Robert Pattinson & James Franco Fight for Jeff Buckley Role
Rohin Guha
June 05, 2009
More on what we briefly noted: Because the creative drought in Hollywood isn't letting up anytime soon, what better time than the present to roll out yet another musician's biopic? Since we've already dispensed with the obligatory Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash flicks and aren't quite ready for a look into Freddie Mercury's life, why not settle on the man who gave capable and unfortunate musicians alike a chance to sing their own "Hallelujah"s?
Currently competing for the chance to play Jeff Buckley are heart-throbs Robert Pattinson and James Franco. Since auditions and line-readings are things of a former era in the world of casting, the final decision will probably come down to whichever thesp can demonstrate the dreamiest Buckley pout.
Comments (38)
Posted by Helen on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.44 pm
Buckleys’s mother has said the following:
Guibert revealed that the actor portraying her son, who drowned tragically in 1997, will have to sing and play his own instruments for the role.
“Whoever gets the part will need a lot of self-discipline because they won’t be able to fake it,” she said. “It’s going to take a phenomenal set of skills.”
Rob Pattinson is an excellent musician and singer and looks quite like Buckley. Franco only has the looks.
Posted by betsy on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.46 pm
If the producers want an actor that can truly contribute fully to the performance then it should be Pattinson as he is an excellent singer with great guitar, piano and harmonica skills. Franco to my knowledge has none of these skills. He can wear Gucci well though.
Posted by shell on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.48 pm
Hasnt Franco been buttering up the mother for ages. Seems a done deal. Sad though as Pattinson has an awesome voice and can play a mean guitar and piano.
Posted by Di on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.50 pm
An unknown would work but other than that Pattinson as he can sing and play instruments. Franco is happy to mime. I hate musical bios where they mime.
Posted by skip on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.55 pm
If all they want is a look alike then its Franco but he doesnt have any of the skill sets for the role. At least Pattinson and James Masters who is also mentioned for the role can sing and play instruments. I want someone who can put their own interpretation on the songs. Otherwise just go out and buy Buckleys albums. Pattinson would work if he cleaned up his diction slightly. He has a very rich voice. Its not what you expect him to sound like.
Posted by Jane on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.59 pm
Pattinson singing
These are just recorded on mobile phones
Posted by Ann on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 03.04 pm
Pattinson hands down...he’s musically gifted.
Posted by SoapsDiva on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 03.11 pm
I would love for Rob to get this - it would be perfect for him - combining his skills as an actor and musician. Hopefully the powers that be will make this happen! Besides - Rob has a much bigger draw right now - you’d think he’d be a shoo-in!
Posted by Dee on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 03.13 pm
Pattinson is indeed an excellent musician...and his singing voice sounds a great deal like Buckley’s, too. However, aren’t they going to be using Buckley’s actual music and vocals? If so, that doesn’t give him any kind of edge.
It sounds like Buckley’s mom has already hand-picked Franco for the role. We’ll see.
Post a Comment
Anonymous comments are moderated. To comment instantly, register with BlackBook. Click here to login.
Posted by susan on Fri Jun 5, 2009 at 02.40 pm
Pattinson has a fantastic soulful voice and is a brilliant musician. Franco doesnt have either skill.