The Follies Movie Casting Thread — Page 2

MomofOZ, I think James Naughton would be ideal for a stage version of Follies. Just that he would HAVE to play Ben! His speaking voice alone would explain why all these women fall in love with him.

I couldn't agree more Jewishboy :)

Updated On: 1/21/08 at 06:24 PM

I understand about the 5 years thing, but my last comment about Krakowski (and we can just argue about it in the next thread) is that her actual delivery of the song, knowing and loving her vocal style, would not be that moving.

Oh, and the only reason I think Kevin Spacey would be perfect is if Annette Bening was to be cast also.

Krakowski's delivery wouldn't be moving, but I think it would be "interesting," perhaps a fiasco as much as Baranski, or perhaps a revelation.
There's no one that has yet presented a suggestion that is age-appropriate and works with all of Carlotta's material (which as I said before, goes way beyond the song). Goldie Hawn, I like, but seriously the film would have to go into production tomorrow and shoot all her scenes first, she is THAT close of being too old for it.
People have become so used to seeing Streep in these tough-as-nails roles that they forget how incredibly vulnerable, needy, and confused she can look on screen. If you have seen SOPHIE'S CHOICE, THE FRENCH LIEUTENANT'S WOMAN, KRAMER V. KRAMER, MUSIC OF THE HEART (the first few scenes), and DEER HUNTER, you can see why some of us think she would be ideal as Sally. However, some of my fellow FOLLIES lovers have convinced me she is too old for the role at this point.

---

Updated On: 1/21/08 at 07:22 PM

I can maybe see Meryl as Carlotta. I think she is too tall/big for Sally.

Most of these choices are TOO OLD.

Phyllis - Michelle Pfeiffer
Sally - Eh, I can't ever find one that I think would work
Ben - Alec Baldwin
Buddy - Timothy Hutton
Carlotta - Vanessa Williams

Good point, Ray. I've been trying to think of actors appropriate for the role, and it's really hard. She might be too british (I don't even know if that should be a real concern), but I think Kristin Scott Thomas might be a good choice. Thomas would be my first choice for Joanne if they were making Company into a movie.

You know, I think that her voice is too popish/refined for it. I think Vanessa Williams really doesn't seem like 1) she would have had that particular life of a Follies girl and 2) that she has really struggled. Maybe its because I'm expecting something more "raw" than both Krakowski and Ms. Williams (who I do like for Phyllis, but more for a stage production). Are you not a fan of Kristin Scott Thomas?

You must go out right now and rent Four Weddings and a Funeral! It's a "chick flick," but it has some really great acting in it (including Ms. Thomas).

Ok, I just searched IMDB for people who are turning 50 this year. I just picked out well known names that could possibly work. What do you think....
Miranda Richardson
Sharon Stone ( Carlotta maybe?)
Holly Hunter( if she can lose the accent)
Alec Baldwin
Michelle Pfeiffer
Annette Bening
Kevin Bacon ( he can dance..maybe Buddy)
Angela Basset
Madonna
Shaun Cassidy (my childhood crush)
Tim Robbins
Megan Mullaly
Bebe Neuwirth

Now don't get irate with me for some of these, I'm just throwing names out there :)

Updated On: 1/22/08 at 09:22 AM

I think its just that the way Vanessa Williams comes across on film and stage is very regal and smooth. Yes, she has attitude and can play a bitch, but I just can't see her adding anything to I'm Still Here the way other actresses can.

i'm having fun imagining how Robert Altman would've directed a film of FOLLIES.

Sally: Sally Field, Laura Linney or Renée Zellweger

Laura Linney, Sally Field and Renee Zellweger being considered for the SAME part? They are AGES apart. This makes no sense at all.