Paul Sulc ([info]praxis_veritas) wrote,
2006-09-03 21:04:00
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Some things are just too much!

I’ve just read that Shibumi is in pre-production, with Keanu Reeves as Nicholai Hel.

http://www.hollywood.com/movies/fulldetail/id/375360

After a month of dealing with a very difficult relationship bust-up, having lumps removed from my testicles (prognosis = good) and being called into school because my daughter is failing all her subjects – the idea that Keanu is play Nicholai is enough to tip me over the edge.

Large vodka anyone?

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  • 13 comments

[info]dichro

September 3 2006, 13:10:18 UTC 5 years ago

Ah, now that was a great book. Made me want to learn Basque. I imagine they're seeing the character as a neo-Neo... well, they'd have to be, really, seeing as how that's about the only character he can play.

[info]scotsnow

September 3 2006, 14:01:37 UTC 5 years ago

Shibumi: I like Keanu (he was excellent in Constantine and his scenes with the amazing Tilda Swinton crackled). But not for this project though. I note Nicholas Meyer had a hand in the script which isn't a bad thing, but whatever good he brought will have been over-written by this point. Mind you, I was doubtful when I heard Matt Damon would be playing Bourne and he turned out to be perfect; both films are the best thrillers I've seen in sometime.

My Shibumi cast would be: Val Kilmer, Gong Li, Jean Reno.

Testes: Jeez! I'm glad your prognosis is good.

Bust up: unfortunately they're always tough. And often sad. I'm sorry to hear it though.

If you need anything or just want to get together for wine and yuks drop me a line (I'm free most nights and weekends at the moment).




[info]praxis_veritas

September 3 2006, 15:23:52 UTC 5 years ago

Definitely agree about Gong Li, although for LeCagot I would think John Rhys-Davies. Val Kilmer is still a bit young for Nicholai, although he is looking older (and fatter) recently. Can’t really think whom I would like as Nicholai. Although, Francesca Annis would be good as Nicholai’s mother, Alexandra.

I’m just starting to get up and around. Conchita broke up with me the day before my operation. So there was pain on several levels.

I’m free later in the week – I’ll call to organise later. Still studying Monday and Tuesdays.

[info]scotsnow

September 3 2006, 16:56:53 UTC 5 years ago

Francesca Annis! Brilliant! John Rhys-Davis is also excellent.

The problem with Shibumi is that the temptation will be to jettison all the interesting character and philosophical stuff, relocate it to the hills of Washington state and make it all about the killing. It is a thriller, and a good one of course, but if I see Nicholai use a Glock 9mm at any point, somebody's gonna pay.

Make sure you get plenty of rest. Catch up on some reading! And let me know if you're up for a visit later in the week.

[info]praxis_veritas

September 3 2006, 23:14:25 UTC 5 years ago

Maybe they'll do a CSI type special effects. Whenever a pressure point is depressed, we see the inner body workings.
I wonder how much of the caving will be removed as irrelevant to the action - despite it being essential to understand the man and his relationships. I think many things that we think as essential to the story will be removed because it doesn't fit the current morality in America.
Although I think they should keep the Volvo bashing!

[info]scotsnow

September 4 2006, 12:09:49 UTC 5 years ago

The caving is essential to the understanding of the character. My bet is that if anything goes it'll be his backstory flashbacks, which are also essential. However if you only have 2 hours to get the job done something's gotta give. If I was adapting it I would first figure out the "A" story (the one that takes place in the present) and then fit the rest, the "B" story, in around it as needed. The backstory is the thing that would get cut more than anything, alas.

The Bourne Identity and Spy Game used flashbacks brilliantly, though, without breaking the narrative flow; I would be using them as models.

Also, I wonder how they'll deal with the fact that Nicholai doesn't actually turn up until a third of the way through? My bet is they'll show him on a violent, action-packed earlier "sanction" (*grin*) which led to him becoming a recluse. It's talked bout in the novel but not actually described, isn't it? Just you wait.

The Volvo bashing is an integral part of the story! If anybody remembers one thing, it's that!

[info]bizarrehands

September 14 2006, 02:33:47 UTC 5 years ago

The caving and volvo-bashing are intergral parts of the characters and their relationships! Omission would be unacceptable! Glad they are making it into a movie, but petrified they will destroy one of my favourite books.

As for Hel, how about John Malkovich? They need someone with the ability to easily portray a cool, calm demeanour. Can't see Reaves doing that.

What of his lover? Who could fill that role?

Rhys-Davis would be perfect for the role of the boisterous Basque! He played the part of the boisterous Portugese Pilot in Shogun so well.

[info]scotsnow

September 14 2006, 02:56:38 UTC 5 years ago

John Malkovich is somebody I hadn't even considered! Excellent suggestion.

His lover: Gong Li. Or Michelle Yeoh.

And the more I think on it the more perfect Rhys-Davies seems ...

[info]praxis_veritas

September 14 2006, 03:07:08 UTC 5 years ago

oh I concur with John Malkovich. And the Mother Company agent (his name escapes me - my copy of the book is still packed after the last move) - what about Michael Madsen?

[info]bizarrehands

September 14 2006, 05:30:32 UTC 5 years ago

Madsen would be a good choice. Not certain on the recommendations for Hel's lady. I've always visualised her to be more Sri Lankan in looks...
By selecting such great actors I feel I'm setting myself up for disappointment when the movie comes out now... Oh well pass the vodka..

[info]bizarrehands

September 14 2006, 05:32:12 UTC 5 years ago

Actually, make that Filipino

[info]scotsnow

September 16 2006, 04:19:58 UTC 5 years ago

I'm gonna stick with Michelle Yeoh, mainly because she's the right age (40s), can act and would be able to pull it off. Also I think she and Malkovich would really spark onscreen!

The problem now is that no matter how good the film ends up being, all I'll be thinking about is our proposed version ...

[info]bizarrehands

September 18 2006, 02:08:55 UTC 5 years ago

I'll concede to Michelle Yeoh. Can't think of anybody else, and I agree with everything you said about her. And she has the looks that make Hel's choice of her believable...

As for our version; know anybody with a few spare mil...
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