CHUD Repertory Draft, Why We Chose X

1. Robert Downey, Jr.



I think this pick is pretty much a no-brainer. Downey, Jr. has proven time and time again that he can handle anything that is thrown his way, and make it look totally easy the entire time he is doing it. Iron Man has not only provided him with a much-deserved career resurgence, but it has proven that he can do both action and sci-fi with equal aplomb. Kiss Kiss Bang Bang is only the most recent example that he can handle comedy with ease, a skill which was also brought to the table in the aforementioned Iron Man, as well as a number other films. Additionally, he has proven his dramatic chops on several occasions; from Chaplin to Good Night, and Good Luck to Zodiac, the guy can do drama in his sleep. Best of all, he's shown on numerous occasions that he has no problem working with an ensemble, and is willing to step aside and let someone else take the spotlight every now and then. Downey, Jr. is one of the most well-rounded talents working today, and would be an excellent addition to any repertory company lucky enough to snag him.

2. Catherine Keener



Catherine Keener is without a doubt one of the most adept and talented actresses working today. She can go from comedy to drama to sci-fi at the drop of a hat (and she pretty much did all of those in one movie, Spike Jonez and Charlie Kaufman's sublime masterpiece Being John Malkovich). It's not much of a stretch to think that she could handle being a tormented woman in a horror film, or the love interest or assistant of the hero in a balls-out action film. These are roles she could no doubt handle with ease, and be completely believable in both. Best of all, she would fit in well with just about any ensemble, and could play off of her other veteran co-stars, while serving as someone the young up-and-comers could look to for inspiration and advice. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's stunningly beautiful, and has legs that go all the way up. But those are just perks, the icing on the cake, which in this case is the immense talent she possesses. She may not be as young as the starlets Hollywood seems to revere, but any ensemble cast should count its blessings to have a woman like Catherine Keener serving as one of its cornerstones.

3. Kurt Russell



While Kurt may not be considered the best actor of this generation, he has more than cemented his place as a "star," and possesses that elusive quality that makes one compelling and watchable on screen. Best of all, though, he has proven throughout his career that he can handle any type of genre without breaking a sweat (unless the role requires him to), and he can make nearly any movie that much better with his mere presence. A look at the guy's impressive career should be proof enough of his versatility. His early genre work with John Carpenter (The Thing, Escape From New York, Big Trouble in Little China) as well as lesser films like Stargate and Soldier show that he can more than handle horror and sci-fi, while his appearances in great comedies like Used Cars (and dumb ones like Captain Ron and Overboard) show that he has a great sense of humor, as well as a knack for expert comic timing. Meanwhile, big budget pulpy stuff like Tombstone and Sky High show that Kurt can work well with an ensemble, establishing a strong presence while letting others share the spotlight. Need an action hero? There are few who can do that as well as Kurt Russell, as movies like Tango & Cash, Breakdown, and Backdraft prove. Yet he is still capable of bringing the drama in films like Miracle and Dreamer: Inspired by a True Story. He may not be on the level of Daniel Day Lewis or Robert De Niro, but there's a reason Kurt Russell has lasted as long as he has in the business. He's got "it," and at the end of the day, that's all he needs.

4. Franka Potente



Every good acting troupe needs a solid, talented actress that can bring the goods when necessary, and in the Fortis Company Players, Franka Potente is that actress. While she isn't a conventional beauty by Hollywood standards, and she isn't exactly what one could call a "star," she can act up a storm, and offers up a quietly compelling presence that pretty much demands that an audience to watch her. Based on the first two Bourne films and Tom Tykwer's Run Lola Run, Potente has demonstrated that she can handle action with ease, while Creep proved that she's no stranger to the horror genre. Her turn on the powerful television program "The Shield," along with her roles in films like Blow and Storytelling illustrate a natural knack for dramatic work, and while it's true that she is unproven in the genres of science fiction and comedy, it's not too much of a stretch to believe that she can put her considerable talents to good use in both types of films. In fact, I could easily see her serving as the best friend/comic foil of the female lead in a screwball comedy, or as the hero's romantic interest in a cerebral science fiction epic. Franka Potente may not be the first name that comes to mind when thinking of agreat actress, and she may not be as desirable as international sex symbols such as Angelina Jolie or Scarlett Johansson, but she's a confident, talented and above all dependable actress, and sometimes that's enough.

1. Cate Blanchett

Cate Blanchett is in everything because she can do anything. She followed a toe-to-toe match up with the mighty Judi Dench by putting in an unbilled and masked appearance in the great Hot Fuzz. Jackson asked her, “Blanchey, can you elf things up for me?” She responded by growing her ears pointy and shrinking to doorknob height for the role. Check out this casting conversation between her and Todd Haynes for last year’s excellent I'm Not There.

Haynes: "Cate, I need you to play Bob Dylan as a man, but perfectly. Like you have to become him and everything. Who am I kidding? You're good, but no one is that good."

Blanchett: "Count to three."

Haynes: "What? Uh...OK. 1...2...3."

Dylan: "I don't call myself a poet, because I don't like the word. I'm a trapeze artist."

Haynes: ( :::Passing out noises::: )

Two turns as the Virgin Queen, and one as the woman who set sail on the African Queen. Aside from the aforementioned Jackson and Wright, she’s worked with Jarmusch, Soderbergh, Fincher, Spielberg, Minghella, Howard, and Hallström. That's a murders' row of directors! All that and she's still managed to pop out three kids. "How," you ask? "She's in movies all the time," you say. Pregnancy simply doesn't slow her down. She shot The Life Aquatic while in a family way. But her character was pregnant as well. What if the movie requires her NOT to be pregnant and she IS? Solved: She just acts that baby bump invisible. Makes it disappear like she's some kind of female Lance Burton. No need for baggy clothes. No need to hide her waist behind a couch. She simply reforms her body. Like Plastic Man. Like Silly Putty.

And so she is going to form the nucleus of my little repertory company. How did I manage to snag Cate for this venture? How did I get her to say, "Yes?" Well, I didn't compliment her acting - she hates that. She carries a pet salamander named Gary around with her everywhere. I complimented him.

#2. John Cusack

Peep this list of iconic characters The Cus has played: Lane Meyer. Lloyd Dobler. Martin Blank. Deputy Mayor Kevin Calhoun. It goes on. Like a light switch. Cusack has spent half his career playing the dude to the gal in great (Say Anything) and some not so great (Must Love Dogs, Fat Man and Little Boy) romantic comedies. Threaded in with the RomComs, are some really, really interesting movies. Like? Well, The Journey of Natty Gann, of course. Plus, I love the unloved The Ice Harvest something fierce, and his turn in 1408 helped prove the 40+ Cusack is just as worthwhile as the 20 something version. Plus, there is an added value of adding Cusack to my acting company: When you press a button on his elbow, Joan Cusack pops out of a hidden compartment. A two for one! How did I convice the elusive, somewhat grumpy Cusack to join my troupe? I covered a Cusack-sized pit with some leaves and branches, and placed a Naomi Klein book on top.

