Moretz, but she is still a child, and whoever plays Chani will need to be able to do at least one nude scene. By the way, yes, I know Ms. Page came out recently. Words cannot describe how little I care. I say that because I don't want the comments section to devolve into a discussion of her sexuality. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://redkryptonite.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ray-Stevenson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://redkryptonite.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/Ray-Stevenson.jpg" height="318" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Stevenson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For the Fremen leader Stilgar, I went with a guy who is large and powerful, yet capable of some powerful acting with some grand presence. Ray Stevenson seems more than capable of pulling off this part. For the Imperial Planetologist turned Fremen sympathizer Dr. Liet-Kynes, well, honestly this part is kinda nondescript and could be played by any solid actor over the age of 55. I choose Jonathan Pryce because, well, he's a solid actor, and over 55.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2014/1/10/1389375737033/Jonathan-Pryce-as-King-Le-009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Arts/Arts_/Pictures/2014/1/10/1389375737033/Jonathan-Pryce-as-King-Le-009.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonathan Pryce</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://screencrave.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ray-winstone-la-6-12-12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://screencrave.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/ray-winstone-la-6-12-12.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ray Winstone</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now we come to the supporting characters; that colorful cast that <i>Dune</i> is known for. I'll start with the three House Atreides retainers who seem to be commonly associated with each other: the Mentat Thufir Hawat, the musical Marshall Gurney Halleck, and the traitorous physician Dr. Wellington Yueh. Hawat and Yueh are short on descriptors, other than to describe both as old men, but Gurney is described as short, squat, blonde, ugly and baring a scar (which makeup would take care of). For whatever reason, they gave this role to Patrick Stewart in the movie version. What? Today, the best man I can think of for the job is Ray Winstone. He's short and compact, and while not hideous he's not handsome, either. <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anglonautes.com/images/ill_pho_port_c/ill_pho_port_c_gambon_michael.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.anglonautes.com/images/ill_pho_port_c/ill_pho_port_c_gambon_michael.jpg" height="320" width="299" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Gambon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Plus, he looks like he could kick your ass. Hawat is a man whose mind has been enhanced to the point where he's practically a human computer. He's kind of a Dumbledore to Paul, at least at the start of the novel, though the way he's used is far different. So different, that I don't mind him being played by, well, Dumbledore. Seriously, I think Michael Gambon fits this part quite well.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
While we're on the subject of actors from <i>Harry Potter</i>, I'm sorry, but I just can't help but picture Alan Rickman in the role of <i>Potter</i> cast in this movie. Most of my choices aren't <i>Potter</i> related. But read the book and tell me he wouldn't be great.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/6900000/Alan-Rickman-Wallpaper-alan-rickman-6979161-1024-768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/6900000/Alan-Rickman-Wallpaper-alan-rickman-6979161-1024-768.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alan Rickman</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Dr. Yueh. I can't put a finger on why. He just seems right in the role. And no, this isn't a case of just wanting all the <br />
<br />
The final Atreides retainer is swordmaster Duncan Idaho. Idaho is not a large role, but he's a fan <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.benedictcumberbatch.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ak1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.benedictcumberbatch.co.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/ak1.jpg" height="320" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Benedict Cumberbatch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoW16p-VUpo/UWRL8LECIrI/AAAAAAAAPMA/lFOIdFIE2eU/s1600/2012-02-15-9440-2805_Michael_Fassbender_IMG_x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BoW16p-VUpo/UWRL8LECIrI/AAAAAAAAPMA/lFOIdFIE2eU/s1600/2012-02-15-9440-2805_Michael_Fassbender_IMG_x900.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Fassbender</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
