Monday, March 22, 2010

Starring as me ...

by Anna Sugden

I was watching American Gangster the other night (hubby's choice and surprisingly good) and got to thinking about what it must be like to have a movie made of your life.

Reading the extra booklet that came with the DVD (yes, I'm a geek when it comes to those DVD extras!) I saw that Denzel Washington had actually met Frank Lucas - the gangster of the title - and that Russell Crowe had met the cop who brings Lucas down.

Which got my brain working - what must it be like as an actor to meet the person you're portraying? What must it be like to have someone making a movie of your life ... while you're still alive! I reckon it would be really interesting to see how someone viewed your life and your achievements, as well as what you're like. And, what fun to see someone playing you - especially if you got script approval and casting approval *g*.

Then, I read an interview with my favourite hockey player (for those of you who watched the gold medal hockey game - he's the Team USA player who scored the goal with seconds left to take the game to over-time - that's my boy! *g*) and he was asked who he'd like to play him in the movie of his life. He replied Denzel Washington, because he was a good actor, which made everyone laugh. Then, he said "Yeah, I know he's much taller than me." which brought the house down! (You can see why!)

Anyway, I wondered who I'd like to play me in the movie of my life. The answer that sprang to mind immediately was Audrey Hepburn. She'd be perfect ... if you squint you could see a vague resemblance LOL. Okay, so she's far too gorgeous and elegant and poised, but work with me here *g*.

The other person who would be good would be Julia Roberts - I used to have long hair like that and she used to be quite curvy.



Or perhaps Susan Sarandon. I think she'd be able to do the whole under-stated English thing (southern style *g*).





Or maybe Mariska Hargitay or Stana Katic - they could do the exotic look.




I asked my lovely hubby and he suggested Marisa Tomei (He's loved her since My Cousin Vinny!)

So, who do you think should play you in the movie of your life? Any suggestions about who should play me? What about any of the other Banditas - who could play them?

63 comments:

limecello said...

hi!

limecello said...

Anna - I think Stana would be a great choice for you! Also, I think almost every woman would love to be played by Audrey Hepburn.
Vivien Leigh too...
As for me, no idea :X I don't know who 97% of actors/actresses are. Nota huge movie person.
But hopefully something about my life is movie worthy some day :D

Helen said...

Congrats lime as always enjoy your day with him

Anna very interesting post something I have never thought about so many actresses to choose from young older beautiful interesting lots of them for me probably Mae West LOL. I gotta agree that Audrey Hepburn great for you.

I am going to think on this one and get back

Have Fun
Helen

Jane said...

Hi Anna,
So Zach Parise is your favorite player. Merle Oberon was exotic beauty and I think she could play you. I want Kate Winslet to play me.

Congrats on the GR, Limecello.

Michelle Santiago said...

great question anna! lol i've given this some thought too after i saw the julie and julia movie. i think i'd like jennifer garner (like she was in 13 going to 30 not sydney bristow--i'm not kick-ass like that lol) to play me.

have fun with GR lime!

雞排 said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Anna Sugden said...

Well done, Lime - yet another chook capture!

Stana is an interesting woman - very versatile in her looks. When I was lookng for pics of her for this post, I came across so many different types and styles. Glad you think she would work for me *g*. Funnily enough, she is the image I have for my current heroine.

Give us a clue on what you look like and we'll find someone to play you!

Anna Sugden said...

Thanks, Helen - I guess you squinted at the picture of Audrey like I did! LOL

Mae West is an interesting choice - now there was a dame with attitude!

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Jane! Yes, Zach is my boy! Has been from the day he came up to the NHL (and after Scotty Stevens retired).

Oooh - I like the idea of exotic beauty Merle Oberon!

I'm sure Kate Winslet would be honoured to play you.

Anna Sugden said...

Thanks for reminding me that I still haven't seen Julie and Julia, Chelleyreads! I must do that.

Jennifer Garner is lovely - good choice!

Marisa O'Neill said...

Hi Anna, you made me laugh reading this post. Hard question... for you I think perhaps a young Susan Sarandon or even Ashley Judd - she'd do you a proud.

I'd like Catherine O'Hara to play me - I think she's got it all. The ability to be funny, serious, heart warming and truthful. And really, who could ask for more.

