Recasting " The Thin Man" Article

[Hemingway Jones]

RECASTING THE CLASSICS: 'The Thin Man'
http://www.younghollywood.com/scene/recasting-the-classics-the-thin-man.html

Published on Friday, January 04 2013
Written by Greg McIver


This writer goes through the sort of exercise we do from time to time in recasting a classic film. I don't agree with his choice of Nora, but I thought I'd pass it along...



Almost a year ago, it was tentatively announced that Hollywood would be remaking the classic 1934 film The Thin Man, with Johnny Depp playing the lead role of Nick Charles and Gore Verbinski directing. Now, there is nothing necessarily wrong with any of these choices, per se; Depp is a fantastic actor who has been entertaining audiences for decades upon decades, and Verbinski directed Mouse Hunt. All in all, the project sounds like it would be in pretty safe hands. However, seeing as how The Thin Man is one of my favorite classic movies, and the remake is not set in stone, I thought that I would chime in with my own thoughts.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Just one person's opinion on who they would like to see play a role. Money and contract's do more to make movies that opinion's.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

Indeed. As it always has been in Hollywood.

 

[Evan Everhart]

Indeed. As it always has been in Hollywood.

When I checked the link, it said Robert Downey, Jr. would be playing the role of Nick Charles. I feel sick to be honest. I can already see the over-production values....Especially with Helena Bonham Carter in it. I'm burned out on her. I can't believe that they chose her for Nora Charles! Ugh! What has hollywood come to? I miss the Studio system of the Golden era. Still, the prospect of the possibility of the Thin Man being remade is stimulating, if likely to disappoint....Thanks for the heads up sir! I've Always loved that film since I was a young child.
'

 

[bulldog1935]

remake never has been Hollywood's best thing - it's their financial grasping for straws - we have to make something for the box office

 

[Feraud]

I too am burnt out on RJD and Helena. Lets fantasy cast some fresh blood in those roles.

 

[RBH]

remake never has been Hollywood's best thing - it's their financial grasping for straws - we have to make something for the box office

If we did not have remakes we would not have had Bogart in ''The Maltese Falcon''.

 

[Feraud]

Good point, or other classics as The Wizard of Oz, Ten Commandments, The Man Who Knew Too Much.

 

[Gregg Axley]

Agreed.
I think Evan makes a good point about the studio system of the Golden Era. It's certainly not like that today.
Also, it's based on who's popular at the time, not who's right for the part.
I'd like to see Depp as the character, he's a good actor.
RJD? He ruined Sherlock Holmes IMHO. I got through 10 minutes and realized how much I miss Jeremy Brett.

 

[scotrace]

I'd honestly like to see Depp retire. Overexposed and in everything. Also Robert Downey Jr., and for heaven's sake give DeCaprio a rest.

 

[The Wolf]

The Thin Man is one of my favorite movies and yet I think Loy is better cast than Powell based on Hammett's book. This hurts me to say because William Powell is my favorite actor of the golden age. The studio cast him because they knew he could play a detective, since he played Philo Vance before. Vance was quite a different character from Nick Charles. Charles was essentially a Sam Spade type hobnobbing with society because he married into money. Loy was cast because the assigned director, W. S. VanDyke liked the chemistry he saw between them in Manhattan Melodrama.
Powell and Loy are still a hard act to follow, though.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[Blackthorn]

If we did not have remakes we would not have had Bogart in ''The Maltese Falcon''.

That's the bottom line, to me.

 

[Hemingway Jones]

When I checked the link, it said Robert Downey, Jr. would be playing the role of Nick Charles. I feel sick to be honest. I can already see the over-production values....Especially with Helena Bonham Carter in ...
'

Nope. That was the writer's preference. I believe that Johnny Depo still has the role, if it gets made.

 

[Doublegun]

Let's see Johnny Depp reprising his rolls as Capt'n Jack/Tonto/Mad Hatter/Willy Wonka this time as one of the best comedic rolls of the golden age. Gee, I can't imagine his interpretation.

It really doesn't matter who they cast as Nick or Nora, there is no way they'll have the chemistry that Powell and Loy had.

 

[m0nk]

I wish that instead of more articles giving opinions on casting there would instead be an article on some official casting. The Thin Man and it's subsequent sequels were some of my favorite movies and if there is to be a remake, I want to see it done right but also want to see it done by those that are fans of the original and not the typical Hollywood money-hungry execs... from what I've read, it's in good hands now, so the sooner it gets going, the better.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Is this to be done period? Or is it to be "an ironic modern take on the classic original?" If the latter, forget it -- Nick and Nora have no place in the 21st Century.

 

[m0nk]

Is this to be done period? Or is it to be "an ironic modern take on the classic original?" If the latter, forget it -- Nick and Nora have no place in the 21st Century.

From my understanding it will be period. This could change, and in that case I would be with you, but as long as it stays period, I'll watch it.

 

[LizzieMaine]

If that's the case, then Guy Pearce as Nick and Amy Adams as Nora. If they modernize it, I fear we'll end up with Ryan Gosling as Nick and Ellen Page as Nora. And a pit bull will play Asta.

 

[m0nk]

If that's the case, then Guy Pearce as Nick and Amy Adams as Nora. If they modernize it, I fear we'll end up with Ryan Gosling as Nick and Ellen Page as Nora. And a pit bull will play Asta.

I would hate to see Ryan Gosling in this movie.... but then I also think Guy Pearce works better as a bad-guy. Amy Adams is a nice choice, though. I also wouldn't mind seeing Rachel McAdams as Nora.

 

[Two Types]

"Guy Pearce as Nick and Amy Adams as Nora" that works for me ....