favorite and considered the breakout character of the book, so he should be played by someone memorable. At the moment I'm torn between Michael Fassbender and burgeoning geek god Benedict Cumberbatch. At the moment, I still lean toward Fassbender, but something tells me that fans will "sqee" at the idea of Cumberbatch in the part. Perhaps I should put up a poll on the subject.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/646x430/d_f/douglas-booth-condenasttraveller-23sep13-pa_b_646x430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://cdni.condenast.co.uk/646x430/d_f/douglas-booth-condenasttraveller-23sep13-pa_b_646x430.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Douglas Booth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know that up until now, everyone reading this has been asking "What about Sting's part!? Where's Sting's character?" Well, the funny thing is, the character Sting played in the original film is, well, not that large a role. It's not a tiny one, certainly, but he's a second tier villain; Feyd-Rautha, the nephew and heir apparent to Baron Harkonnen. A lot of people seem to remember him the most from the original film, possibly due to who played him. Personally, I don't think a big star is necessary here. A charismatic actor, sure, but not a major name. Feyd-Rautha is young (around 16 in the book), brash, sneers a lot, and is a little, well, fey. I think Douglas Booth comes closest to how the book describes him, but then, his <i>Romeo & Juliet</i> costar Ed Westwick also seems to have the attitude necessary for Feyd. I think I'm gonna stick with Booth, for now, though. He's more fey.<br />
<br />
While we're casting the second-tier villains, let's look at the other half of the anti-Atreides conspiracy, the Paddishah Emperor Shaddam IV. The character doesn't actually appear on-page much in the novel, but is nonetheless a pretty central role who needs to be featured. He's described as looking much younger than his eighty-plus years, with red hair. I was watching <i>Doctor Who</i> when I saw the perfect Emperor; Scottish ginger-haired middle-aged character actor Tony Curran.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://i4.dailyrecord.co.uk/incoming/article1794908.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Tony-Curran-1794908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://i4.dailyrecord.co.uk/incoming/article1794908.ece/ALTERNATES/s615/Tony-Curran-1794908.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tony Curran</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.berlinale.de/media/60_jubilaeum_1/starportraits/2013_5/2013-02-10-9576-10232_Imogen_Poots_IMG_x900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.berlinale.de/media/60_jubilaeum_1/starportraits/2013_5/2013-02-10-9576-10232_Imogen_Poots_IMG_x900.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Imogene Poots</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I know some think a major name should be used here, but honestly, why waste the budget on walk-on roles for huge-name actors? Curran will do just fine. Might as well cast his daughter, Irulan, while we're here. Not a villainous role, indeed not a large role in the novel at all, but an important one (man, this book's full of them!), but tall, willowy Imogene <br />
Poots seems a good fit for the role.<br />
<br />
Moving on, we have creepy Mentat Piter DeVries, creepier eunuch Count Hasomir Fenring, and hulking brute (and Feyd-Rautha's half-brother) Count Glossu Rabban. These are sorta the henchmen roles. Piter is the Baron's personal Mentat, and is described as having a "killer's smile". Basically, whoever plays Piter is gonna have to be one creepy dude, one you would never trust to turn your back on. Few do creepy so well as James Frain. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1vc27iuYK1qzyac7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l1vc27iuYK1qzyac7.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">James Frain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speaking of creepy, the aforementioned Fenring is creepy, but in a much less hostile way. You're less afraid that he'll knife you in the back and more afraid that he'll...erm..."knife" you in the back...end. I struggled over this one. He's not really a well-described character. But I eventually decided that creepy character actor would be the way to go. I'm against Brad Dourif being in this because he played Piter in the original, but Jeffrey Combs, who is great at <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.startrek.com/uploads/assets/articles/Jeffrey-Combs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.startrek.com/uploads/assets/articles/Jeffrey-Combs.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jeffrey Combs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
playing camp creepy characters, would rock this part.<br />
<br />
