Tuesday, July 17, 2012

"Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?" remake musings

Ok, this is sort of a lame update but I like to keep my finger on the pulse of all things related to Meryl, particularly when it comes to film participation.  Evidently there is going to be a remake of the 1962 film Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?  I''ve never seen it, but know that Bette Davis and Joan Crawford starred in the original version.  They were considered ancient by Hollywood standards at that time (in their 50's), and despite the weird thriller genre, it kind of revitalized their respective careers, particularly Davis who was nominated for an Oscar.

So what the hell does this have to do with Meryl?.  Well, every article I've seen of it mentions Meryl as someone most people think would be great in the remake.  Meryl would be amazing in anything, but do we really want to see her in this film?  First of all, it's a remake.  I imagine the revitalized script would have to be pretty damn good for Meryl to show interest.  Secondly, the original is such a cult classic that it just seems like a bad idea to mess with it, particularly with reputable actors.  Thirdly, the new director, Walter Hill is mostly known for, as Wikipedia puts it, "male-dominated actions films."  And the man is quoted as saying, "every film I've done has been a western."  Hmm. Although Meryl might be on the top of any director's list, I picture this staying outside her radar.

I guess we never know, though.  She and Glenn Close do sort of look like sisters, so if this thing turned out to be an amazing script and got a lot of attention, I guess it's not impossible to hook a couple of big-named actresses.  I predict the chances of Meryl's participation to be less than 5%. I bet she'd have fun though.




4 comments:

  1. Jeff, Meryl would have fun with the part for sure but there is word next months Hope Springs is better then expected.. Trailer looks cute but people who have seen it are saying Oscar nomination for her and Tommy Lee Jones. I have finished August Osage County script and my mind is going over rest of cast. Hoping this week we will get more names .Ken

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    1. Ken, I would be extremely surprised if Meryl were nominated for an Oscar for Hope Springs. I think there will be a good chance for Golden Globe, but since she just won for Iron Lady, chances even lower. Check out goldderby.com. I think right now she's listed 6th or 7th. But who knows?!

      I'm about 1/3 of the way through August script and loving it.

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  2. Jeff, Heard Juliette Lewis in talks to play Karen Weston in August Osage County. Looks like Andrea Riseborough. Might be out. Ken

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    1. Oooo. Yeah read a couple things. Wonder if the rumors of Riseborough having a conflict are true after all. I'll have to add a little ditty about it in tomorrow's blog

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