For the other bandidatas how about:
Natalie Portman as Susan Sey
Demi Moore as Cassandra
Dakota Fanning as Anna Campbell
Maggie Gyllenhall as Nancy
Jessica Biel as Tawny
Sarah Chalke as Kate
Julia Ormond as Caren
Resse Witherspoon as K.J.
Diane Lane as Kristen
Julianna Marguiles as Christine W.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Suzanne W
Leelee Sobieski as Jeanne
Laura San Giacomo as Beth
Meg Ryan as Donna
Sarah Jessica Parker as Trish
Andie MacDowell as Jo
Kate Winslet as Christie
Toni Collette as AC

Now that would be a star studded film - "The Banditas take Hollywood". Bet it would be the top grossing pic of the year!

Minna said...

I have no idea who I would want to play my part. I can't even remember most actors names, anyway.

This song sticks to your head and stays there:
Kuorosota 2010 FINAALI - "Shakalaka Baby" [Ilkan kuoro, Joensuu]
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eL0u_9GrMoc

Deb said...

Hi, Anna. This an interesting snd fun post.

I would have to go with my namesake---Debbie Reynolds. (In the ancient times of no ultra sounds and the way Mother was carrying me, she and Dad thought I was a boy and had my name picked out--and Surprise! While flipping through a magazine, Mother saw a pic of Debbie R.) She's perky and fun, I think.

There's also Julie Andrews, but she'd be playing me being Julie Andrews! Haha; I always wanted to play Maria in The Sound of Music!

Anna Sugden said...

Hi Marisa - great to see you!!

Oh yes - Ashley Judd would be good for me too!

Had to look up Catherine O'Hara - nice.

Interesting choices for the other Banditas too! I love Laura San Giacomo as Beth.

I think the perfect choice for KJ is Jerri Ryan. Honestly, Jerri looks just like KJ.

And Julianne Moore for Joanie.

How about Kristen Scott-Thomas for Kirsten
Catherine Zeta Jones for Christine
Julia Roberts for Tawny
Katherine Heigl for Susan
Dana Delaney for Caren
Helena Bonham Carter for Cassondra

Anna Sugden said...

Give us some clues as to what you like like, Minna and we'll come up with some options for you.

Anna Sugden said...

How funny, Deb - my parents were told by a nurse that I was a boy and they panicked, because my mum has been convinced I would be a girl - I was nearly called Fred, before a midwife reassured them I was a girl.

Debbie Ryenolds is a great choice for you. LOL about Julia Andrews.

Deb said...

lots of typos today--black keyboard and typing in the dark, not a good combo. Oops.

Hellie Sinclair said...

I think Kate Winslet should play me. *LOL* Granted, she's from England and I'm from Missouri, so the accents are way off. I'm like many, many pounds removed from her svelte figure. And my hair is now short (I used to have hair like hers when she did Titanic; we looked more alike then)--but I love her work. I think she'd be a good choice. :)

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Oh Marisa, I think I love you!
Michelle Pfeiffer as Suzanne W...

Anna, Love the post...I'd like Sandra Bullock, sans the Merril Streep lip lock, to play me. She's a brunette, smart and quick witted. Yep, like that combo a bunch.

Let me sleep a few hours then I'll post a list for the Banditas!

Joan said...

This is such an interesting post Anna!

I have no problem seeing Audrey as you...without squinting!

As to myself....Meg Ryan in You've Got Mail. Other times when I'm filled with alternating angst and verve Amy Adams in Julie and Julia and when the Irish is up, Maureen O'Hara in ANYTHING!

Christie Kelley said...

Fun post, Anna. I did like your suggestions of Mariska Hargitay or Stana Katic. I think both are good choices for you.

For me? I liked Marisa's suggestion of Kate Winslet or possible Susan Sarandon or Amy Adams.

Donna MacMeans said...

LOL Hey Marisa - where do we send the payoff?

Love the idea of Meg Ryan playing me - especially if she brings along her hunky husband along to the set (maybe not - the director might look at Anthony Banderas and think HE looks more like me than Meg!)

Maybe Meryl Streep would be good for me - she has that common "every woman" look about her that suits me. Besides, wouldn't bother me a bit to don the neon colored spandex to sing "Dancing Queen" (which my daughter insists is my theme song).

Anna - I think Audrey Hepburn would have played you wonderfully. She has that delightful impish look that fits you. But, at the moment, you have more life and vitality than the deceased Ms. Hepburn. Not sure she could capture your spirit at the moment. (grins)

jo robertson said...