#3. Leonardo DiCaprio

DiCaprio was in Blood Diamond, my favorite movie. That last sentence was a joke. But he was in The Man in the Iron Mask, which is my favorite movie. The thing about DiCaprio is that he's sought after. People want him to topline flicks. He brings in the herds. He dates models. He works with amazing directors. He used to be on Growing Pains...so there is a remote possibility that he's friends with the born again Kirk Cameron. Plus, he loves the environment, even though it's on such borrowed time. I don't know - when you add it all up, that's just a powerhouse to have aboard the old repertory company. Is he kind of bland? I mean, kinda. But he was great in The Departed, so I can't really complain. I just wish The Beach had turned out a little better, ya know? Anyway, you are probably wondering how I managed to convince an international superstar to join my acting team. I gave him a bag of Doritos signed by Morris Day. DiCaprio's a sucker for old timey rock memorabilia. That you can eat.

#4. Judy Greer

Judy Greer has a tough last name to say if you are eating crackers. And THAT's what I look for in an actress, honestly. Well, that, and the ability to destroy audiences with a shitload of talent. Guess what? Greer's got IT! That special something. You know what I'm talking about. Special enough to survive the horrific double dose of The Village and (gulp) Wes Craven's Cursed. You can put her in any sitcom, funny or no, and she does great work. She managed to make Arrested Development funnier. How? Because God bestowed in her a gift. She gets a metric ton of best friend stuff, and she knocks it out like a half-dead tooth every single time. She's fantasic. You're jealous. I can see that. You're Greern with envy. How did I trick her into becoming the fourth member of my amazing acting group? I made her a mix CD of all of my favorite songs. And since all of my favorite songs are by Puddle of Mudd, it was pretty easy for me to make.

#5. Doug Jones

I picked Doug Jones because after every movie I see him in I say, "I really dug Jones in that." I then go home and scream myself to sleep because he usually plays creeps that crawl and maim. He probably isn't really a household name (like my last pick - Judy Greer - is), but he's a worthwhile and necessary addition to the group of actors I'm bone collecting. He plays monsters. That's his job. He dresses up, plays monsters, undresses and then goes home. He then sets his alarm, sleeps the sleep of angels, wakes up, and goes back to work to play a monster. Or, the Silver Surfer - who is kind of a monster, really. Let's be honest: If you can surf the stars, you can scare children. Jones played the waterlogged Abe Sapien in the Hellboy movies, the freaky faun in Pan's Labyrinth, one of the creepy Gentlemen in Hush - one of the best Buffy the Vampire Slayer episodes ever. AND he played Dave in Jack Frost 2: Revenge of the Mutant Killer Snowman. Needless to say, he'll be twisting himself inside of all kinds of latex for my fake movies. Believe that.

#6. Benicio Del Toro

Benicio = bellissimo!

#7. Sarah Polley

I first took notice of Clive Owen with his excellent turn in Croupier, but Clive has come a long way since he broke on to the Hollywood scene 1998. Today he’s one of the most capable leading men around. While Clive may not have the star power or fresh buzz of some other leading actors, what he does have is the ability, not only to command the screen like the best of them, as he did in the sci-fi masterpiece Children of Men, but also throttle back and share the screen with others while delivering stellar supporting performances as he did in both Closer and The Inside Man. The best of Clive Owen has yet to come.

Did I mention Clive oozes cool? I think Daniel Craig might be the best incarnation of James Bond yet, but I doubt anyone would have complained about a Clive Owen (once the presumptive successor to Pierce Brosnan) imbued incarnation of the character. And while both Sin City and Shoot Em’ Up were, by my measure, mediocre films, Owen delivered bona fide action star gold in each.

But who says Clive has to play the protagonist? He was suitably villainous in The Bourne Identity, while his versatility and occasionally brooding demeanor lend him the capacity for deeper portrayals of human darkness.

Whether or not Clive can deliver in a comedy has yet to be seen, judging by his filmography. But surrounded by the right cast I believe his dry delivery will serve him well.

There are several more accomplished actors in Hollywood, and plenty with more versatility in their credentials, but I’m pretty sure that no other actor is more fit to lead my stable at Bricks & Mortar Repertory.

1. George Clooney



When I first read about this little endeavor George Clooney was the first name that came to mind. It seems like an obvious choice, mostly because he’s a talented, charismatic actor; however, perhaps it seemed so right because I can easily imagine Clooney doing a project like this in real life—getting together with like-minded artists, forming a group, and cranking out some movies.

I’ve always enjoyed Clooney’s work. He’s failed to fully deliver a few times and he’s failed to really wow me a few others, but he’s always watchable, always an engaging screen presence. He’s certainly a good actor and he’s got lots of talent, but what really makes him a "movie star" is his attitude, his charm; he looks like he’s having fun up there on the screen, and that spirit is infectious, amongst cast and audience—that’s what drew me to him as a solid first round pick, especially for a project like this.

Of the five films we’re hypothetically producing Clooney’s at least dabbled in all of the genres, but even if he hadn’t I wouldn’t worry; after all, he’s always seemed willing to step out of his comfort zones and stretch himself as an artist. He’s also a versatile performer, delivering solid work in either lead or support roles. Like a good quarterback he does what’s best for his team.

There are many fine actors out there, men and women who you could easily assemble a group around, but because of his well-rounded talents, his Golden-Age-movie-star quality, and his professionalism, I wanted George Clooney to be the first actor on board with The Goat Singers.



2. Gillian Anderson



So I’m sitting there staring at a list of names. Actors. All of whom are responsible for work I love and admire, and any of whom would make fantastic additions to my little reparatory company. I’m looking at Oscar winners, Oscar nominees, established, Hollywood-approved leading talent, and yet my eye keeps coming back to one name. The clock in the corner of my screen reads 5:13, and I’ve got two minutes to make up my mind. I almost push the button on one, change my mind in favor of another, slam backspace and key in yet another, but still I keep staring at that one name—something about it just feels right. 5:15. I go with my gut, clear the line, type in a new name, hit submit, and draft the second actor into my company: Gillian Anderson.

Though it wasn't intentional, I don’t think it’s a coincidence that both of my choices so far have come from the trenches of episodic television. True, Anderson cut her teeth on the stage, but she made her name week-to-week on the TV. There’s something about the nature of television work that I feel makes actors well-suited to this sort of project. In a television series you do have certain continuity, but each week still brings a new set of challenges—new writers, new directors, new stories—and any actor that can tough that out is certainly capable of dealing with the rigors of a reparatory film company.

Plus, Gillian Anderson is no slouch when it comes to her acting. I happen to think she’s an immensely talented actor who’s rarely been given a chance to stretch her muscles, so to speak. She did great work every week as Dana Scully, but I think in a lot of ways she was restricted by having to play the skeptical straight woman to David Duchovny’s “Spooky Mulder.” She brought one of Edith Wharton’s great characters memorably to life, turned in an award-winning performance as Dickens’ Lady Dedlock, and did fine supporting work in The Last King of Scotland, yet she still flies under the Hollywood radar (maybe by choice and maybe not). I also think she’s damn funny. Her roles rarely give her the chance for comedy (A Cock and Bull Story was a tease) but I’ve seen interviews that hint at a great comedic spirit.

