Apparently, Die Hard action-star Bruce Willis, will be making his Broadway debut in the stage adaptation of Stephen King’s Misery. The best-selling 1987 novel was already adapted for the screen with Kathy Bates and Jame Caan, so I’m wondering how they will adapt it, yet again, for the stage. Actress, Elizabeth Marvel (House of Cards) will step into the role of Annie Wilkes, which was originally portrayed by Bates and earned her an Academy Award. Personally,I think it would be interesting if Kathy Bates were given the chance to play her famed character onstage. I honestly think that even after twenty-five years, Bates could pull it off. Who knows? It’s still early in the process, so there might be a chance for her to win a Tony for the same role in which she won an Oscar. But, I’m interested to see what Marvel does with the role. The characters of Paul Sheldon and Annie Wilkes have become so iconic within the horror/thriller genre that I think an audience may have a tough time seeing anyone else but James Caan and Kathy Bates in those roles. The good news is, that many film-goers may not be aware of, that Willis has Off-Broadway stage experience. It’ll be very interesting to see him “back on the boards” after nearly thirty years. However, I don’t want to be too quick to assume its fate yet. We’ll just have to wait and see until the curtain goes up in the fall.
Tag: Academy Award
Feeling Torn: A Response to Both the Praise & Criticism of #EddieRedmayne in #TheTheoryofEverything
In the past few days I’ve felt torn. As an actor, I draw from my experiences both emotionally and physically. We all do that as actors. The difference however, comes with the fact that my muscle memory, my emotional memory, and the fibers of my being are inwardly different. By all appearances, I seem like your “normal” actor, but those fibers in my being would beg to differ. Born three months premature at one pound, ten ounces, with a mild form of cerebral palsy, I’ve had to deal with physical limitations that appear minor, and triumphs that would be considered obscure because “everyone can do that, right?” As a kid, even learning to skip was a huge achievement for me. Learning how to walk again at 13 was a mountain. From a sense memory standpoint, there are things I can bring to the role of someone who deals with limited mobility or physical pain that is unique.
The problem is, everyone can bring something to the table. Part of me understands the critics, the people who say that they should have cast someone who “understands” Hawkings’ plight with ALS, but that would be, frankly, irrational. Eddie Redmayne did research, met with Hawking, and portrayed him to the best of his abilities. With that, he was awarded the Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG Award, and ultimately, the Oscar. Hopefully Hawkings’ story, coupled with Redmayne’s portrayal, plants a seed. Maybe people will become curious and educate themselves about issues like ALS, Maybe they’ll look at Julianne Moore’s Oscar-winning performance for Still Alice and become aware of early-onset Alzheimer’s’ disease. It’s an actor’s job to bring truth to a situation to the best of their abilities.
I do believe though, that actors from all walks of life need to be seen, not just portrayed and represented. Their voices need to be heard. We as actors are supposed to bring truth to the screen, so let’s do that.
Oscar Day 2015! #Oscars2015 #AcademyAwards with @ActuallyNPH
It’s the best day of the year! Oscar day! Will host Neil Patrick Harris deliver a fantastic show? Probably. As far as predictions go, this year is a tough one. There were amazing movies of all different subjects and genres. As far as acting performances, there are some surprises in those races. Who knows, Bradley Cooper might come up from behind and take the statue away from Eddie Redmayne or Michael Keaton for Best Actor. However, if I was a betting woman, I would think that it’s Keaton’s year. The same goes for the Best Actress. I mean, where did Marion Cotillard’s nomination come from? I don’t think she was on anyone’s prediction list. However, I think it’s safe to say Julianne Moore has waited long enough to take home an Oscar. I hope she has picked a place to put her much-deserved accolade for her awesome performance in Still Alice. The other categories of Best Supporting Actor and Actress are pretty much givens as well. J.K. Simmons, prepare your speech now for Best Supporting Actor. I think this year’s surprises will come with the Best Picture winner (Selma or American Sniper could be surprises), director, and writing, simply because the races are more interesting. The fun will come with Neil Patrick Harris and his impeccable hosting abilities. Watch on ABC tonight @ 7:00!