Holly’s English class is finishing up their discussion of To Kill A Mockingbird this week by watching the classic movie with Gregory Peck. Holly and I have held many a discussion about the book and now the movie because I was curious about her thoughts. While everyone I know will declare it one of the better book-to-movie adaptations, apparently Holly’s teacher is not a fan anymore after watching it year after year. One could argue that she should probably select a different novel to teach then, which is true. However, having just finished it, Holly thinks it is still a relevant piece of fiction and would not want to see it removed from the curriculum. What she would like to see is a remake of the movie, one which focuses more on the racism and prejudice within the story. We then got to pondering just who would play the role of Atticus Finch if someone were to remake the movie. I honestly could not think of any actor who has Peck’s gravitas and wholesomeness. Holly’s fear is that the casting directors would select a big name, thereby influencing how you view the character because you are already familiar with the actor.
So I throw this out to you guys. Who would you cast for a remake of To Kill A Mockingbird? Someone famous or someone relatively unknown? Give me your dream cast because I am drawing some serious blanks here!
Like the Tom Hanks suggestion. Asked my son, he agrees with don’t ruin the classic movie & remake it. But when pushed for an answer he said Leonardo DiCaprio.
Oh, that’s quite the suggestion. I would have to think about that one. (Is it wrong that my first thought was that Leo is too short?)
I agree with Holly – it always takes a while to settle in with a big name star in a new role, no matter how great they are in it. I’m not sure I watch enough movies any more, though, to be able to throw out any suggestions. Maybe Patrick Wilson?
He’s as good as any! I still can’t come up with a single name. Why mess with perfection?
Sigh. I will pick the obvious, Tom Hanks.
Hmmm…I know he could do it because everything he does is phenomenal. I just don’t know if I would want him to do it. Most of his characters have something quirky and endearing about them, which he does so well. Even his serious movies have something quirky about them – Apollo 13, Castaway, etc. We wouldn’t have the battle scenes from Saving Private Ryan to distract us. Can Tom Hanks do a straight, serious character without special effects or impersonations or anything?
I think so. Think Philadelphia.
Oh, yes!! (Damn. Holly is dancing to Streets of Philadelphia this year too.)
I’ve been thinking about this all day, thinking that surely I could think of an actor who could do it. But I’m stumped!
Haha! It’s difficult, isn’t it? I think that was Holly’s point. You almost have to grab an unknown actor because everyone else comes with certain expectations and impressions.
When I saw the excerpt of your post come up in my e-mail, all I could think was “Noooooo!” I’m with you no one but Gregory Peck. Sorry that I’m not more helpful, but I’m “old school.” Don’t mess with the classics, the book or the movie – and from what I hear the “remake” of the book could have been skipped too.
Well, as I said, Holly had no suggestions, and I didn’t even want to think of any. I don’t like this trend of remaking everything and agree that there are some movies that should never be under consideration. This is one of them!