Dianne Wiest was moved aside for Maria Bello. Bello was replaced by Uma Thurman, and now according to another mini blurb on Production Weekly, Heather Graham might have taken over the role of the victim in Harold Becker's Vengeance: A Love Story. Thurman had recently signed onto Girl Soldier, so it seems logical that Uma was only "in talks" for the role. Normally I'd add a snarky remark about "rollergirl" and how this production is casting down - but the lead is shared with two others, (Samuel L. Jackson and Abigail Breslin), Graham is now in the age bracket where she can play more than just a wasted girlfriend and she is one of the only actresses who can claim that she was in a 400-million dollar grossing comedy this summer (The Hangover). I imagine that the Michigan production is moments away from actually beginning.
Based on the Joyce Carol Oates novella published in 2003, scripted by John Mankiewicz, the story is about an act of unbelievable brutality that twists the lives of three generations of women and sets a man of the law on his own course of justice. On the Fourth of July, Niagara Falls Police Officer John Dromoor (Jackson) is flagged down by 12-year-old Bethie Maguire (Breslin). Her mother, Teena Maguire (Graham), has been brutally raped and left for dead. Moving at a relentless, compelling pace, the story of Teena and Bethie unfolds in this powerful and thrilling drama.
I'm wondering (for those who have read the book) what you think about the casting of the three characters, and I'm calling out for anyone who might have some precise news on the production dates - please drop us a word below.
Comments
Posted by Wido on 2009-08-19 at 23:50:20
Having read the book and the screenplay by John Mankiewicz - a few things can be said about the casting. It seems that the casting choices were based on movie funding - and not so much about who would best represent the characters. Samuel L Jackson is too old and Abigail Breslin does not have the right vibe. I feel that the police officer would have been better as a younger - more rugged looking attractive man in his 40's - as there is an insinuated attraction between the characters. And how does Abigail Breslin go from Kit Kittredge An American Girl to Vengeance (Rape): A Love Story - not sure that I follow the career choices. Not too long ago she boasted about a swear jar on set for those who spoke in foul tongue - $1 contribution for each curse - well there's a good deal of swearing in this movie... Bethie would have been better cast as a "break out" role. As for the choice of Heather Graham - fine - maybe she needs some drama...Charlize Theron - or someone along those lines would have been a better choice would have been a better choice. Even Judy Greer could have been a better mom choice... I think the casting was a sell out and this will be another mediocre production.
Posted by Iheartsubtitles on 2009-08-20 at 20:07:06
Thanks for your input Wido. I like the Judy Greer mention.
Breslin is at that age (pre-teen I imagine) where she needs to roll the dice and phase out of child actress and into picking the difficult roles a la Dakota Fanning - her agent probably told the Breslins that's if she wants to stay in the biz, she needs to one-up into high end drama.
I have a question for you: they mention three generations of women - is it right to assume that Dianne Wiest will or would have played the 1st gen?
Posted by wido on 2009-08-25 at 17:32:23
Diane Wiest would be playing the grandmother to Bethie (Abigail Breslin - if things haven't changed... still don't feel the magic in this ensemble cast - so we shall wait and see!
Posted by Wido on 2009-08-25 at 17:32:49
Diane Wiest would be playing the grandmother to Bethie (Abigail Breslin - if things haven't changed... still don't feel the magic in this ensemble cast - so we shall wait and see!
Posted by Wido x on 2009-08-25 at 17:33:41
Diane Wiest would be playing the grandmother to Bethie (Abigail Breslin - if things haven't changed... still don't feel the magic in this ensemble cast - so we shall wait and see!
Posted by Wido wido on 2009-08-25 at 17:34:15
Diane Wiest would be playing the grandmother to Bethie (Abigail Breslin - if things haven't changed... still don't feel the magic in this ensemble cast - so we shall wait and see!