After seeing the original movie Sunset Blvd tonight on TCM, I was reminded of the upcoming movie version of Sunset Blvd the musical that will star Glen Close.
Some people have speculated that the plumb role of Joe Gillis might be played by either Ewan McGregor or Hugh Jackman.
Ewan recently starred in Guys and Dolls in London's West End , so he obviously can sing. But he just doesn't seem right for Joe Gillis. His history of playing characters who are sexually adventurous, makes it hard to believe him as a character who would be ashamed of being a kept man.
Hugh Jackman played the role to great acclaim on stage in Oz, but I don't think he looks young enough. Part of what attracts Nora Desmond to Joe is that his relative youth makes her feel young again. And while Hugh doesn't look old, he looks so close to Glen's age ( even if he isn't), that much of her cradle-robbing desperation is taken out of the equation. That weakens the drama.
That's why I think JLY would be perfect as Joe. He looks young enough to be Glen Close's son, which fits the story. And Glen knows what a talented actor/singer he is because she saw him in JB.
Nope, John doesn't have a movie "name." But everyone has to start somewhere. And maybe by the time the movie starts shooting next year, he'll be better known.
Updated On: 9/7/06 at 12:21 AM