I didn’t draft Clooney in the first round for his star wattage; I picked him because I see something in his work and personality that lends itself to this sort of project, and I see the same something in Gillian Anderson. She’s talented, she’s funny, she works well with others, she can point a flashlight with the best of ‘em, and I think she’s got the experience and the ability to handle whatever gets thrown her way.

Plus I’ve totally had a crush on her, like, forever.



3. Simon Pegg



Simon Pegg was always on my list, but when I drafted him in the third round I thought maybe I was stretching. I figured he wouldn’t last until my pick at the bottom of round four, but I wasn’t sure it was worth sacrificing other, potentially stronger picks in favor of him. Fortunately, my stupidity faded and I realized how lucky I was to be able to add him to my group.

Simon Pegg is funny, and for a lot of actors that’s both a blessing and a curse. Once you make people laugh it seems you have a difficult time convincing them you can do anything else. But why anyone would doubt Pegg’s abilities as an actor is a mystery to me. Sure, he's funny, but there's a well-developed emotional center to each of his characters that elevates his performances above
the level of "just comedy." His characters are real, and that's why they're memorable; that they make us laugh is secondary.

One day, more people will realize how talented Mr. Pegg is; in the meantime, I’m happy to draft him in any round. I can't imagine any challenges that this project would present for him. All of his work has revealed, at its center, an intelligent and thoughtful actor. Hot Fuzz showed us that he can hold his own in an action film, he proved capable enough when shit got real in Shaun
of the Dead, and his work in Spaced is brilliant and nuanced. He works well with a wide range of other actors, he’s got a great presence, and he’s perfect for my company. Cheers, Mr. Pegg; welcome aboard.


4. Michelle Williams



While many of her peers concerned themselves with becoming stars, Michelle Williams was busy becoming an actor. I’ll be honest; she wasn’t on my radar for a long time. I never watched Dawson’s Creek, but I have it on good authority (women) that she was pretty good, and a lot of the films on her resume are completely unfamiliar to me. However, what I have seen I’ve really liked, and I think she’s a talent that’s only just beginning to gear up—unlike a lot of young actors, her best work is clearly ahead of her.

2005’s Brokeback Mountain was a breakout performance for her—with good reason, it’s heartbreaking and beautiful work—but it was her performance that year in The Baxter that really made me pay attention. If you haven’t seen it you owe it to yourself to check it out (I did on the advice of this site); it’s a wonderful, charming, and funny movie, and watching Williams bring her character fully to life is one of the highlights.

So what does Michelle Williams add to the mix? Probably anything that’s needed. She’s a valuable part of any ensemble, a proven talent in supporting roles with the skills to easily handle a lead; she’s shown herself capable of covering huge tracts of emotional territory, always making interesting choices in her performance; and I think she’s a smart actor with a long and prestigious career ahead of her.


5. Albert Finney

Albert Finney has done it all. He’s a bona fide acting powerhouse, a survivor from a different era (were they alive I’d draft Oliver Reed and Richard Harris, too, and let them run wild). A product of the British stage, Finney became the face of a new English cinema in the 1960s with films like Tom Jones and Saturday Night and Sunday Morning, and he hasn’t exactly coasted since then. Finney has continued to deliver exceptional performances throughout his career, popping up in a few unexpected places along the way. He’s played Hamlet, he’s played Daddy Warbucks, he was Agatha Christie’s first choice for Inspector Poirot, as was he the first choice for Lawrence of Arabia; he brought sad tragic bastard Geoffrey Firmin to life in Under the Volcano, he shot shit up in Miller’s Crossing, he was in fucking Wolfen, and he loved up Audrey Hepburn. Albert Finney is the real deal.

I had my mind made-up for a No. 1 pick once this draft was announced. It wasn't Johnny Depp. But as I hovered over the "Submit" button, I decided to go with my back-up. Depp is versatile. That's a tired and general way to describe an actor, but his potential is limitless. I looked at my company like a starting rotation (prepare to see far too many baseball analogies in my draft descriptions). Depp is the ace, the reliable lead who can it all and do it in a pinch. I suppose that's what put him over the top at the last minute. I won't reveal the other actor I was fretting over, lest he somehow last until tomorrow. But Depp is the franchise starter (I told you I'd go to this well too often; it's only round one, too!) -- yes, there is the drawing power, but his career speaks for itself, and with the slate of films presented to us, he seemed like the ideal choice for Our Name Is Legion.

Gary Cole is the actor that should have the fan base that Bruce Campbell has. An actor who has worked pretty damn consistently over the past 20 years in various genres. From drama in the form of his work on West Wing to horror as the disturbing as hell sheriff in American Gothic to comedy being in the voice of Harvey Birdman, Esq. and owning his scenes in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. And obviously one can't go on any further without mentioning his work as the iconic boss from hell Bill "Yeahhhhh" Lumbergh from Office Space.

This is a guy who certainly can do lead roles and always brings his game to the table no matter what the role (Yes, including Mike Brady) and while he's had a couple lead roles on tv. (Just when is Night Caller going to be on DVD?) The guy certainly has chops and has had enough time in the profession and experience to call for it. Make sure to be on the lookout for him in Pineapple Express, I know I will.

1. Philip Seymour Hoffman


Hoffman gives me a talent that can carry the whole show or fit nicely into an ensemble. And he's got a range to kill for -- anybody who can say they've played both Lester Bangs and Truman Capote belongs on my team. He's a unique presence, looking like someone who if you met them on the street wouldn't be able to hold your interest for ten minutes, but who can easily stand out in even a mundane film (see Twister and Mission: Impossible III). He may not put butts in the seats, but if you see his name on a marquee, you know you'll be seeing at least one quality performance.

Here's what you'll be seeing him in along with the rest of the Bar None Repertory Company:

Aqueduct of Tears: Hoffman will play Gravis Edificius, a Roman engineer tasked with building an aqueduct in recently-conquered Roman Britain, facing not only the disdain of the legion commander assigned to protect the project but also the superstitious mistrust of the locals, all against the backdrop of the rebellion of Queen Boudica.

Beer-Battered Bedmates: In this comedic update of Romeo and Juliet, Hoffman plays Horace T. Pettigrew, owner of Pettigrew Travelling Amusements, who tries to keep the peace between rival concession stand owners at the Oklahoma State Fair.

The Warehouse: Hoffman tries his hand at horror as Lester Brinn, one of five strangers who all receive instructions to pick up a package at a mysterious warehouse.

Forty-Second Fuse: Hoffman takes to the saddle as Marshall William Matherton, hot on the trail of a gang of outlaws who have brought a new wrinkle to the art of bank robbing -- the recently-invented dynamite.

Beyond Pluto: Hoffman plays Virgil Davis, a resident of the year 2053 who begins hearing strange radio signals in his dreams -- signals that turn out to be messages from Pioneer 10, last heard from fifty years ealier.

The Bar None Repertory Company looks forward to the distinctive talent Hoffman will bring to these projects.