What a clever post, Anna!

I don't think I'd like my life played on the big screen. I cringe when my children start a conversation with, "Do you remember when?" I realize how much of my young motherhood I've blocked out. Tyler just yesterday said, "Do you remember when I peed in Shannon's mouth in the bathtub?" He was 3 and Shannon 5 and apparently it was a dare. Tyler says I beat the daylights out of him (an exaggeration, I'm sure). Those stories make me shudder.

Really, no one gives you a manual when kids are born. I'm sure I did things that are illegal now!

jo robertson said...

Congrats, Lime! The chook is back in your court. Going to church yesterday did NOT teach him to be reverent, naughty boy!

I agree with Lime, Anna. You have that exotic thing going that looks very much like Stana.

jo robertson said...

If my life were cast in a movie, I'd probably be portrayed by someone crazy like Lucille Ball, but I'd prefer the aplomb of Myrna Loy or Bonnie Hunt (whom I adore) who both played the role of mom in CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN.

jo robertson said...

Whoa, Helen, good choice; you can't go wrong with Mae West! "Is that a gun in your pocket?"

Those are great portrayals, Marisa, spot on! Especially Natalie Portman as our Susan -- perfect!

jo robertson said...

Oooh, you're right, Anna. I hadn't thought about Jeri Ryan for KJ. That's perfect!

Louisa Cornell said...

What a great post !! And I am loving everyone's choices.

I could DEFINITELY see Merle Oberon playing you VraiAnna! She definitely has that exotic, other world look of yours.

The younger me could be played by Sandra Bullock - quirky, funny, clutzy and opinionated.

Me now? Kathy Bates.

Who I WISH I looked enough like for her to play me? Liv Tyler. She's the model for the heroine of my second book.

Anna Sugden said...

As it's you, Kate Winslet can play the lead in your film, Ms Hellion. I'm sure she can manage the accent - I'm always surprised at how good these actors and actresses are at accents.

Anna Sugden said...

Oh Suz - did you have to mention that lip-lock?! Ick. But, I think Sandra Bullock would be a great choice to play you.

Sweet dreams!

Anna Sugden said...

I love that movie, Joanie. It's one of my favourites. It's one of my quotable movies!

Oh, Maureen O'Hara would be fab!!

Anna Sugden said...

Forgot to say smooches for not having to squint, Joanie!

Anna Sugden said...

Thanks, Christie - we'll ignore them being taller and skinnier than me ... creative licence!

Amy Adams is a great choice for you!

Anna Sugden said...

Funnily enough, Donna, I can Meryl Streep playing you - she has that twinkle in her eye that says she has a sense of fun. I always think of you when I see Mama Mia and they sing Dancing Queen.

LO about having more vitality than poor Audrey does right now. On a good day you're probably right!

Anna Sugden said...

Jo, you'd get script approval so they'd do the perfect Hollywood job of glossing over those sticky moments! Or, they'd make them seem charming.

I know you're a fab mum, so I know you'll be fine!

Anna Sugden said...

Don't you just love Myrna Loy?! I adored her in Mr Blanding's Dream House. And she has that sassiness that would be perfect for you, Jo!

Anna Sugden said...

I'm ROFL about Kathy Bates, Louisa - wonderful actress as she is (though, I'm afraid I always see her as #1 fan!).

I think you'd need someone who's not just beautiful, but talented too! After all, there's all that opera singing! Can Liv Tyler sing?

How about Katherine Grayson?

Terri Osburn said...

I see the resemblence with Audrey and you. That would be a perfect match. Though she's not around anymore, so I'd suggest Juliette Binoche. She's so gorgeous and there's a resemlence there too. (Haven't read the comments so sorry if someone else mentioned her first.)

For me, probably Melanie Lynskey (who plays Rose on Two and a Half Men.) She can be straight or quirky and she's not your typical size 0 actress. If they wanted to stretch the truth a bit, I wouldn't mind Robin Wright Penn taking the part.

Anna Sugden said...

Let's see who else ...

Irene Dunne or Ginger Rogers for Anna C
Katherine Hepburn or Diane Keaton (in her Baby Boom days)for Nancy
Renee Zellweger or Kate Hudson for Kate
Nicole Kidman or Cameron Diaz for Jeanne

Anna Sugden said...

