26 Mar 08
Originally posted by SeitseI can see that. I would ask one question: will the accent be a problem? Make that two questions: is RC capable of conveying a convincing level of compassion and innate wisdom? I'm not even sure Johnny Depp could do that sufficiently...
Vin Diesel as young WW and Danny de Vito as the old one.
For the lulz.
Now, seriously, I would cast [b]Robert Carlyle. No questions asked.[/b]
26 Mar 08
Originally posted by MimorThe more I consider it, the more I think you are right. Donald Sutherland has always exuded intelligence, good humor, a compassionate twinkle in his eye, and has shown the ability to be quite intense. An audience instinctively trusts him. He also would have no problem growing a white beard or white shoulder length hair. Not to mention that his eyebrows and nose are similar to Whitman's. If he could channel his inner poet's love of words (to the point of peculiarity), then I think he would be a great fit. Whitman spoke slowly and deliberately, seeming to enunciate the broad meaning of every word - that ardor of an artist in love with his muse must be wholly established by whoever portrays Whitman. It is that ardor which enchants. If that is lacking, then the part will be a bust, and the actor will be an empty suit. Can Sutherland do that? I don't know for sure. Robert Carlyle, perhaps, could.
Donald Sutherland.
Excellent pick.
26 Mar 08
Originally posted by epiphinehasCompassion and innate wisdom?!
I can see that. I would ask one question: will the accent be a problem? Make that two questions: is RC capable of conveying a convincing level of compassion and innate wisdom? I'm not even sure Johnny Depp could do that sufficiently...
Er... ok... why not casting the dalai lama instead?
I think the accent should be no problem. RC appears to me as a very good actor, and a good actor should be able to sort it out.
26 Mar 08
Originally posted by adam warlockAlthough I really like Bale, I'd say his acting is too physical for portraying Walt Whitman.
What about Christian Bale? He's intense, always gives 110% when living a character and can mimic accents really well.
Equilibrium, The Machinist, Batman Begins, American Psycho... I mean there's no doubt that he can carry a movie.
26 Mar 08
Originally posted by PalynkaMaybe too intense... From Whitman I just know a few poems not much about his life but maybe he was more quiet than characters than Bale portrays... Is that what you're saying?
Although I really like Bale, I'd say his acting is too physical for portraying Walt Whitman.
26 Mar 08
Originally posted by adam warlockI'm no expert, but from what I know I would say WW would require a subtle psychological ambiguity, but not in the, as you say, intense and schizophrenic sense that I see Bale excelling in.
Maybe too intense... From Whitman I just know a few poems not much about his life but maybe he was more quiet than characters than Bale portrays... Is that what you're saying?
27 Mar 08
Originally posted by SeitseIf I were to make a movie about Whitman, I would do so during the 1860's, after he had written Leaves Of Grass. During that time Whitman spent his free time tending to the wounded civil war soldiers and consoling the dying. Compassion for his fellow man is what Whitman was all about, in word and deed. That's why I suggest that an actor must be able to convincingly convey that element to the man, perhaps even using just the eyes.
Compassion and innate wisdom?!
Er... ok... why not casting the dalai lama instead?
I think the accent should be no problem. RC appears to me as a very good actor, and a good actor should be able to sort it out.
If RC could sort it out, then I think he would be a great pick. Sutherland probably wouldn't agree to play the part anyway. Not to mention, Robert Carlyle carries significantly less baggage with him into a movie, giving the audience more opportunity to wrap their minds around the person of Whitman himself instead of the actor.
27 Mar 08
1 edit
Originally posted by epiphinehasGreetings, Epi!
If I were to make a movie about Whitman, I would do so during the 1860's, after he had written Leaves Of Grass. During that time Whitman spent his free time tending to the wounded civil war soldiers and consoling the dying. Compassion for his fellow man is what Whitman was all about, in word and deed. That's why I suggest that an actor must be able to re opportunity to wrap their minds around the person of Whitman himself instead of the actor.
Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think he could bring the wit, the elan, the joie de vive, the passion (and compassion) and the physical presence. I can imagine him speaking the poetry, Whitman’s long-line rhythms.
27 Mar 08
Originally posted by vistesdGreetings! I like your choice, vistesd. Of course, he would have to lose some weight, but Hoffman definitely could pull off more aspects of the role than most others. Also, Whitman was a bit of a shameless self-promoter, and PSH could portray that side of him effortlessly without losing the weightier aspects of compassion, passion, wit, etc. In short, PSH would allow for a more dynamic and complex overall portrait of the man.
Greetings, Epi!
Philip Seymour Hoffman. I think he could bring the wit, the elan, the joie de vive, the passion (and compassion) and the physical presence. I can imagine him speaking the poetry, Whitman’s long-line rhythms.
Five star pick! I like this one the best so far.