Other Desert Cities Film Version

[henrikegerman]

Martin Sheen would be an amazing Lyman. And he knows a thing or two about having difficult children.
Still, I would love to see Keach, Channing and Light do this on screen (but that goes without saying). Maybe if they had a Brooke who was a huge name.

[dreaming]

Henrik-that could be really good casting.

I also think Albert Finney could be very good.

[madbrian]

I like Brian Dennehy as Lyman and Dianne Wiest as Polly. And I'm willing to take a lot of crap for this next suggestion, but I actually think Streisand could play Silda.

[henrikegerman]

I think Streisand as Silda could be a very good idea. As long as she's not directing.

[AC126748]

Dianne Wiest seems more naturally inclined for Silda than Polly, actually.

[Jordan Catalano]

Is Raven too young for Brooke?

[madbrian]

Maybe Hamish Linklater as Trip?

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

I'd be so fine with them keeping Griffiths for the film version, she's an Oscar nominee after all, but of course that'd never happen. Same goes for Channing, oh well.
I don't really get Sandra Bullock as a dramatic actress, I thought her Oscar win for *that* performance is one of the biggest Oscar embarrassment of the past 10 years. She's hilarious but I'd never buy her as Brooke. I think Marisa Tomei or Gwyneth Paltrow (who gets so much backlash from everyone, I know) would be ideal.
Glenn Close would make such a great Polly! I'd love to see her in the role.

[henrikegerman]

I'd love to see Judy Davis as Silda, although she's really too young.

[Jordan Catalano]

Wasn't Liza born to play Silda?

[EricMontreal22]

I get the reasoning to go all star with this, but I do kinda wish they'd realize that most, if not all the cast are good behind the camera and would go more for the Six Degrees style of filming (Will Smith was already a bit of a name, and they could stunt cast one of the roles). But they would be more likely to get more money from a movie star cast. Although that doesn't always work (how much did Closer, or Carnage make, but those were plays that wouldn't have appealed to as broad an audience as Desert Cities could I guess).

[Bettyboy72]

Jordan, Liza is Silda.

[Jordan Catalano]

She'd get another Oscar, for sure.

[srg129]

I agree Bettyboy.

[henrikegerman]

"how much did Closer, or Carnage make, but those were plays that wouldn't have appealed to as broad an audience as Desert Cities could I guess)."

I'd think Closer's raw sexuality and Carnage's comic volatility give them broader appeal for the movies than anything in Other Desert Cities.

[Jordan Catalano]

Lyman: Johnny Depp
Polly: Helena Bonham Carter
Trip: Sacha Baron Cohen
Brooke: Chloe Moretz
Silda: Elvira

[somethingwicked]

Deanna Dunagan is playing Polly in the Goodman production. What exciting casting. Maybe they can reunite her with Amy Morton as Brooke and Rondi Reed as Silda?

http://www.playbill.com/news/article/165382-Goodmans-Other-Desert-Cities-Snags-Tony-Winner-to-Play-Republican-Mom

[AC126748]

Dunagan is beyond perfect. I suggested Rondi Reed for the Broadway production when it was announced that Lavin wouldn't be returning, so I'd love to see her as Silda. If they're casting bona-fide Chicago actors (and, basically, A:OC alums), Francis Guinan (who is so, so good right now in TIMES STANDS STILL at Steppenwolf) would be a PERFECT Lyman.

[Mister Matt]

but Close can't get any film role at all.

Whahuh? I mean, she's been busy with 5 seasons of Damages (Golden Globe and Emmy wins) and she was JUST nominated for the Golden Globe and the Oscar for Albert Nobbs.

[Will42]

Albert Nobbs?
You mean the one that she produced, co-wrote, partially co-financed and was trying to make for over 15 years? The one would've never been made if not for her incredible determination? This is exactly what I'm talking about. Apart from Albert Nobbs, Close hasn't appeared in film since 2007 and hasn't played the lead role since 102 Dalmatians in 2000. Sure, she was busy with Damages, but Rose Byrne has made 12 films since 2007, so it has nothing do with Close's availability, but with the lack of film offers.

[Bettyboy72]

Other Desert Cities seems better suited as an HBO film. I found the play's premise a little light and the big reveal was a little implausible. I enjoyed the play, but I don't thinks it's a groundbreaker. It works better as a chracter study when you have fine actors in the parts. I don't see this making a dent at the box office.

[Jordan Catalano]

I'm down with it being an HBO film, seeing as they produce better quality films than most studios do.

[AC126748]

Is Diane Lane too old for Brooke? The mention of HBO brought to mind her amazing recent performance in Cinema Verite, and the thought of her possibly being great as Brooke.

[Jordan Catalano]

I think Harrison Ford could be great as Lyman, also. A bit out of the box, maybe but I think it would work.

[henrikegerman]

I dont' think Diane Lane is at all too old for Brooke. Think of how old Lane was when she did A Little Romance in 1979. I would think Brooke would have been about that age when the backstory happened..... which I believe happened a few years before then (or at any rate around that time). If anything, Lane might be too young, but of course she would be fine for the role, and actually a damn good choice. (Even though I didn't care for her performance in Cinema Verite (but that's another matter).)

[Bettyboy72]

I'd love to see Diane Lane as Brooke. I'd really love to get this cast with talented, dynamic actors like Lane and Close who don't seem to get first crack at the A list parts anymore.

Ellen Barkin for Silda? Personally, I want Ellen Barkin in everything.