My Book Club, of which I have been a member for 16 years, often discusses who we would cast if the book would be made into a movie. It often becomes an animated discussion and is a fun part of our dialogue. I would like to ponder this possibility in the three books I have listed below.
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
Susan Vreeland’s latest work would work well as a movie. Auguste Renoir brought together 14 of his friends to model for his painting on the patio of La Maison Fournaise, a restaurant on the banks of the Seine where patrons would come to rent boats, dine, and occasionally spend the night. Renoir had to finish the painting quickly before the waning summer lighting changed his perception and before he ran out of money.
Casting Choices – I see Brad Pitt playing the role of Auguste Renoir. He wears a beard so well. Renoir’s wife, Aline Charigot, who is one of his models for the picture, was not married to him at the time. Wouldn’t Angelina Jolie be the perfect choice as Aline? An interesting choice for Alphonsine, daughter of the owner of La Maison Fournaise who is young but has a slight crush on Renoir, could be played by Jennifer Aniston if she would agree to be in the movie. Matt Damon would do well as Alphonse, son of the owner and brother to Alphonsine. Gustave Caillebotte, a painter and friend of Renoir might be portrayed by George Clooney.
Director Steven Soderbergh, who is familiar with these cronies from the Ocean’s series and could keep these characters in line, would be a colorful director of this important piece.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I suspect that The Help may one day work its way onto the silver screen. Its main character, Skeeter, a recent graduate of Ole Miss, wants to interview the black maids of some of her friends to determine what the true relationship is between these women of two different cultures.
Casting Choices – I choose Natalie Portman to play Skeeter. The director will have to make her a little plainer than she is, since Skeeter is jilted by her boyfriend and is more of an intellectual type rather than a great beauty. I am remembering Natalie as Susan Sarandon’s daughter in Anywhere But Here, and can visualize her playing the part of Skeeter.
Aibileen, whose only son was killed in an industrial accident, dotes on her charge, Mae Mobley, the daughter of Miss Leefolt who vacillates between neglecting her 3-year old daughter and heaping verbal abuse on her. Aibileen initially hesitates to reveal her inner thoughts to Skeeter, but finally relents and helps Skeeter find other maids who will cooperate in this bold venture. Queen Latifah would be perfect for the part of Aibileen. Her take-charge attitude will come across well in this instance. Queen Latifah is Abileen.
Minny, Aibileen’s best friend, is short, fat and sassy. She is also a great cook but has a quick, sharp tongue. I believe Oprah Winfrey would do justice to the part of Minny. After insulting Miss Hilly and losing her job, she is hired by Miss Celia who is new in town and unaware of the protocol which should be followed by members of the white inner circle.
Miss Hilly, the proud, sophisticated head of the Junior League should be played by Charlize Theron. I would cast Jessica Simpson as cold-hearted Miss Leefolt. Kate Hudson would make a perfect scatterbrained Miss Celia.
Gary Marshall, who has had success in directing women’s movies such as Beaches and The Princess Diaries, would do well with The Help, which again explores women’s relationships.
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
Not many people are aware that the Germans occupied the island of Guernsey during World War II. A curfew imposed on the islanders by the Germans is a significant scenario in the book. When a group of people left a dinner after the curfew one evening, they were accosted by German soldiers. One of their number, Elizabeth, made up the story that they had a meeting of their Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which seemed to satisfy the soldiers.
One of the members, Adam Dawsey, began a correspondence with writer Juliet Ashton after finding her name and address in an old book on Charles Lamb. Other members of the society wrote to Juliet also, telling her of their life on the island. Juliet became intrigued enough to visit the island and the Society members.
Casting Choices – My favorite to portray Juliet Ashton is Sigourney Weaver. Adam Dawsey should be portrayed by Hugh Laurie (of Dr. House fame). He looks exactly like what I imaged Dawsey to be. Elizabeth McKenna, who invented the reason for breaking the curfew, should be played by Keira Knightley. Blythe Danner would be good in the part of Isola who is slightly empty-headed. Adelaide, who is not a fan of the visiting Juliet, might be played by Helen Mirren. Booker, a valet who masquerades as a butler should be played by Stanley Tucci.
For Director, I would like to put this film in the hands of James Ivory who has such a record of successes, such as Howard’s End and Remains of the Day.
Sources:
Luncheon of the Boating Party by Susan Vreeland
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