Oh Terri - I love Juliette Binoche!

Good choice with Melanie. She reminds me of Mary-Louise Parker.

limecello said...

lol Jo, uh oh! Naughty bird indeed! Maybe that's why I got to nab him - it's a rainy cold day in Boston. Pretty sure the GR won't enjoy getting his feathers wet.

Nancy said...

Hmm, interesting question, Anna. I used to have people telling me I looked like sitcom actress, but she has faded into obscurity, and I don't even remember her name, so I don't guess she'll do.

Maybe Famke Janssen from X-Men. She's tall. Or Teri Hatcher, though she's a little short. Sigourney Weaver, though she's even taller than I am, as well as older.

Maybe Sandra Bullock, though I'm not sure she's tall enough. Coming from Virginia, she can probably do a Southern accent that's not cringe-inducing to those who actually speak with a real one.

"Tall enough" is very important, more important than hair color, which can be acquired.

Nancy said...

Limecello, congrats on the rooster. :-)

I love Vivien Leigh, though I'm not a movie person either.

Nancy said...

Marisa, you cast the entire Lair. Wow! Great list.

Anna Sugden said...

Oh yes, Nancy - I can see Sigourney Weaver in the lead role!

jo robertson said...

LOL, Anna, I always say the jury's out on your kids until they turn 40! Good thing I'd get script approval.

I'm drawing a blank, Donna. Who's Meg Ryan's "hunky" husband?

Terri Osburn said...

I think Donna was thinking of Melanie Griffith. Since she mentioned Antonio Bandaras...sort of. LOL!

Then said...

Anna, this is a hilarious post. Thank you for giggles!

I've never thought of a movie of my life. But my husband and I are convinced that if he and I had video cameras on us all the time (you know, like Matthew Mcconaughy in Ed TV), we'd have a lot less to argue about. We could just rewind and say, "No, you said that. See?" or "I did tell you I was going out tonight. It's right there on February 13 at 4:24 PM."

And speaking of Matthew Mcconaughy... It's a lot easier imagining the actor I'd like playing opposite me in a movie of my life (with all due respect to my aforementioned wonderful spouse). ;)

Buffie said...

Great post, Anna! I love all of the recommendations for the Bandits. This is so much fun to read!

I am coming up with blanks for me. I have no idea. So I called my hubby and asked him. His answer . . . Sandra Bullock or maybe a young Sally Fields. Not sure if either of those fit. :-)

Anna Sugden said...

LOL Katharine - Can you imagine what life would be like with instant replays? Oy!

That's cheating to talk about your leading man! You have to pick your leading lady first!

Funnily enough, some people have said Kurt Russell should play my lovely hubby in the movie. I can see that *g*

Anna Sugden said...

You can't go wroung with either of those choices, Buffie! Well done to your hubby.

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, Anna, what a cute post! As you know, I spent most of my childhood wanting to look like Audrey H. As hopeless as your hockey player wanting to look like the gorgeous Denzell, methinks! I think I'd get Lady Gaga to play me - just because I can!

pjpuppymom said...

What a fun blog. VAnna, I think Audrey Hepburn would have been a perfect choice to play you!

I honestly have no idea who I'd want to play me. The young me and the current me would be two very different actresses, both in looks and attitude. I'm much more outgoing and have a lot more confidence these days.

pjpuppymom said...

Buffie, I can definitely see the young Sally Field playing you. I think that's a great choice!

Louisa Cornell said...

Actually I could see Meg Ryan playing you PJ - cute, perky, sassy and smart !!

And hey, I can see Audrey Hepburn as you, La Campbell. And we all KNOW who would play the love interest, right? Look out Richard Armitage!

Anna Campbell said...

Hey, RA would be lucky to have me launching myself at him, Louisa!

Anna Sugden said...

Only you, Anna, could come up with Lady Gaga! LOL.

Anna Sugden said...

Thanks, PJ! How different were you when you were younger?

I can see Rita Hayworth playing you now (well, obviously Rita at the height of her career, not as she is now LOL)

pjpuppymom said...

Thanks, PJ! How different were you when you were younger?


I had long hair, was very slim and very shy.

pjpuppymom said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
pjpuppymom said...

Louisa said, Actually I could see Meg Ryan playing you PJ - cute, perky, sassy and smart !!


Awww. Thank you!!! <3

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