The last role I consider necessary to choose an actor for is the semi-villainous Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother Gaius Helen Mohaim. Yes, there are other major characters, but I'm gonna let them remain uncast because they could end up either cut or minimized to walk-on roles. The Reverend Mother's role cannot be done that way, however; pretty critical character, here. Really, any older actress with <i>gravitas</i> could play this character, but after seeing the most recent <i>Robin Hood</i> movie, I'm choosing Eileen Atkins, who looks amazing for her age and is a terrific actress. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkosZFncWFGei3jzlFxdWjW4q7tpqbIVyawP3Pe7jUsNaGDDBDq7JLVJR7yqxl3VORezVLnLaudmv3NvYFFcRLBe5fRvFPVcG-F-8aJpbwx_s4jZMhJNzNO7b6Q4bJtJV0SMtsmhtVtXlY/s1600/Eileen-Atkins_2189959a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkosZFncWFGei3jzlFxdWjW4q7tpqbIVyawP3Pe7jUsNaGDDBDq7JLVJR7yqxl3VORezVLnLaudmv3NvYFFcRLBe5fRvFPVcG-F-8aJpbwx_s4jZMhJNzNO7b6Q4bJtJV0SMtsmhtVtXlY/s1600/Eileen-Atkins_2189959a.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eileen Atkins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3156571521372854982.post-44240709312656605112014-02-14T11:45:00.000-08:002014-02-19T08:32:03.397-08:00Fan-Casting: A Tricky, But Fun, Pass-timeI love to fan-cast. I do it with much of what I read.<br />
<br />
I understand this is something a lot of people like to do, and I understand why. It's fun, plus it makes for an easier way to picture the characters when you read about them. But it's also a tricky little pass-time. Allow me to explain why.<br />
<br />
First, time marches on, and if there's a book you read twenty years ago that you had fan-cast at the time, then obviously most if not all of your choices won't be valid anymore. However, it's often hard to shake from your mind the idea of casting Actor X in this much-beloved role. Let's say that in your mind, the first time you read, say, Dracula, your mind immediately pictured Alec Guinness playing Prof. Abraham van Helsing. The problem? You first read the book in 1982 and Alec Guinness is DEAD. Despite that, to you, that's what van Helsing looks like and you can't really see him any other way.<br />
<br />
Another problem is that casting is a subjective thing. Some people read a book and picture a character very differently than the book describes him or her. I once heard someone say that when they read <i>A Clash of Kings</i>, in their mind Stannis Baratheon looked like John Noble as Denethor in the <i>Lord of the Rings</i> movies. Of course, Stannis looks nothing like that. He's tall, balding, wears a beard and is at least a decade younger (more if you go by the book age of the characters and not the HBO television series). But to this reader, the attitude of Stannis made him think of Denethor, and so that's how he pictured the character. To him, no one but John Noble would have made a good Stannis.<br />
<br />
Some people get hung up on whether or not the actor's hair is the same color as the character's, as if wigs and/or hair dye don't exist. The only time I worry about stuff like that is if their skin tone is way too dark to make a convincing blonde, for example<br />
<br />
It's not impossible that two people with equal knowledge of and appreciation for the same source material may feel that certain actors are "the only" choice for a given role, and even if that's not the case may still disagree, even vehemently, with each other about what actor is best for what role. You're probably gonna hate a lot of my choices. That said, just know that every choice I make was carefully selected, and there are usually lots of alternates in my mind, as well. <br />
<br />
For that matter, that brings me to another issue, which is that often, film/TV versions often give us a different take on the characters. Using the above example, the television series version of <i>Game of Thrones</i>, which is based on George R.R. Martin's <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i> ages up many of the characters. Adults who were in their 30's in the books are in their 40's or even 50's in the series. Some minor or secondary characters are totally unrecognizable from their book counterparts. This is not uncommon. In fact, the closest I've ever seen a movie version get to its source material was Peter Jackson's take on <i>The Lord of the Rings</i>.<br />
<br />
This is not how I fan-cast. For the most part, I try to get as close as I can to the characters as described in the books. There might be some exceptions to that rule. Often a character might be impossibly tall, or hugely fat. Camera tricks, visual effects and fat suits can take care of such things, meaning that I care far more that the actor, facially, voice-wise and acting-ability wise be able to portray the character than I am worried about whether or not they're tall/short/fat enough. After all, in a world where we can make full-sized humans into hobbits and dwarves or an average-height actor like Rodrigo Santoro into a towering colossus, we no longer have to be so hung-up on stuff like that. The only exception might be a character like Little John in a Robin Hood movie, as he's not super-human, just really big.<br />
