Dream Cast Thursday! Gilda

This week's Dream Cast Thursday is Gilda. The original film came out in 1946 and was written by Jo Eisinger and directed by Charles Vidor.

The first character that I recast was Gilda. She was originally played by Rita Hayworth. For my adaptation, I recast Rachel Weisz.

The second character that I recast was Johnny Farrell. He was originally played by Glenn Ford. For my adaptation, I cast Robert Downey Jr.

The last character that I recast was Ballin Mundson. He was originally played by George Macready. For my adaptation, I cast David Strathairn.

So what do you all think? Have you seen the original? Who would be in your adaptation?

The Last Party

The Last Party is a documentary that came out in 1993 and follows Robert Downey Jr. as he goes to various conventions, protests, etc (specifically the 1992, Democratic National Convention). This was a particularly interesting film to see from my own perspective. When this film was shot, I was only four years old (and was not particularly politically active even for a four year old). It was really interesting to look back, knowing everything that has happened since. It was also particularly interesting to see given today's political and economic climate.

One of the things that make this film particularly successful is Robert's performance. He made it at a time when he was first becoming involved in politics. He was at a time in his life that is similar to the point that I am at now. In addition to a political commentary, he brings his usual sense of humor to the proceedings. The film is really a fusion of a political and a personal documentary.

The documentary also includes interesting cameos from Bill Clinton, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Sean Penn, Peter Jennings, William Baldwin, Richard Lewis, Christian Slater, G. Gordon Liddy, and Jerry Falwell.

This documentary is definitely a must-see (especially now)! I would definitely recommend it.

Dream Cast Thursday! Casablanca

For this week's Dream Cast Thursday, I will be recasting Casablanca(1942). This movie was pretty hard to cast (although not nearly as hard as Gone With the Wind), because it was cast so well to begin with. There are so many reasons that this film is a classic (casting being one of them).

The first and most important character that I recast was Rick. He was originally played by Humphrey Bogart. I recast Robert Downey Jr.

Ilsa was originally played by Ingrid Bergman. I went back and forth between several actresses (mostly Diane Kruger). I finally settled on Saffron Burrows.

Captain Renault is another important character. He was originally played by Claude Rains. I recast Daniel Auteuil.

Victor was originally played by Paul Henreid. I recast Thomas Kretschmann.

Sam was originally played by Dooley Wilson. I recast Taye Diggs.

So what do you all think? Who would you recast?