I hope everyone had fun with Rumpelstiltskin. Today's movie idea is based on the recent HBO Film Game Change, which was about John McCain's presidential run in 2008. What if we were to make a movie about Barack Obama's presidential run, who would play the major characters? Remember the rules, this would be a major production, probably directed by Oliver Stone, and since this is a biopic looks matter.
Characters (along with pictures of their real life counterparts)
Barack Obama Michelle Obama David Axelrod
Joe Biden Robert Gibbs Hillary Clinton
Barack Obama
Well even though we all know Drake wants the role, I just don't think Degrassi gives you enough dramatic weight to pull off a president. Will Smith would certainly be the next obvious choice, he has a similar build and face to the president, and clearly as he showed in Ali he can go inside a character, but I worry that with such a big star and personality, Smith would distract from the role. So I settled with Harry Lennix, the actor is only 3 years younger than Obama, and also from Chicago. He played the American President in the British Sketch comedy "Little Britain USA," but has mostly demonstrated dramatic gravitas in films like "Ray." The combination of his close resemblance, and the seriousness he brings to his roles makes Lennix an excellent choice to play Barack Obama.
Michelle Obama
Anyone's first choice to play Michelle Obama would be Viola Davis, the recent Oscar Winner is a ringer for the first lady, and one of the best actors working in Hollywood. Her recent success has thrust her into the spotlight, however, and upcoming projects like "Enders Game" makes it unlikely she would be able to take the time out to play the first lady. Fortunately it looks like "Southland" is coming to an end leaving Regina King plenty of time on her schedule. King has experience playing in the White House, as the sister of both President Palmer's on "24." As her time on "Southland" show she's not afraid of taking names, but can do so with a big smile on her face. Besides is there anyone else who could hope to match Michelle's sculpted triceps?
Hillary Clinton
For a political character that has been in the public consciousness for so long, it would require an actor of similar stature. Who could portray a woman who stood under the public glare for decades, only to be the biggest obstacle to our sympathetic main character's quest to become president. It would require a woman who could stand up to Michael Corleone himself. Since her role in the "Godfather" trilogy Diane Keaton has been the embodiment of the strong woman. While in recent years Keaton, like Clinton, has taken some of the edge of her persona off in roles like "Father of the Bride" and "Morning Glory," she has the acting chops to be both powerful, but empathetic enough to be understood even as she takes her quest for the presidency to the convention.
Joe Biden
Jeff Bridges-the veritable character actor has the laid back working man demeanor that defines Joe Biden. There are few actors who could manage to pull off the kind of regular gaffes that Biden made during the campaign and keep us loving him. There is no doubt that Bridges, who managed to make Rooster Cogburn lovable, could pull off the same trick with Biden. While the last several years have seen a career resurgence for Bridges, I have no doubt that he could still find time to put in a bit part in a production about the President.
David Axelrod
Stephen Toblowsky is one of those actors you've seen everywhere. Though he is most often seen playing up his comedy side in TV shows such as "Glee" or as the Insurance Salesman in "Groundhog's Day" he has also shown the crazed intensity neccessary to play any campaign manager in films such as "Memento" or "The Insider." Toblowsky would have to grow a mustache and lose the glasses, but otherwise he's a great physical fit, and would be happy to take a large role in an important production.
Robert Gibbs
Kevin Dunn, who has started to become famous due to his streak of on screen fathers, particularly in the "Transformer" movies, certainly has the face for Gibbs. More important is that as the president's communication Director, it was Gibbs' voice that was Obama's voice to the press. Dunn is not one for imitations, but his soothing voice is as near a match as you could find for Gibbs'. Gibbs is also well known for his temper, and Dunn's big red cheeks would be a great give a way any time the script called for Gibbs to get grumpy.
What do you think? Does Harry Lennix have what it takes to play the president? Who would be a better choice? Do Dunn and Toblowsky have the intensity for a political insider? Sound off below.
No comments:
Post a Comment