--------------------

2. Eric Bana


Everything you need to know about Eric Bana you can learn by watching Munich. That film falls apart without a strong center as Avner, and Bana provides just that. He's likeable yet dangerous, controlled yet unbridled, assertive yet vulnerable. If he comes on as Rambo, then the film becomes a simple revenge tale. If he plays it too remorseful, there's no conflict of emotion over what we're seeing. Bana walks a very fine line and does so powerfully. Although his attempt at comedy stumbled, I still think he has an untapped range that makes him a welcome addition to the Bar None Repertory Company's slate of projects:

Aqueduct of Tears: Bana portrays Celsus Militis, commander of the Roman legion charged with protecting the aqueduct being built by Hoffman's Gravis Edificius, and who finds himself at odds with the rebellious Queen Boudica.

Beer-Battered Bedmates: Going back to his comedic roots, Bana then plays Tony Romero, proprietor of a shooting gallery who runs afoul of his comrades when he falls for a beauty who serves corn dogs at the Oklahoma State Fair.

The Warehouse: Next, Bana takes on the role of Steven Bannister, who, along with four others, arrives at a mysterious warehouse to pick up a package.

Forty-Second Fuse: Bana then lets loose as Fulsom "Fearsome" McAllister, leader of a gang of outlaws robbing banks in the Old West with an explosive twist.

Beyond Pluto: Finally, Bana plays Dr. David Fuller, leader of the scientific team investigating the mysterious re-appearance of the long-thought-lost Pioneer 10 in 2053 and its affect on Hoffman's Virgil Davis.

We're thrilled to add Bana to the Bar None stable!

--------------------

3. Gwyneth Paltrow


Paltrow has a quality I call "attainable hotness". She's got the looks, but not in a way that makes you think "Oh, I have absolutely no shot at that." She has an approachable beauty that let's you in.

But the main reason she's joining the Bar None Rep is her versatility. From Seven to Shakespeare in Love to The Talented Mr. Ripley to The Royal Tennenbaums, she's demonstrated the ability to do pretty much anything, and do it well. She even manages to hold her own against the force of nature that is Robert Downey Jr. in Iron Man, showing an easy chemistry with him that really makes you believe Tony Stark would give her a second glance. And her head looks great in a box.

We plan on keeping her head attached to her neck, though, as she joins the casts of these films:

Aqueduct of Tears: As the rebellious Queen Boudica, Paltrow finds herself at odds both with the Roman aqueduct encroaching on her people's land and the Roman legion assigned to protect it.

Beer-Battered Bedmates: Here, Paltrow is Julie Cavanaugh, a corn dog vendor whose secret romance with Bana's Tony Romero threatens to fan the food/games rivalry into all-out war at the Oklahoma State Fair.

The Warehouse: Paltrow joins Hoffman and Bana as Cecily Manchester, whose simple trip to pick up a package turns into a night of terror.

Forty-Second Fuse: Paltrow teams up with Bana again as Felicity Hawkins, a hellcat on horseback who doesn't see why a woman can't lead Bana's gang of outlaws.

Beyond Pluto: Finally, Paltrow plays Regina Alston, the government liason who may know more than she reveals about Pioneer 10's sudden and unexplained reappearance.

We're certain Paltrow will more than hold her own in our company, and eagerly welcome her aboard!

--------------------

4. Edward Norton


It's appropriate that Norton can currently be seen as Bruce Banner in The Incredible Hulk, since one of his strengths is in playing characters who belie his seemingly benign outward appearance. Did we really expect Derek Vinyard to pop out of this guy? Or suspect that Tyler Durden (despite being a dead ringer for Brad Pitt) lurked inside? Norton can easily move from charming easy-going guy to seething intensity, and it's all the more effective because you don't see it coming from him. He just looks like a nice guy, and then he's curb stomping you.

We look forward to Norton bringing his unpredictability to these roles:

Aqueduct of Tears: Norton is Componus Secundus, the assistant to Hoffman's Gravis Edificius in Gravis' quest to build his aqueduct; but Componus' silently jealousy of his mentor may bring the whole project crashing down.

Beer-Battered Bedmates: Here, Norton pairs up with Bana as Mark Cuccio, the hot-tempered friend of Tony Romero.

The Warehouse: As Robert Simms, Norton is one of the five sent to pick up a package, yet he seems to not be all that surprised when things begin to go wrong.

Forty-Second Fuse: Norton plays Hermes Sullivan, the brains behind the boom in Bana's gang of dynamite-slinging outlaws.

Beyond Pluto: Finally, Norton takes on the role of Erasmus Jennings, a reporter looking to root out the secret of Pioneer 10's improbably turn.

Welcome aboard, Mr. Norton!

(Continued here)

1. Tom Hanks
I decided my main focus would be to create a truly cohesive ensemble. Tom Hanks is the kind of guy that can hold a movie entirely by himself if he has to (Cast Away), but his true strength lies in becoming the backbone of a great cast (Charlie Wilson's War). He adds a comedic strength and a dramatic weight to whatever he does, and plays well with all. He's a proven star with both draw and longevity.

Note: None of this applies to Long-Haired Hanks.

2. John Goodman
John Goodman is the kind of actor that everyone loves and is a joy every time he appears. He's worked in better movies rather than big ones, and is more well-known than his filmography can really account for. This has much to do with his inherent like-ability. He brings heart to everything he does (Monster's Inc.), though menace is not beyond his reach (Barton Fink, O Brother). I chose him for my ensemble because his best work comes when he is a part of a group, or a family (Speed Racer). I believe he'll bring a lot to my company's table. I can't wait to cast him.

Note: It certainly doesn't hurt that he's a "Coen actor," having not only been in many of their films, but having played one of their most memorable (The Big Lebowski). John Goodman is what happens when you find a stranger in the alps.

3. Christina Ricci
'bout time to get a lady in here! I chose Ms. Ricci because of her versatility and ability to balance being cute, strong, sexy, and mysterious. She's managed to play trash (Black Snake Moan) and innocence (Speed Racer) with equal believability, and I expect very great things from her in the future.

I chose her because, again, I'm looking for a group that can really bounce off of each other. Ricci plays well by herself (Prozac Nation) but is a strong addition to any cast. She plays every part, no matter the size, with grace and understanding of what she's doing. I see her exploring interesting dynamics with both Hanks and Goodman. She has crossed genres, so she'll be up to that task as well. It also does not hurt that she's very very attractive.

4. Paul Newman
Not that anything I could write could possibly do this fucking treasure of a man any justice, but I don't think it's too tough to see why I picked him. Paul Newman is one of our greatest remaining actors of such a long history in the business. At every stage of his life he has been captivating, entertaining, and capable of power like no other. Aging like wine, he has developed a face and a voice so affectingly serene and wise, it's intimidating just to witness a scene with him. He is of course now in worsening health and de facto retirement, but it is within easy memory that we have gotten both powerful drama (Road To Perdition) and levity-filled fun (Cars) from him. His most memorable roles are of team ups (Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid) and large ensembles (Cool Hand Luke), so he'll slide right in as another excellent entry of the troupe. Another classic (and Coen-veteran!) actor I am pleased to have.