<br />
But then there's the other trap, one that far, far too many fan-casters have fallen into, and that is, casting <i>wrong</i>.<br />
<br />
When I pick an actor for a part, I take the following into account:<br />
<br />
1) How closely the actor resembles (or could resemble with make-up) the character.<br />
2) Whether the actor is physically anything like the character as described, and how much that matters to the portrayal.<br />
3) The age of the actor vs. the age of the character, and how much that matters to the portrayal.<br />
4) The ability of the actor to portray the character in terms of acting ability, range, ability to affect an accent not their own, etc.<br />
5) The sort of roles the actor takes, and whether their current clout might prevent them from taking said role.<br />
6) Whether the actor in question is still alive.<br />
<br />
Quite a few of the fan-casters I've seen more or less stop with number one.<br />
<br />
I don't know how many times I've seen it. Maybe they're casting a movie version of a book with a ton of characters, so they decide to cast them all. However, they just pick actors they're familiar with and try and match, to some degree, the look of the actor with the look of the character. Sometimes they go full moron and cast an actor famous for a certain role in a role that is similar. For example, I honestly don't know how many times I've seen someone look at a role of a serious, badass strong silent type with a mysterious past and think "Yeah, Viggo Mortensen! He played a great Aragorn, so he should make a great Roland Deschaine!" Of course, there are several problems there. For one, Mortensen usually <i>doesn't</i> play that sort of character. He was cast against-type, and took the role mainly because his daughter wanted him to. Also, just because a character shares a few aspects of Aragorn's character doesn't mean the same actor can, or should, play both.<br />
<br />
Probably the most off-the-wall awful casting suggestion I ever saw was when someone was trying to fill all the roles in <i>A Song of Ice and Fire</i>, casting the books as movies (which, of course, would have ruined them, but that's another story). Among her choices was Tom Cruise as...Renly Baratheon.<br />
<br />
Now, I don't know how many of you have read the books, or watched <i>Game of Thrones</i>, but Renly is in his early twenties and not a very large role. If they had decided to do <i>Game of Thrones</i> as a movie, he would likely have had about one or two scenes per movie, maximum. Tom Cruise, meanwhile, is over 50 (and would have been well into his forties when I first saw the suggestion) and is probably still one of the biggest movie stars in the world even today. Even if he had the acting range to play Renly, and he might, not only would he have been wrong for the part, but he would have been prohibitively expensive, even if he consented to taking what would have amounted to a walk-on role.<br />
<br />
That's not how I cast movies, or TV shows. I want the sort of cast list that looks at least somewhat plausible, assuming what I have read ever does get turned into a movie. I study movies and TV shows that I watch. If an actor who has a small part seems to have some presence or seems to fit a part well, I look up that person's name and keep them in mind should I need them for a part.<br />
<br />
With movies I'm a little more star-heavy, at least sometimes. I try and choose actors you'd at least recognize, even if they're character actors or actors who normally do TV. I try very hard not to stick huge actors in supporting or minor roles. You will not see on this blog a suggestion such as Leonardo DiCaprio playing, say, one of the Merry Men or Fortinbras in <i>Hamlet</i> or something.<br />
<br />
Also, much of what I read is in serial format. Often the books are huge, or contain intricate plots, and I feel they would be ruined by being squeezed into a two to three hour running time. When that happens, I will probably cast it as a television series, rather than a movie. When I cast a TV series, I also keep in mind whether actors are available, since it makes little sense to me to cast an actor in my TV series who will be tied up with another series for conceivably years to come. Also, in some cases I may note which network (cable mostly, but not always) it would be best suited on. I also may note who will be a regular cast member and who will just recur.<br />
<br />
One last thing, I am an absolute <i>giant</i> among nerds, so most of what I read falls well into the Sci-fi/Fantasy category. I also read some horror, and every now and then something that doesn't fall into my preferred genre, but mostly it will be speculative fiction.<br />
<br />
Next Post: A <i>Good</i> Dune movie!WriterJoshhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08297293527408652148noreply@blogger.com0