The Wife Says: Let’s Play Musical Casting Couch!
Talks are underway with the Michael Jackson estate to make a biopic about the late singer’s life. That means the family’s approval, so it’s a given they’ll whitewash less savoury elements like his strained relationship with dad Joe and those pesky molestation allegations.
Can you imagine the casting? One online betting site is taking odds on everyone from Johnny Depp to Chris Brown to Justin Timberlake. Ebony and Ivory.
I like Donald Glover who plays Troy, Abed’s friend on Community. Bruno Mars is getting his props. To me, he’s more Prince than MJ, but it could work.
The role’s a career maker. Geoffrey Rush, Marian Cotillard, Jamie Fox and Sissy Spacek are top of mind when it comes to actors who cash in at the Oscars for playing musicians. The Academy admires that almost as much as actors who gain weight or are uglified in the name of art.
My favourite musical biopic is Control about Ian Curtis and Joy Division. A guy by the name of Sam Riley nailed it.
It helps with the audiences’ ability to suspend their disbelief when the artist isn’t so imprinted. Time and distance can also ease the transition from real life to reel life.
Maybe it’s too soon to talk about a Jackson biography? Maybe passions should cool, perspective be gained? Doing it too soon creates dangers like Kurt Russell as Elvis. Besides, if they wait a while, Blanket can play his dad.
I’d prefer Paris. She could do a Dylanesque, gender-bender take like Cate Blanchett. There is something sly in her face that makes me think she has the same survival instinct as her father.
And do you cast for acting or singing chops? You can always lipsync but you can’t fx the moonwalk.