5. Andy Serkis
Is there anyone else working in Hollywood (or New Zeland, as it were...) who dedicates himself to a character more? Physically at least, I don't think so. More than once he has brought iconic characters to life behind a digital mask (Lord of the Rings, King Kong), and each time his soul has shone through. He brings enormous physical skill and impressive voice-work to these performances that allow him to truly create characters behind the computer created images. His work from his own face is equally impressive, strong character performances that have added to every movie lucky enough to feature them.

6. Laurence Fishburne
Laurence is an actor that has been involved in some of the most interesting and important movies of all time. Even in movies that he could be considered to be "taking a paycheck" he brings his poise with him (MI:3) instead of phoning it in. He can bring menace or humor, but his true strength is a sense of wisdom exuded by every character he plays. He's never been a leading man, but has added strength and played pivotal roles in large casts- making him perfect for a Rep company like this.

7. David Koechner
There is no bigger goof in Hollywood with a bigger heart than David Koechner. He is probably best known for his work in some of the classic comedies of late, but he has worked for over a decade, appearing on TV and in many thankless spots in smaller movies. He can be a complete moron with a heart of gold (Anchorman), he can play the more restrained but entertaining back-up (Thank You For Smoking) and he can provide the straight-man spring-board for an ensemble (small role in Semi-Pro). Koechner will provide the Lobster's guild with serious laughs where it needs them, and strong presence when it needs drama.

1. Bruce Willis....

An icon who created America's answer to James Bond in John McClane, Bruce has worked in every genre and had success. Bruce's range is on display in sci-Fi in Armageddon and Twelve Monkeys, comedies like Look Who's Talking and The Whole Nine Yards, to straight dramas like Mortal Thoughts and In Country.

He's played heroes and villains, as well as lead and support roles. He always seems to have a good time when he's not teamed up with Cybill Sheppard.

Bruce always seems to make his co-stars look better, another plus in this draft. Usually he's the main character, but lately he seems to have relaxed a bit into more ensemble work.

I just have to make sure his hairpiece is different in each film and we're good to go....

Welcome to the party, Bruno.

Attachment 1676



2. Angelina Jolie

I found myself struggling over this pick. Angelina is an Oscar-Winning supporting actress for 'Girl, Interrupted', but she rarely plays second fiddle to anyone these days. Can she handle ensemble work?

I finally decided her upside of a proven record of high quality performances across the vast dramatic spectrum and her undisputed crown as the number one female action hero on the planet outweighed her negatives.

Angelina is fearless regarding her performances, walking the acting equivalent of the high wire. She can do anything from over-the-top action sequences to playing true-life characters with seeming ease. She relishes challenges of all sizes, and a slate of five films in one year seems right up her alley.

Still...one question remains unanswered.

Can she be funny? Her roles in the few lighter roles she has played puts that into some doubt. However, if she could send up her own image as uber-goth vamp genespliced with the heir to Mia Farrow's title of Mother to the World, she could be an unexpected laugh riot.




3. Alan Rickman

To paraphrase Hans Gruber, Alan Rickman is an exceptional actor.

A hero is only as good as his villain is bad. Die Hard would not have been as memorable without Alan's curled lip cold cruelty as he ordered his men to shoot the glass. That raised the stakes and made him the actor we loved to hate.
A later dark turn as the Sherrif of Nottingham was one of the very few good things to emerge from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. He was so mean he killed Brian Blessed. That's nearly as bad as Bruce Dern killing the Duke in the Cowboys.

It's one thing to play the obvious bad guy. But it's a testament to Alan's acting skills to have played Professor Snape in the Harry Potter franchise and still have the character be ambiguous in his loyalties. He looks to be obviously a servant of evil....but time and again he's proven to be on the side of the angels. Or is he just playing us along for a greater evil later?

Another fun foil for the lead protagonist was Alexander Dane in GalaxyQuest. In what surely is a take on what Leonard Nimoy's true life must be, Alan takes an actor tortured by what might have been and turns him into a reluctant hero. Despite the crumbling alien makeup, Alan still maintains the characters put upon dignity despite
the ridiculous circumstances.

4. Elizabeth Banks

Eilzabeth's resume is relatively short compared to others in the company, but she excels at making big impressions in smaller roles.

In the Spider-Man franchise, she's the girl you want Peter to chase after instead of the snaggletoothed redhead. In Slither she proved she can be appealing a lead role and not fade into a roomful of special effects. She's been nominated for a SAG award for Seabiscuit. She played in Catch Me If You Can, so she's good enough to impress Spielberg. She can do drama if given the chance, clearly.

But comedy is her forte. As Beth the Bookstore girl in Forty Year Old Virgin, she is fearless in playing against Steve Carell. That boldness I plan on tapping for the Company's projects in both lead and supporting roles. I'm really looking forward to the drama with her. I think she's going to have a fantastic career, and we'll be happy to help her pad her filmography.

5. Seth Rogen

(photo--Elizabeth welcomes Seth to the Company)

The idea behind the IoC troupe is versatility. I want not only some of my favorite actors, but actors that can fit into almost any role. Leads, support, comedies, drama, musicals. I want people that are willing to take smaller roles and do something special with them. And lastly I want to feel that after a long day of working we could all go out and have a beer together.

1. Tommy Lee Jones -

From Broadway to television to the movies. He is as comfortable behind the camera as he is in front of it. He has played villains and heroes in everything from serious dramas to Scifi and comic book camp films. He slings beer and speaks some mean Spanish. He’s not afraid to look like shit, plus I just like the way he acts.

Wasn't my first choice either. But I thought about it and decieded my first choice would be there in the later rounds.

2. William H. Macy -

It was bit of a risk in taking WHM at this point. Along with TLJ I have two lead actors that are similar. Macy is excellent as a lead or a supporting actor, believable as either. His on screen charm is undeniable . He plays both comedy and drama, sometimes at the same time. He can be a little surprise in any film his in. I felt the one/two punch was worth the risk.

3. Keith David -

Again, versatility is key. Keith is another great actor that has worked in various genres. He has a strong and commanding presence and a beautiful voice. Any voice over work will be cover quite nicely. Anyone who was in The Thing is a welcome addition to the troupe.

4. Illeana Douglas -

Illeana Douglas is an actress that can take any role, no matter the size, and make it memorable. From her first appearance in Goodfellas to her role as rape victim in Cape Fear, she becomes an integral part of the larger picture. My favorite was in the film To Die For. As the vengeful sister with a small but important part she steals the movie and becomes the star. She is a believable everywoman whether drama or comedy and I can’t wait to pair her up with William H. Macy.

Plus, with some directing under her belt, she will be useful behind the camera as well.

5. Helena Bonham-Carter -

She sings, plays crazy, is a natural in any Merchant-Ivory production, a rabbit lover and is one hell of an Ape. Not afraid to do anything, and dead sexy to boot.

6. Vivica A. Fox -

This group needed some muscle. Simply watch her in the lastest season of Curb Your Enthusiasm and you can guess why she's here. She's strong, funny and beautiful. Oh yeah, she can fight too, just ask The Bride.

