08.30.08
“Nowhere Boy,” The Young Lennon Biopic Comes Together
Matt Greenhalgh’s, who wrote the excellent “Control,” “young Lennon” film seems to have stalled for almost a year. Until now, as it seems the film, called “Nowhere Boy,” is getting the go-ahead in a big way. To be directed by Sam Taylor-Wood, the film will focus on Lennon in his lonely teenage years where his music was the only way to escape his unfortunate domestic situation – and somewhere in between all the mayhem that was his growing up, he become a rock legend along with Paul McCarthy and the remainder of “The Beatles.” Casting for a biopic is always tricky but is also crucial that it is done right and with casting currently under way, interest will no doubt be summoned at TIFF this year. [THR]
Taylor Wood, a visual artist, says, “The women in John’s early life truly shaped who he became,”, “and the strengths and weaknesses of their relationships are central to this film.” Apparently Kate Winslet is the directors first choice to play Lennon’s mother, and Emily Watson to play his aunt. Sounds perfect to me so the fact that “Winslet is being encouraged to audition for the role of Lennon’s mother” seems futile – she is so past her days of having to audition for anything at all. [UK Daily Mail]
As for the role of Lennon et al, the likes of Sam Riley, Joe Anderson and Jim Sturgess come to mind. Superficial casting thoughts on my part for sure, seeing Riley was in “Control,” and Anderson and Sturgess were both in “Across the Universe,” which was inspired by the music of The Beatles, but one cannot say that they don’t have the talent to pull roles in this film. Will be interesting to see how things play out in regards to casting.
Salmaya said,
August 30, 2008 at 1:22 pm
This is so exciting!!!!
And your casting choices are all great. Although I doubt they would non-British actors to play in the film, I have heard Paul Dano and Joesph Gordon Levitt throw into the casting-chatter pot {over at AD}, and I have to say that they would be great.
Nick Plowman said,
August 30, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I am sure Dano and Gordon Levitt would be good, but I just cannot see them playing very British roles, as icons no less. Maybe that’s just me.
Dave said,
August 30, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Finally! I have been looking forward to this forever. Either Riley or Sturgess would be great, methinks.
Jeff said,
August 30, 2008 at 3:09 pm
I didn’t think Control was that great, so I will tread with caution.
Nick Plowman said,
August 30, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Care to elaborate as to why you didn’t like “Control”?
Jeff said,
August 30, 2008 at 3:27 pm
It was bleak, boring, dull, and not what i would call a good biopic. Riley and Morton were good, but overall it was very uninteresting filmmaking.
Nick Plowman said,
August 30, 2008 at 4:28 pm
I strongly disagree, like MAJORLY, but, ugh, whatever.
Kerry said,
August 30, 2008 at 7:57 pm
Jeff, bro, that is the exact opposite of what Control is. Seriously.
Nick Plowman said,
August 30, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Yeah, bro, we think you are really outta line. You can mess with a lot of things and I’d turn the other cheek, but do not mess with “Control.”
Salmaya said,
September 3, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Control is unmessable, so no worries Nick, coz we love it and we know how awesome it is.
0dd1 said,
March 21, 2009 at 8:22 am
I’m a huge Beatles fan and Lennon fan, so this to me is obviously extremely exciting news.