Paul Giamatti is going to play Gene Landy in "Love and Mercy"

[RangeRoverA1]

Have you ever actually seen a movie? John Cusack and Paul Giamatti are the exact opposite of bad and/or obscure.

Maybe my wording wasn't accurate, since I didn't mean these 2 actors when I said "bad & obscure". More like in general, addressing to hypothetical casting. As to the 1st question, I don't watch TV & never went to the cinema (the latter is extremely boring imo). So, I think that explains my ignorance in film industry.

[D409]

If the film-makers want to portray Landy as slimy and villainous then Giamatti's your man - good casting !

[Shady]

Have you ever actually seen a movie? John Cusack and Paul Giamatti are the exact opposite of bad and/or obscure.

Maybe my wording wasn't accurate, since I didn't mean these 2 actors when I said "bad & obscure". More like in general, addressing to hypothetical casting. As to the 1st question, I don't watch TV & never went to the cinema (the latter is extremely boring imo). So, I think that explains my ignorance in film industry.

Giamatti is a great actor, he's going to be a fantastic Landy.

You're so fascinating Rangerover. Definitely one my favorite people on this board, never stop posting.

[Nicko1234]

I agree that Giamatti is a superb actor. I think he could do a great job of playing Landy.

[Wirestone]

Have you ever actually seen a movie? John Cusack and Paul Giamatti are the exact opposite of bad and/or obscure.

Maybe my wording wasn't accurate, since I didn't mean these 2 actors when I said "bad & obscure". More like in general, addressing to hypothetical casting. As to the 1st question, I don't watch TV & never went to the cinema (the latter is extremely boring imo). So, I think that explains my ignorance in film industry.

Giamatti is a great actor, he's going to be a fantastic Landy.

You're so fascinating Rangerover. Definitely one my favorite people on this board, never stop posting.

I see, RangeRover. That makes a lot more sense, actually. My bad. 

[runnersdialzero]

I always thought Henry Winkler looked like Landy's much more handsome, more awesome brother. GOD.

[Sound of Free]

As bad as that Stamos ABC two-parter was, they should use the guy who played Mike in that. He was a great Mike Love.

[Amy B.]

Now I'm excited to see who else will be cast. Maybe they'll get a slew of those "I'm an actor not a star" types. Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Murry, for example.

[Shady]

Now I'm excited to see who else will be cast. Maybe they'll get a slew of those "I'm an actor not a star" types. Phillip Seymour Hoffman as Murry, for example.

I can smell the Oscars already

[Dudd]

Oh hell yes. Sideways is one of my favourite movies, Paul is wonderful in that film.

[EgoHanger1966]

The cast is excellent (Cusack has always been one of my favorite actors, and Giamatti is great in everything I've seen him in), but does it slightly concern anyone that none of these actors look like the people they're supposed to be portraying??? I mean, geez, Paul Giamatti would make a better 70s Al than Landy at any period of his life.

[monicker]

Yeah, although all the actors they've cast so far are good actors, neither John Cusack nor Paul Dano look at all like Brian or even suggest any sort of Brian vibe, and neither does Paul Giamatti with regards to Landy. When you know a story very well and you see it translated to a movie, i think it's pretty hard to get into it when the actors don't look their part.

[monicker]

.

[ontor pertawst]

Nah. I'd much rather have quality actors that evoke the essence of the person rather than some cheesy celebrity impersonator who looks spot on but can't act for toffee.

That said, I'm off to Universal to pitch my Culture Club pic starring... Boy Jason.

http://www.fakefaces.co.uk/lookalikes.html?lookalike_id=1786

[Nicko1234]

Yeah, although all the actors they've cast so far are good actors, neither John Cusack nor Paul Dano look at all like Brian or even suggest any sort of Brian vibe, and neither does Paul Giamatti with regards to Landy. When you know a story very well and you see it translated to a movie, i think it's pretty hard to get into it when the actors don't look their part.

As long as they are made to look the same age and have some vague similarities in the way that they're made up then I don't think it should be a big deal. If the performances are good enough people will forget about the physical differences anyway.

[Amy B.]

Yeah, although all the actors they've cast so far are good actors, neither John Cusack nor Paul Dano look at all like Brian or even suggest any sort of Brian vibe, and neither does Paul Giamatti with regards to Landy. When you know a story very well and you see it translated to a movie, i think it's pretty hard to get into it when the actors don't look their part.

I think it's better to have good actors. Joaquin Phoenix really looks nothing like Johnny Cash except for dark hair. Same with Reese Witherspoon for June Carter Cash. And Jamie Foxx doesn't really look like Ray Charles. Can you believe Gary Busey played Buddy Holly? Ha.

[Mahalo]

I agree Amy.... but having Cusack and Giamatti will attract some viewers who might not otherwise be interested... IMO

[Amy B.]

I agree Amy.... but having Cusack and Giamatti will attract some viewers who might not otherwise be interested... IMO

I think you misunderstood me. I think it's better to have good actors than to have actors than resemble the people they're playing. So I agree that Cusack and Giamati=better than Brian and Landy doppelgangers. Two great actors.

[monicker]

What is this one or the other thinking? Where did i suggest that i am okay with sacrificing good acting for mere physical likeness, or worse, a celebrity impersonator/doppelganger? How about both quality acting and a vague resemblance at the very least?

[Chocolate Shake Man]

Nah. Quality acting should come before all else. Richard Gere was great as Bob Dylan.

[The Heartical Don]

Nah. Quality acting should come before all else. Richard Gere was great as Bob Dylan.

Couldn't agree more. BTW did Gere really play Dylan? Don't know anything about that.

See it as theatre. Shakespeare did not write 'actor looks prescriptions' to go with his plays. To catch the essence of a character is the secret of art.

[Roger Ryan]

...BTW did Gere really play Dylan? Don't know anything about that.

Yes...and so did Cate Blanchette, Heath Ledger and four others in the film I'M NOT THERE...which took a surrealistic yet very refreshing look at pivotal events in Dylan's life. The screenwriter for that film, Oren Moverman, is the man behind the screenplay for LOVE & MERCY, so hopefully he brings a similar intelligence to his approach to Brian's life.

[The Heartical Don]

...BTW did Gere really play Dylan? Don't know anything about that.

Yes...and so did Cate Blanchette, Heath Ledger and four others in the film I'M NOT THERE...which took a surrealistic yet very refreshing look at pivotal events in Dylan's life. The screenwriter for that film, Oren Moverman, is the man behind the screenplay for LOVE & MERCY, so hopefully he brings a similar intelligence to his approach to Brian's life.

Ah, thanks, I should have guessed that at least (didn't see the film). It's good to hear that the director of that film will do L&M too, since it was well-received in the quarters that matter.

[dellydel]

I always thought Christoph Waltz would make a good Landy.  Well, not always, but for as long as I've known Christoph Waltz.

[monicker]

You guys, you're making me feel like a philistine.