How to cast The Da Vinci Code without pissing me off.
Published August 19, 2004
Once my wife Jen was finished devouring The Da Vinci Code, she frequently regaled me with disserations on how this movie oughta be cast. And though nobody loves a good Jen rant more than me, it was pretty much wasted because I haven't actually, you know, read the book. So I threw her my blogging hat and told her that she might as well expand from her audience-o-one and preach her sermon to the choir of people who've read the book and/or are interested in the upcoming flick. So, without further adieu, heeeeere's Jen:
Like many, I am lamenting the casting of the movie version of the most beloved, super-hit book of the past year--The Da Vinci Code. The thing is, those of us who love this book, are likely going to whine every step of the way until (and after) this thing hits the big screen, and yet who will be more excited than me when those long-awaited teaser trailers hit theatres? It's a love it/hate it roller coaster ride for me any time a book I love goes to film. But let's face it--this book was born to have a movie version--murder in the Louvre, a handsome scholar turned detective, and chase after suspenseful chase through Paris and London--not to mention its fair share of controversy, which never hurts. The truth is that the cast of this film could be made up of total unknowns, and it would still make money because this is such a widely read--loved and hated--book which has become more of a phenomenon, spawning many knock-offs and "non-fiction" rebuffs and praises alike.
Of course there has been much speculation all over the internet on who should play the characters in the movie which is set to be directed by Ron Howard and released in 2005. After reading Peter Howell's article "Da Vinci Code: Don't Blow It!", I have to admit for the most part I agree with his choices; however, I have a few ideas of my own... So here are my opinions on the "Big 6":
Robert Langdon:
First of all, I'm tired of people bitching about the possibility of Russell Crowe in this part. Don't you people remember that Crowe is a chameleon? I mean did you see The Insider? Think he's too rough to play a scholar? Hello? What about A Beautiful Mind? Putting aside my bad feelings about the man himself (I have had a huge crush on Dennis Quaid since elementary school--yes, I admit I was one of the three fans of the early 80's HBO fave The Night the Lights Went out in Georgia--where have you gone Kristy McNichol? You've got to love a movie based on a Vickie Lawrence song!) Russell Crowe can act, and that's just a fact. So, I would have no problem with him as Langdon. Besides, as has been said by countless others, Harrison Ford is just too damned old! Langdon is 40, not 60! Anyway, other names that are being tossed about that I could live with are George Clooney, Aaron Eckhart, and maybe (just maybe) Hugh Jackman (he's never really had a chance in a true dramatic role, and he sure doesn't do so well as leading man, but hey, I'm willing to give him a chance). As much as I love Edward Norton, he seems kind of wrong physically for the part, but I could never complain about Norton being cast. The worst name being tossed of all is Tom Hanks! Even though I have made my peace with him over winning two Oscars in a row when Pacino only has one. I cannot let this idea stand, man! Hanks is best when director's allow him to be his charming, adorable self as in this summer's The Terminal. Yes he can do things like Cast Away well, but he is just not meant to play a scholar. I just can't get the inherent comedy out of his face, and I keep expecting him to break into "Zippety Do Dah" all Splash style or to spit out his beluga caviar. Hanks by far would be the worst choice of the big names being thrown about.
- How to cast The Da Vinci Code without pissing me off.
- Published: August 19, 2004
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- Section: Video
- Filed Under: Books: History, Books: Spirituality, Books: Thriller, Video: Adventure, Video: Drama, Video: Thriller
- Writer: Drew Feinberg
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oh yeah and Monica Belluci (?) (Cleopatra in "Asterix et Obelix: Mission Cleopatre" and Mary Magdelene in "The Passion") should play Sophie Neveu.
Suggested cast:
Robert Langdon : Viggo Mortensen (intellectual type)
Sophie Neveu: Sophie Marceau (French beauty)
Silas: Ron Perelman (big and ugly, will need white makeup)
Have not thought of the others...
I honestly think Quaid should play Langdon, but I dont have a problem with Crowe. kate Beckinsale Im not sure about. I just dont think she has the chops and she is way too young. But hey at least its not Julia fucking roberts. I was thinking Sandra Bullock but shes not a redhead and Im not sure if she can adopt a convincing french accent. Kate Winslet would be perfect or sophie Marceu, Juliane Moore (shes a redhead and a great actress) And NO TOM HANKS FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!!!! I hate the fact that hes name is even considered.Jim Broadbent or Ian Holm for Teabing great. And Ed Harris or Adrian Brody for Silas.Yeah all good choices. Just no Tom Hanks or Julia Roberst. Keep them away. Far away.
