| Original Message |
Michelle Sheppard
Posted Sep 26, 1999 12:04 AM
Blithedale, on the big screen. It would be very interesting to see Hawthorne's novel in film version. However, the director may have difficulty in discribing the concept of an Utopian community. Today, the majority of people see groups whom segregate themselves from society as being extreme and, at times, even dangerous. The types of people who join such groups often claim they are seeking an "perfect" existence. Yet, most often today these groups are viewed simply as cults.
The director of this film would have to overcome this societial prejudice and enable to audience to identify with the Utopian cause. The characters would have to be presented as passionate for their cause but not extreme or irrational. In order for any movie to be successful the characters need to be able to touch the emotions of the audience, even if the audience doesn't agree with the character's actions.
Secondly, the actors needed to play these parts must be choosen carefully. I feel Sean Connery would make an excellent Hollingsworth. He has a rugged and somewhat grisly type of appearance. Tom Hanks would make a good Coverdale because he is such a vesatile actor and has played many different types of charactrs with conviction. As for Zenobia, Emma Thompson could easy play the role of this strong woman. Then, her former co-star from Sense and Sensibility, Kate Winset, could take on the charater of Priscilla. Still, there are many unknown acters who could play these roles just as convincingly. It all comes down to whom the director feels will play the roles the best. |
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