Posted by greg on August 20, 1997 at 18:51:46:
In reply to Mr. Weston posted by Laraine on August 20, 1997 at 10:41:20
] This is really a continuation of the "Recasting Emma" post, but the subject was so different I thought I'd start anew...
] To my suggestin that Hugh Laurie might make a good Mr. Weston, Greg replied:
] ]]
] ] ...i don't see hugh laurie as mr. w, though, laraine, because he's supposed to be "a man of unexceptionable character, easy fortune, suitable age, and pleasant manners", and "a straightforward, open-hearted man". hugh laurie is better suited for roles like mr. palmer in s&s, i think. even if you want to emphasize the humor in the story(which i'm all for), my guess is you'll need mr. w as a "sane" contrast to the craziness. ...
] ] -greg
]
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] But Greg, Hugh Laurie is a very fine actor who could do whatever the role required, I think. I've never seen him give a bad performance, even in bad movies. Have you ever watched him in the Jeeves and Wooster series. He's splendid!!
very interesting post, laraine. yes, a super actor, yes i've seen him in j & w, yes i'm sure he'd do a great job. but in the context of our game, i assume you think there's something particular about him that would make a better mr. w. that's what i don't see.
] The interesting thing here is that I think we see Mr. Weston quite differently. I see him as definitely one of the comic characters and one who does a lot to contribute to the craziness--the preparations for the ball show this best of all, I think, but the Christmas Eve party and John Knightley's reaction to having been forced out of his house on Christmas Eve show that Mr. Weston's ease of manner can inconvenience people a good deal. (Not that John does less than over-react). Mrs. Weston really does have something of a cross to bear in her husband's open manner, IMHO.
this is an interesting view. but i'll have to go back and review the book to look for it(which is o.k. 'cause i'm re-reading it for the group read).
] (I'd tried to preserve that in the perfect screenplay I had Emma Thompson write. Besides, she and Hugh Laurie are old friends in real life and I think they'd have good chemistry as the Westons... :->)
YES, POSITIVELY VOLATILE. I'M LAUGHING JUST THINKING ABOUT IT! but i'm not sure emma is the right vehicle.
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