Silas: Paul Bettany
Sophie Neveu: Rachel Weisz
Robert Langdon: George Clooney
Jacques Sauniere: Ian Holm
Bezu Fache: Jean Reno
ok here's my two cents...
robert langdon = Clive Owen
Sophie = Natascha McElhone
Leigh Teabing = Timothy Spall
Silas - Victor Varnado
that's all i have so far
George Clooney is too much of a lightweight as is Quaid. For Sophie you should consider Sasha Alexander (Navy NCIS) and Bruce Willis would make a great Silas (as he was the Jackal)
For what it's worth my Deam cast:
Robert Langdon - Gary Oldman, Billy Bob Thornton or Jeff Bridges
Sophie - Sophie Marceau or Juliette Binoche
Jack Sauniere - Lance Henrickson
Bezu Fache - Jean Reno
Teabing - Ian Holm
Silas - John Malkovich (in white makeup)
I would prefer to see mostly unknowns cast for what should be an incredible movie. No "icons" with excessive movie baggage for the lead roles, please! Remember, Harrison Ford was known mostly as a guy who played Han Solo before he BECAME Indiana Jones, and his career exploded. Both Langdon and Sophie need to be played with depth, searching, wit, awe and believeable humanness by people we may recognize but who have not necessarily hit the big time. For "Harrison Ford in Harris tweed" I like DYLAN WALSH. His eyes alone tell stories. He's early 40s, and plays smart, inquisitive and caring very well. Kate Beckinsale in auburn hair LOOKS exactly like how I envision Sophie, but the newly slimmed down KATE WINSLET will play Ms. Neveu (the living blood of Christ) with far more range of emotion and give her something beyond Titantic to define her career. I believe Sophie must be played as a tough-exteriored lost soul for most of the book, but so vulnerable and receptive to the truth of her being. Winslet can do that. Teabing is critical, but needs to be someone we don't expect at all to be evil, so I do not like Ian Holm, but I cannot yet say who it should be. JEAN RENO for Fache is TOO perfect. So is RON PERLMAN as the hulking albino. All other actors could be unknowns.
Okay some pretty interesting cast suggestions. I am in complete agreement with Jen on Teabing/Sean Connery. I *love* Sir Sean, but not here. Here my suggestions (or agreements with others):
LANGDON: 1st choice George Clooney, 2nd choice Denzel Washington (Langdon doesn't have to be white does he?)
I don't think Clive can do American and Rus la Roc? God bless him but I don't see it...
NEVEU: Totally agree on picking Rachel Weisz. Natascha McElhone would be good as well, except if Clooney ends up being Langdon...the chemistry between them would suck. Anyone see Solaris?
And the British Kates...the obvious ones are too "plucky" and Beckinsale? PULEEEZE
SAUNIERE: Definitely Sir Anthony
FACHE: Jean Reno is simply awesome, but you know who would be even better? Tcheky Karko (sp)...He was in the original "La Femme Nikita" film (the part Gabriel Byrne played in the crappy Bridget Fonda version).
TEABING: Is Sir Richard Attenborough still alive? I could see him in this role
SILAS: Ron Perlman would be great but wouldn't he be too old for the character? Paul Bettany would be the next choice (and Makeup wouldn't even have to spend that much time with him...hee hee)
And Frank Langella can be the evil head Cardinal.
Casting suggestions:
Robert Langdon: Peter Coyote or Gabriel Byrne
Sophie Neveu: Emmanuelle Seigner
Leigh Teabing: James Fox or Sir Ian McKellen
Jacques Sauniere: Ian Holm
Bezu Fache: Jean-Marc Barr
i like cowgirls
u suq u fucken lil ho i ht u
phoebe says hi
sophie: muh cowgirl mama down in dem dere parts of mississippi ya know?
robert: muh brotha ichabob 'cause one time he fished this real big ol' fish out of dat dere mississippi riva' you know and den he cooked it and choked on it, but he's alright now, just sometimes he goes into a caesar
the cop guy: i think my wife/cousin mary-lou-bettie would be a good cop guy 'cause she's a guy and uh, wait.. den how are dem dere kids arunnin around now dammit
SUSIE GET THE DAWG BACK IN THE HOUSE I DON'T CARE IF BOBBY-BILL IS LOST HE CAN SIT HIS LAZY ASS OUT IN DEM WOODS LIKE HE SUPOSSED TO
i need me some beer
oh n i almos forgot
i like cowgirls so if ya'll lookin' for some southern lovin' come on down to my shack
Definitely John Malkovich for Silas!! and go Richard Attenborough for Teabing. Also George Clooney for Langdon
Robert Langdon - Russel Crow (NOT HANKS please)
Sophie - Audrey Tautou is just perfect.
Bezu Fache - Jean Reno
Jack Sauniere - Gerard Depardieu
Teabing - Ian MacEllan
Silas - John Malkovich or Gary Oldman
Aringosa - Alfred Molina
That was Kate's natural accent in Van Helsing...
um no, she's English
Robert Langdon - Bill Muccay
Sophie - Virginie Ledoyen
Bezu Fache - Peter Falk
Jack Sauniere - Frankie Faison
Teabing - Gene Wilder
Silas - Now here is where you would want Gerard Depardieu
Aringosa - Johnny Depp
I think Giancarlo Giannini may be able to handle the dectective part if Columbo has a scheduling conflict.
Robert Langdon- Russel Crow
Sophie- Monica Bellucci
Fache- Jean Reno
Teabing- Ian Holm
Silas- Paul Bettany
Aringosa- Alfred Molina
Robert Langdon- Peter North
Sophie- Jenna Jamison
Add your comment, speak your mind
(Or ping: http://blogcritics.org/mt/tb/18854)
All good choices except Sauniere should be played by Max Van Sydow.