7. Jeff Goldblum -

Purely a 7th round fun pick. I have never seen Jeff in a role I didn't like. Movies and Characters, yes, but never the fault of his acting ability. And talk about someone who's willing to be in anything. He is great fun and I'm totally excited to be able to use him in all of our movies.

Insurgents of Cinema Wrap Up -

Overall I am very happy with the final product. I believe all of the actors chosen are quality performers and each have an area in particular in which they shine. I plan on using them in their comfort zone for some films and in completely different types of roles for others. Everyone is capable of being a lead and each will be given the chance, but also, the chance to show off their chops in a supporting role. The troupe will give each of the actors the opportunity to spread their wings and fly, in any direction they choose.

One note however, they are a bit on the older side of things. The films will necessarily be skewed towards an older crowd. The comedy has the biggest potential for failure but also to be the greatest surprise. So hold on to your AARP cards and get ready for the Insurgents of Cinema.

Chiwetel Ejiofor:

Any just and fair world would find this mane getting the Denzel treatment.
He's the embodiment of a Star. The ultimate Male Lead. A Man's man.
His presence is so commanding that he usually ends up stealing every scene he's in it.

And even more astounding is the fact that this guy has only been around for a few years. Before Love Actually he wasn't in anyone's radar.
He demonstrated a lot of warmth and charisma. But that was just a sample. A small taste of the Chiwetel dish (best served warm).

2005 was when we really took notice. He exploded on screen with two fantastic villain roles. Four Brothers and Serenity. They could have been similar portrayals; after all they were both the bad guys.
But he made those characters so distinctive. So different and yet so menacing. Victor Sweet is the ultimate pop corn gangsta. A man that makes his lieutenants eat off the floor. A neighborhood gangster. Ruling with an iron fist.
The Operative was nothing but. He was a gentleman. A man on a mission. Showed no emotion whatsoever or restrain. Plus, he was a space ninja. Beat that.

Children of Men and Inside Man gave us a better look at his dramatic skills. While never missing a beat, he was comfortable stepping away from the spotlight. Luke started off being charismatic. A revolutionary man, an idealist who ends up being a fierce man making bad decisions and sticking with them.
The final shot of him with the baby, hurt, crying, it riveting stuff.

He was again paired with Denzel in American Gangster as his little brother. This should be an omen already. He's getting paired with the best and easily surpassing them. His role wasn't that big though, but had so many layers and growth that it was a natural progression.
It was an ensemble cast and he blended in perfectly. And i sure hope Ridley uses him again. In a more prominent role this time. He's got to be impressed.

Redbelt was his first real shot at a Lead. Working with Mamet seems like an obvious path for a actor of this caliber. The movie wasn't all that we hoped it would have, and specially at the box office. But he proved that he could carry the weight of a movie. With flying colors.

What really excites me are his next roles. He's got his next 5 gigs lined up already and they sound awesome.

He'll start with the drama Aqueduct of Tears, where a family is torn apart by some shocking revelations on a day that was supposed to be joyful.

Robert Bishop is in his Mid 30's. Raised in foster care after his mother died at a very early age. He wandered on the streets and led a rough life and never met his father. The army straightened him up, he found purpose, courage, honor and a renewed desire to find his long lost family. On june 20th, he will.


Two weeks later he'll be able to further expand his comedic skills with his role in Beer Battered Bedmates. This high concept comedy is being rumored to be an homage to the infamous Bachelor Party. Plot is kept under wraps, but we only know that there is a bachelor party gone wrong. Oh so very wrong.
His role has only been described as "bachelor's best friend".


Just in time for Halloween Ejiofor will scare the crap out of us with a major role in The Warehouse. The movie is from first time director Will Williamson. Who promised to pay homage to his favorite slasher and exploitation movies from the 70's.
The Warehouse - Every once in a while, a different carrier company receives a package to be delivered at this mysterious warehouse...the Carriers NEVER returns...

Ejiofor will play Sheriff Carpenter. The local town's law officer for over 20 years. Although our sources indicate that this might not be a hero role. There's supposed to be a twist in the movie that might turn his role around.
We'll just have to wait and see.



Then on thanksgiving comes the action packed 40 Second Fuse. A movie that originally started as an adaptation of the hit video game Rainbow Six : Las Vegas. The script was tweaked to turn it into a more conventional action vehicle packed with explosions, an incredible chase through the strip and never before seen action.
With his role as Lt. John Slater, a man that spent 15 years as the team leader of the Bomb Squad until his family got murdered in a blast. He now seeks revenge against the department by using their old tricks against them. Ejiofor will put his best menacing face while threatening the entire town.


And before the year is done, just in time for the holidays we'll get the Sci Fi thriller Beyond Pluto. Where The first manned expedition to Mars makes an unexpected change of course.

We already know that he'll be playing the Captain Cready. A man that got commended early on for his exceptional leadership skills and his amazing scientific mind. One of the bravest and brightest men alive that planned this whole expedition to find life in mars. What will he find Beyond Pluto?

Really, who can argue against this?

Brad Pitt has proven himself to be one of the most well-rounded A-list leading men in the industry. He is a household name with the ability to start a franchise or defer to the rest of the cast and take the 5th lead. Always challenging himself to tackle new and exciting roles, Pitt is the model for what a leading man should strive to be--someone who never does the same thing every time out and looks to genuinely be having fun in his role.

His versatility and ability to get butts in the seat were the two main factors in this selection. He can blend into any character, whether it be Tyler Durden, Jesse James, Jeffrey Goines, a husband desperately trying to save his wife, Achilles, Floyd in TRUE ROMANCE, an international assassin, a wealthy con artist, an Austrian mountain climber in Tibet, a detective trying to hunt down a twisted serial killer or a vampire who has lived for centuries. And like I said, he gets people to show up opening weekend. This is a business and unfortunately, that is an important cog in the process.

Too many movie stars have basically become brand names. You know you're getting the same thing every time you see one of their movies. Well, Brad Pitt isn't a brand name. He is not McDonald's french fries. He is a mystery dish from your favorite chef. You never know what you will get when he pulls back the cover and it's gonna be very enjoyable.

If you were going to have a reparatory company, which is essentially an ensemble cast that has to be malleable and heavily talented, whom would you rather have than Bill Murray? During his nearly forty-year career in show business, he has owned some of the funniest and nuanced performances we’ve seen in film. As his career has progressed from overly comedic roles like in Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, and Little Shop of Horrors to quieter films like Lost in Translation and The Royal Tenenbaums, he still has the ability to create classic characters such as Herman Blume in the classic film Rushmore. He’s a no-brainer to center an acting company around as he can tackle any role, and he’s the type of actor that raises everyone’s game just by being in the film. You should have seen Breckin Meyer’s take on Jon Arbuckle before Murray signed on. It was horrible. Bill Murray is truly a Cinderella story out of nowhere.

Before I kick this off, an explanation.

