As we mentioned in class, The Turn of the Screw has been adapted many times in many different forms. Imagine that you were asked to cast a new film version of the novel. Who would you choose to play the Governess, Mrs. Grose, Peter Quint and Miss Jessel? Select at least three of the roles and then explain why you would choose the actors in question.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Turn of the Screen
As we mentioned in class, The Turn of the Screw has been adapted many times in many different forms. Imagine that you were asked to cast a new film version of the novel. Who would you choose to play the Governess, Mrs. Grose, Peter Quint and Miss Jessel? Select at least three of the roles and then explain why you would choose the actors in question.
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For the governess I decided to cast Amy Adams (The Wedding Date, Enchanted) because I really wanted someone young and innocent. She can play those totally clueless roles really well, but she has an intensity about her that would make her perfect for the role of the governess: an innocent, country girl, baffled by the sights of the bustling city who becomes a possessive, protective governess. I cast Toni Collette for the role of Mrs. Grose because of her versatility. She is able to play harsh, bitten characters and young, naïve women alternatively, which makes her a good choice for Mrs. Grose. Mrs. Grose is a base character and follows others’ advice almost blindly and Toni Collette played a similar role as Jane Austen’s Harriet Smith in Emma. Peter Quint’s role was a bit harder to cast simply because James omits descriptions of his age in the novel. Originally I cast Alan Rickman because of his versatility and because of his perfect performance as Severus Snape in the Harry Potter movies. He can play those harsh, bitten, and sour characters perfectly, and I thought he would add a sense of mystery and shadiness to Quint’s character. However, if Quint is assumed to be young, then my second choice is Joaquin Phoenix because of his dark good looks that make him seem handsome, yet mysterious and somewhat creepy at the same time. He can play those intense and disturbing characters convincingly and he would add mystery to the role of Quint. Lastly, for Miss Jessel, I would cast Emily Deschanel (Bones). Emily Deschanel also has those dark good looks and at times can exude a feeling of melancholy, which also permeates Jessel’s presence.
The three characters I would choose for the movie would be Kate Hudson, Johnny Depp, and Freddie Highmore. Kate Hudson should play the part of the governess because she was also in the Skeleton Key and her personality fits that of the governess where she is pretty, smart, and she was willing to take care of the old man who was dying. Johnny Depp would play the perfect role for Peter Quint because his looks, known for being a spooky ghostly character. Moreover, the actor Freddie Highmore from August Rush should play Miles. Freddie Highmore is an adorable boy who has the perfect look of innocence, and if he put on the role of Miles he would play the perfect part.
I would probably cast Scarlett Johansson as Miss Jessel. She is able to have a mysterious look about her, and I can picture her in the role, as she has already portrayed a mistress in Woody Allen’s Matchpoint.
I would cast Johnny Depp as Peter Quint. Creepy, he has portrayed Ichabod Crane, Edward Scissorhands, Sweeny Todd, Willy Wonka (yes, I consider this to be a creepy role), and other similar parts. I can picture him standing at the window in my mind.
The governess would be portrayed by Amy Adams (Giselle in Enchanted¬). Prior to her recent break, she portrayed several dark, small roles, including an imposingly conservative cousin of Tara Maclay’s in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and a young version of Kathryn Merteuil in Cruel Intentions II. She can play a dark character while still appearing innocent on the outside.
For Flora, I would cast Dakota Fanning. Even though she is currently a mllion, a great actress, and age appriate, she is more importantly, she is increditably creepy. She would be the perfect Flora. AS Miles I would cast a young Mcully Culkin. Him and Dakota fanning can be believable twins and I have the feeling the he is possessed already, so adjusting to the character would not be so difficult. As Mrs. jessel I would cast Kiera Knightly. She has seductive wualities which are easily matched with her misterious side. Peter Quint, needs to be able to want this woman, and Knightly is very pretty but also a little creepy which is perfect. AS for Mrs. Gross I would cast Meryl Streep. She is just plain actress genious and would attract the female population to come this film.
I thought this was closed, but i guess not. Anyway, for Miss Jessel i would have to cast Jessica Alba. She is young and beautiful. She fits the description that James gives. She has the potential to be nieve and not know better. I could easily see her being afraid of the ghosts and acting crazy around the house. As Mrs. Grose, Susan Sarandon. Mrs. Grose is and older, maybe middle aged woman who is past her prime. Nothing against Susan, but i feel she is too. She could aslo play the part of a housekeeper easily. There is a wierd sense around her in these types of movies. Last, I agree with Minel about Johnny Depp playing Peter Quint. Personally I'm not a fan of Depp, but he would fit the character perfectly. He is such a wierd and mysterious guy. I can see him already staring into the window with his big creepy eyes looking for Miles. He would definitly freak the audiance out.
Oops!! Closed!
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