Here’s a possible cast: the Ambitious Barrister: Nicole Kidman the Bishop of Southwark: John Goodman the Bishop of St. Fiacre’s: Gabriel Byrne the Bohemian Sculptress: Jane Fonda the Celebrated Artist’s Model: Natalie Portman the Cheesemonger: Julianne Moore the Cheesemonger’s Daughter: Saoirse Ronan the Custodial Chef: Michael Gambon Cynthia of Hunter’s Keep: Eva Green Dr. Orthos: Javier Bardem the Duchess: Monica Bellucci F. F. Gebrandt: Ellen Barkin the Gracious Widow: Michelle Yeoh His Amused Lordship: John Rhys-Davies the Implacable Detective: Judi Dench the Inconvenient Aunt: Imelda Staunton the Loquacious Vicar: Michael Palin the Louche Devil: Andy Serkis Lucy of Hunter’s Keep: Sienna Miller Madame Shoshana: Helena Bonham Carter the Manager of the Royal Bethlehem: Ray Wise the Master Jewel Thief: Colin Farrell the Melancholy Curate: Benedict Cumberbatch Mr. Clathermont: Robbie Coltrane Mr. Huffam: Sam Elliott Mr. Inch: Jamie Foxx the Numismatrix: Harriet Walter Phoebe of Hunter’s Keep: Emma Watson the Quiet Deviless: Christina Ricci the Regretful Soldier: Alan Rickman the Repentant Forger: Forest Whitaker the Revolutionary Firebrand: Christian Bale the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer: Kristin Scott Thomas the Secular Missionary: Cate Blanchett the Silk-clad Expert: Rachel Weisz Sinning Jenny: Kate Beckinsale the Topsy King: Eric Idle the Traitor Empress: Helen Mirren the Veteran Privy Counsellor: Ian Holm the Woman in Green: Uma Thurman the Wry Functionary: Alan Arkin Screenplay by: Neil Gaiman Directed by: Terry Gilliam edited by Rupho Schartenhauer on 3/24/2015
Wieland, that’s… Brilliant! I think most of the choices fit like gloves (though I was considering Colin Farrel as in “Ask the dust” for my own character ^^)
Yes, of course - a movie with all these characters would be quite impossible. That’s why I put Terry Gilliam for director, he’d probably be the only one mad enough to actually try it… ;-)
I second the choice of Ray Wise. Not so sure about Glenn Close, though…
Still missing: F. F. Gebrandt, Mrs. Plenty, the Regretful Soldier, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer, and Madame Shoshana… edited by Rupho Schartenhauer on 3/24/2015
I’m going to have to second the FBG team’s proposal of Edward Hibbert as the Wry Functionary, on the same basis - he was perfect in The Prestige. Another great character actor from the same film: I propose Andy Serkis as the Topsy King. I would suggest a younger woman for the Duchess, heavily made up for public appearances… also, I would suggest the wonderful Harriet Walter for the Principal of Benthic College. Matthew Macfadyen has the looks for the Provost of Summerset, but he might be too soft-spoken for the role…
I can absolutely see that. But the Topsy King is so Monty-Python-like, I just had to give the role to one of the troupe… I think I’ll add Andy as the Louche Devil from the Pygmalion storylet, though.
I thought so, too. And possibly faintly Egyptian-looking… How about Monica Bellucci? edited by Rupho Schartenhauer on 3/24/2015
I love Python, but Idle’s a bit of a lightweight for the role - he does camp, not pathos. Serkis can do terrifying mood swings, capering mania and bitter depression. Have you seen him as Rigaud, or Van Gogh? Or even Captain Haddock, to demonstrate his “spouting gibberish” cred.
Haven’t seen those, I’m afraid. British TV productions, right? Will see if I can find them somewhere…
By the way, do feel free to compile your own casting list! That’s actually the reason for this thread, mine should by no means be seen as absolute… ;-) edited by Rupho Schartenhauer on 3/24/2015
Yes, of course - a movie with all these characters would be quite impossible. That’s why I put Terry Gilliam for director, he’d probably be the only one mad enough to actually try it… ;-)
I second the choice of Ray Wise. Not so sure about Glenn Close, though…
Still missing: F. F. Gebrandt, Mrs. Plenty, the Regretful Soldier, the Sardonic Music-Hall Singer, and Madame Shoshana… edited by Wieland Burandt on 1/13/2012[/quote]
F. F. Gebrandt… What about that actress that played Dr. Evil’s minioness (and concubine… O_o) in the Austin Powers movies?
Also, didn’y Failbetter games give some thought about actors? I think they thought of the Sardonic Music-Halls Singer as Shirley McLaine… Yep, here it is:
I’m thinking Bill Nighy as Mr. Apples. And perhaps instead of the regretful soldier, Alan Rickman can play the Provost of Summerset. The regretfull soldier could be Christopher Walken I think.
[quote=Wieland Burandt]Yes, of course - a movie with all these characters would be quite impossible. That’s why I put Terry Gilliam for director, he’d probably be the only one mad enough to actually try it… ;-)
[/quote]
You snap the clapboard. The actors begin their lines. Your vision clouds with blood. You wipe it away and continue. The drunken zailor’s hair bursts into violet flame, but he continues his lines. He’s either a consummate professional, or very drunk indeed.
You’ve read the screenplay, of course, but you couldn’t have imagined the full impact of the work in performance. The Echo Bazaar is erotic beyond the human experience. You find yourself enamoured of the unseen sky. Desperate with desire for the endless spaces between stars. Consumed with furious lust for the moonish light of the neath. What is this doing to you?
The production staff is in bedlam. Half of the assistants are cavorting lustily with the other half. A few run out into the streets, wild-eyed with passion. The Topsy King sings his aria. A thing of hatred, of impossible desire, of revenge and bright burning joy. And then, with the extinguishing of the many candles, it’s over. The publisher is flushed with long-dormant passions. He is furious with you. He leaps from his chair. You sprint from the set before he personally tears you limb from limb. You’ve no idea what effect this had on the rest of the cast. You’ll have to catch them later if you live through all this.