My repertory company, THE SCABS, is a gathering of actors who are not of the traditional breed. None of these people went to Julliard; none of them did dinner theatre, waiting tables while trying to pick up the measliest gig to build their resume, faxing pages and pages of headshots off to small-time casting agents. They weren't even discovered during their high-school production of 'Hair'. I've tried to craft, with small exception, a group of people who fell into acting without any formal training or having to crawl up very far from the bottom of the barrel. These are people who became successful and even famous doing something completely unrelated, and then said 'Hey, why not movies?'. I’m also trying to gather people that all come from different backgrounds, professionally, so sadly this won't be a list of my 7 favorite wrestling-actors. Maybe it should have been.

Basically, I'm the counter-programming of this draft.

Jean-Claude Van Damme – representing Martial Arts

Where does Jean-Claude Van Damme fit in as a SCAB? JCVD not only had to be in my repertory company – he had to be my first draft choice. If the SCABS are a collection of non-actors who just stepped into films one day, then who better to head up my company than a guy who made it big doing twirling split-kicks? Somehow this unknown martial artist founded an ass-kicking empire with nothing more than flying 360 karate kicks, a horrible accent, and as he likes to say, “an ass that can crack walnuts”. These days, JCVD might have been demoted to the straight-to-video purgatory many of the 90’s action stars share, but anyone who’s been following his work knows he isn’t just cashing in easy jump-kick paychecks. God bless him, Van Damme is learning how to act, and life as we know it will never be the same.

What he brings to the table? My other actors will be drawn to work with this man like moths to the flame, after he delivers a sequel to his Street Fighter speech - the greatest motivational speech in cinematic history. Seriously though, JCVD is starting to awaken a legitimate actor inside himself– between Wake of Death and his work as a burnt out, run down, heroin-addicted cop in Until Death, you really get the feeling he’s trying his best to deliver strong acting performances. Well, strong for the guy who has probably played his own twin/clone in more movies than anyone in history, and stars in lots of movies with ‘Death’ in the title.

He’s played his own clone, a time-traveling cop, a resurrected corpse-solider who defects from the military.. could you be more qualified for sci fi? I expect him to repeatedly roundhouse-kick the alien who killed his best friend.

If you watch it with the right tinted glasses on, Street Fighter is actually one of the great comedies of the 90’s. Actually, most of his movies are great comedies, intentionally or not. With his upcoming work in the self-parodying JCVD, which is already garning lots of positive buzz, maybe we’ll see Van Damme having some more fun with his roles.

Action I feel speaks for itself, so lastly horror. You might think this is new territory for the man, but you’d be wrong. Damme wrong. In my horror flick, JCVD will scare your bejeezus in what is actually a prequel to Replicant. That’s right kids, it’s the return of Garrotte, the vicious serial killer known for his affinity for kicking women in the stomach and then setting them on fire. No fucking joke – Freddy and Jason have nothing on this guy.

Steve Buscemi is an ensemble actor. He's a solid choice for almost any genre you can think of. He is capable of playing characters who are sympathetic and menacing, even in the same scene. He's one of those actors who not only puts forward a solid performance practically every time he works, he also makes those around him seem better than they are. He can be charismatic or alienating. He can make your heart break or your stomach turn. And he sure as hell can hold together a repertory company.

1. Hugh Jackman.



He appeared out of nowhere (Australia to be exact) and stormed the screen as Wolverine, becoming a star right out of the gate. Instead of feasting on the role and taking solely action roles, which would still come later to various results, he did something called Kate and Leopold, as sweet romantic comedy. And he was good. How good? He made a Meg Ryan movie kind of enjoyable, all due to his performance. That’s even more epic than satisfying legions of geeks as Logan.

After a few misfires, like Van Helsing or Swordfish, he backed Aranofsky’s The Fountain, and it’s a statement to his quality as an actor, managing to infuse the 3 different roles with an intensity and a passion that permeated the movie and made possible our connexion with this cinematic masterpiece (I chose my word carefully here). And did I mention he sings and dance on Broadway, to excellent critics?

Jackman is what is needed in my company, juggling charisma and skills to fuse with any style of movie needed, no matter what the part is.



2. Charlize Theron



Seriously, I had a tough time choosing between Mrs. Charlize Theron and Mrs. Rachel Weisz. Both women, fantastic looks aside, are top-notch actresses who proved themselves over again in different dramatic roles. Christ, I remember the first time I saw Mrs. Theron in a movie. It was The Devil's Advocate. As soon as she exposed the freshly cut naked self on screen for a fraction of a second, I asked " WHO THE FUCK IS THIS?". Beautiful, showing some good skills in her small part, and willing to go nude? Sign me up.

Seriously, what made me choose Charlize Theron is her the fact that she not only had a bit more and diverse movies under her belt, ranging from action (Aeon Flux) to comedy (Children of the Corn III) to drama (North Country), but also her guest appearance in Arrested Development, where she played a mentally retarded woman to results that were not over the top AND hilarious.

Add to this her amazing performance and a well deserved Oscar for her role as a hairless serial-killing Yeti in Monster, and you have one of the premiere actress in the business, and a worthy addition to my company.

3. John Turturro



The John Turturro of America is a unique species, by the fact that there's only one member of it at any time. Possessing chameleonic capabilities and fearsome acting skills, it's make him one if not the top character actor of it's generation. Coming from a primarily independent background, he first came to our notice in Miller's Crossing, and since there has been part of our cinematic landscape, delivering contently there and there, making characters stand out of already stand-out movies (The Big Lebowski). Or he'd look around the set and finding no acting energy, he'll out-act the entire cast in a given movie, such as Mr. Deed or Transformers. Evidently, he's remembered for these roles, yet he capable of a subtlety that makes him as fascinating as the more manic roles.

Turturro is a gift from whatever deity you worship, sent to Earth for our cinematic sins to let us remember what a character actor should be.

4. Gary Oldman



What does Sid Vicious, Lee Harvey Oswald and Beethoven have all in common? Theirs lives have all been made all the much better by being impersonated by Gary Oldman. Also one of the top character actors, he's seriously mesmerizing to watch. It would be too easy to relegate him to the role of a villain, which he does so very well , but he clearly demonstrated his acting chops as a leading man in some very diverse movies. And to those that says that he's over-the-top, comments that fuses over his most villainy roles such as in Leon: The Professional, go watch Immortal Beloved or Sid & Nancy. Or Dracula, which he was the only good part of. He can be as quirky as needed, or be the performance that glue the rest of the cast.

He's one of the best.

Tom Cruise remains one of the greatest actors living today. He started out mixing over-the-top action flicks like Top Gun and Days of Thunder with bubble gum fare like All the Right Moves and Risky Business. However, there were even movies in the early days that showed what Cruise would become, including great performances in Rain Man and The Color of Money, where he hold his own with one of the greatest actors to ever live in Paul Newman. Over the years he has turned in one great performance after another. He flexed his comedic muscles in Jerry Maguire and perfected his comic timing in Magnolia, while turning in one of his best performances to date. He did horror in War of the Worlds and sci-fi in Minority Report and the underrated Vanilla Sky. You want action, I give you Mission Impossible.

I plan on having Cruise headline my action, drama and science fiction flicks while serving as a supporting actor in the horror flick and as part of an ensemble in the comedy flick. There is no one I would rather have to back my repertory than Tom Cruise. He gets no creative control, but is the best on screen actor I could have hoped for.


