In my movie version...
Posted by Karen R on October 22, 1997 at 15:21:14:
In response to Casting choices?, written by Jane E. on October 22, 1997 at 11:23:06
] I almost feel like I'm betraying Byatt to wish for a film of this book, but you put it well: even without the richness of language it's a terrific story!
] What are your casting choices? Our discussion on Roland made me think about casting him, and I lit upon Noah Wylie. (Okay, he's not English, if Gwyneth could do it, but he could). I think he has the right kind of nonthreatening appeal, and his quizzical eyes and ingratiating smile are not unlike Byatt's description of Roland.
] I once suggested CF for Ash and was shot down because the consensus was that he was too young, although I disagree. Frankly, I think one could successfully cast ANY film simply by drawing on the P&P2 cast, so I am "prejudiced."
When I first read the book, I had picked out Daniel Day-Lewis to be Roland and Jolie or Natasha Richardson to be Maud. However, I wouldn't hesitate substituting CF for Roland. Now, the book talks about Roland being short/compact and Maud being tall. I don't think it's important for this couple--just the light/dark contrasts.
For the second couple, however, the short/tall seems absolutely necessary (but I can't even think at this point whether the book mentions it). For Christabel, I have only one image. Holly Hunter from The Piano, but with blonde hair. She is diminutive and alive inside. For Randolph Ash, now I could see either DDL or Jeremy Irons.
Dream casting, dream on.
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