Broadway Legend Joined: 12/23/11
I think Glenn Close is not good enough. Her singing is weak and her acting never convinces me as "real".
Her singing does not feel truthful either because she is not a natural. Her sung lines feel amateurish, like she is struggling with the material.
Norma's singing voice should have an entire different quality.
Like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxc877nW7Dc
Updated On: 1/5/16 at 03:57 PMBroadway Legend Joined: 2/10/11
CindersGolightly said: "This just popped into my head. What about Jessica Lange? I think she has the grit to do it, and even though she's 66, she doesn't look over 50 in my opinion. Of course I don't think she belts but she can carry a tune.
I think Jessica Lange looks terrible...I assume she had some unsuccessful work done. I don't recall her ever singing in a movie. That was Patsy Cline in Sweet Dreams.
"
Kidman, Streep, Lange, and Winslet are on my list for Norma in the movie. With Chris Pine as Joe, J.K. Simmons as Max, Emma Watson as Betty and Alan Arkin as Cecil B. DeMille.
I am all for Close. Keep Streep as far away from this as possible. JMO
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
Kate Winslet just turned 40 a few months ago. Unless this continues to linger in development limbo for another 10 years or more (which is very possible) then I would argue that she is far too young for the role.
Broadway Legend Joined: 7/18/11
It would be fun to find an actress who has been absent from the screen for a while who would be making a comeback in the picture. And if she doesn't sing, dub her (with Karen Mason) which would be a throwback to the period in which the story is set. Debra Winger?
If there is to be a screen adaptation, someone needs to cast Michelle Pfeiffer as Norma stat! The woman can sing, is a fantastic actress, and hasn't been getting much work lately so I'm sure she can relate to the character
Excuse you but Michelle Pfeiffer just finished filming one movie and is in the midst of filming another. She still gets work.
Chorus Member Joined: 3/25/09
I was also about to suggest Pfeiffer. Her voice isn't belting and operatic, but we know she can sing. I think most of her absence from movies is of her own doing, but I think she would be great. Her previous roles have shown she can do vulnerable (Dangerous Liaisons, Married to the Mob), tough (Scarface, White Oleander), or both at the same time (Fabulous Baker Boys).
Pfeiffer, of course. Toni Collette might be wonderful too.
And not that she is ever likely to be considered, but Amy Irving could be a very exciting Norma.
My choice for Joe would be Timberlake.
henrikegerman said: "Pfeiffer, of course. Toni Collette might be wonderful too.
And not that she is ever likely to be considered, but Amy Irving could be a very exciting Norma.
My choice for Joe would be Timberlake.
"
Amy Irving? What inspired casting. Yes, she'd never be considered for a major studio musical, but I'd love to see her do it on stage somewhere. She has a lovely voice and was a stunning Desiree in A Little night Music a few years ago. I'd love to see her in more musicals.
I'd say Michelle would be great for the film. I could see Kidman as well, but please keep Meryl away. She doesn't need to play every single role for a woman over 50. Still, she's probably the only one with enough box office clout to get the thing greenlit.
CarlosAlberto said: "Excuse you but Michelle Pfeiffer just finished filming one movie and is in the midst of filming another. She still gets work.
"
True..... i'm aware that she is still working. I only meant to imply that she isn't as 'in demand' for big studio releases as she once was, even if that is by choice.
There really is something to be said for casting a Norma who isn't currently a big movie name but who "used to be big."
That was certainly the case with Swanson in 1950 -she had made only two films in the 20 years preceding, neither memorable - and the result is magic.
Of course, that's not the only reason it's magical But it's a big reason
as for the show being a turkey, count me as a dissenter it's by far my favorite Webber musical
Updated On: 1/6/16 at 03:46 PM
The8re phan said: "CarlosAlberto said: "Excuse you but Michelle Pfeiffer just finished filming one movie and is in the midst of filming another. She still gets work."
That is true and technically these two films are her first in 3 years.
True..... i'm aware that she is still working. I only meant to imply that she isn't as 'in demand' for big studio releases as she once was, even if that is by choice.
"
. . . and a singer Pfeiffer ain't. Cool Rider in Grease 2, and her cooing in The Fabulous Baker Boys hardly solidifies her abilities as a singer. Not to mention this gem:
Updated On: 1/6/16 at 06:01 PM
I think Michelle did a very nice job with her vocals in "The Fabulous Baker Boys".
Broadway Legend Joined: 8/13/09
Honestly, when I first saw the Hairspray film I did think that Michelle Pfeiffer would make a good Norma for the screen and she would still be among my top picks (I do also like the idea of Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has always seemed to have more than a touch of that Golden-Age Hollywood glamour about her, heck in a few more years get her for the revival).
Gloria Swanson may have been 50 at the time but she looked 70. Both Close and Streep and even Streisand look younger than Gloria Swanson did back in 1950. I would hate a Zeta Jones or Madonna Sunset Blvd. I think they both look too young. 50 is the new 30 so 70 should be the new 50.
Not to mention Madonna is acting impaired. So no to her. Please. She didn't exactly igniite Evita. How bout How bout Petula Clark and Hugh Jackman who played Joe in Australia?
"Gloria Swanson looked 70 in Sunset Boulevard"
No, she did not. That's an idiotic statement.
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