Shia is considered one of the hottest young actors working today, at least according to Steven Spielberg. I would agree. He started off with his Disney work, with Holes. He's proven to be a capable supporting actor in movies such as I, Robot and Constatine. He's done great work in horror with the wonderful Disturbia. He's done action and Sci-Fi with Transformers. He has really good comic timing and has proven that he can be the best part of just about any movie.

Plans are for him to headline my horror movie with Tom Cruise co-starring as the antagonist. The Warehouse is starting to come together nicely.


When choosing my main actress, I need someone who can match up well with my leading man (LeBeouf), while still being someone that would attract the eye of my antagonist (Cruise), whether it is as a romantic rival, a horror victim, or just window dressing when the hero is racing around trying to save the day. She has also proven to be a great comic actress and can sing if I need her to. Plus, look at her. She's freaking mega-cute.


This round, I go for my first supporting actor. Channing Tatum hasn't been in very good movies up to this point, but has been the best thing about those he has appeared in. She's the Man actually had two very talented stars and Tatum proved in that as well as in Step Up that he has a load of charisma and talent. His next film is G.I. Joe, so if he's gonna break out, that's when it should happen. Either way, he is a great young actor and will work well as a supporting actor, whether it is alongside LeBeouf as a friend or an adversary, he should be just the right man for the job. I don't draft based on their previous film choices, I draft based on talent. He'll be starring in my movies, so his taste has nothing to do with my choice.

20. Laura Linney


Versatility comes to mind when thinking of Laura Linney. Unlike many actors who excel in some genres and are adequite in others, Linney has mastered them all. She can be sexy, manic, lost, motherly, deceptive, akward, funny-and that's just in The Savages.

Linney also gives off a powerful presence on screen which not many actors can pull off. Be it legit dramas like Mystic River and Breach or a paycheck movie like Nanny Diaries, she is a force that demands respect.

Aaron Eckhart is ideal for a repertory company, because not only is he talented, he is versatile. He can play your standard leading role easily, with rugged good looks and easy charm. But that's the tip of the iceberg, as he's maybe even more adept at villains. Inside many of his characters there is a unusual darkness and visciousness. See In the Company of Men for the definative evil piece of shit alpha male. But more than either the truly good or the truly evil, Eckhart specializes in the gray zone in between. Anti-heroes are his stock and trade, and virtually no one does them better. The obvious, and probably career-defining role of this type is Thank You For Smoking, and he's going to find the balance again in The Dark Knight later this summer.

He's done comedy well in Nurse Betty. He played a very credible romantic lead in Possession and Erin Brokovich. And he was in The Core, so you know he's game for anything.

As for the specifics of my draft strategy, Eckhart offers a lot of flexibility. He can carry any film, but he doesn't have to. No matter where my draft goes, Eckhart is gonna be useful in all five movies, and probably different in every one. I'm still working on the big picture, but Eckhart is definately going to play a very strong villain role, and the protagonist in Aqueduct, Pluto, or both.



The strategic choice right now would have been a female. Not only is there a rush on leading ladies, but there are way more character men to pick from later. But I really wanted Reilly, and I didn't see him lasting till tomorrow. He is plays an important role in every film on my slate. But more importantly, he's not just good in movies. He excells in them, every single time at bat. The attention getting roles are in Chicago and Talladega Nights, and with reason. He steals both movies from other talented people also at the top of their game. But even when the movie is lacking, like The Perfect Storm, he's above and beyond. he is able to project the blue collar everyman unlike anyone else in Hollywood.

Then there's his PTA movies. Boogie Nights suggests the success in comedy that he's enjoying now, but it's hardly too much. And he's probably the most sympathetic character in Magnolia. And though it got mixed notices, I think Walk Hard is the funniest movie since, well, Talladega Nights, and Reilly is the entire show in that. That's a very good Will Ferrell performance he gives there, plus he's believable as a singer.

Seriously, look at these other movies he was in: A Prairie Home Companion, The Aviator, Gangs of New York, The Hours, The Thin Red Line, Hard Eight, Criminal, Dolores Claiborne, and For Love of the Game. And he's great in all of them. Even looking at it now, I'm surprised how many great performances he's turned in. I also had the opportunity to see him in True West and A Streetcar Named Desire (in the Marlon Brando role) on Broadway. Needless to say, great. In my season, he is going to play an absolutely iconic supporting role in the Beer Battered Bedmates, and likely a leading role in Aqueduct. But however big or small the role, he's gonna kick it's fucking ass. That much at least is clear.



Scarlett is getting beat up on the other board a bit, but thats just a case of selective memory. I will give you Black Dahlia. But no one is good in Black Dahlia, save my number one pick, of course. But she is great in Ghost World, Lost in Translation, The Man Who Wasn't There, and of course, she's excellent in Match Point, which is less than three years old, by the way. Other than Natalie Portman (who I wanted), I don't think you're going to come up with a better young actress that brings the hotness so persuasively. As for her often mocked album, she chose to do Tom Waits covers, which shows at least she has excellent taste.

But I could give a shit about all that. This is truly a strategic pick in every sense. I want what she brings to the table because I know exactly what I'm going to cast her in. Basically, I need someone to play a ridiculously hot slut, and Scarlett can do that. There are two roles specifically she's here for-a distinctly unglamorous leading role in what is turning into a very black comedy, and an action movie role that will be very similar territory to what I hope Frank Miller is doing with her in The Spirit. Beyond Pluto is still not quite formed, but she'll have something unusual to do in it. I see her playing smaller roles in the others, but we shall see.



I am aware that Emile Hirsch, despite his age, is something of a seasoned performer at this point. I know that he appeared in some movies that some people liked, such as The Girl Next Door and Alpha Dog, but I haven't seen those movies. Looking back on hsi resume, I realized I have seen him in Lord of Dogtown, although I don't think he was Heath Ledger, so I don't really remember him much. I also saw The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, but the truth is I have zero recollection of it. I think they sat around reading Cummings poems to each other. Then someone died. Whatever.

None of those mean a goddamn thing though. I drafted Emile Hirsch entirely because of Into the Wild, possibly the best film released this decade. I can't recall seeing a star making performance of that calibre since Matt Damon in Good Will Hunting. Now granted, the material is top notch. But Hirsch doesn't just succeed, he excels. His performance resonates so well because the script requires him to make such a deep impression on everyone else in the film, and the audience as well. If Chris McCandless isn't perfect, the whole thing comes crashing down, and the protagonist looks like a completely selfish stupid asshole. Instead, Hirsch taps into an ineffable primitive wanderlust that human beings have carried around inside, often deeply hidden, since ancient times and lets it rule. I'm still angry he didn't win an oscar, or even get nominated (Eddie Vedder too, by the way).

And he was good in Speed Racer, so he can do frivolous.

He's going to play two leads, in the comedy and the horror films. Both are tricky, and require the audience to sympathize with a character that has some unusual shortcomings, just like McCandless.

Mark Ruffalo



There are a lot of great actors who follow up breakout performances with paycheck roles in bad mall movies, only to never be heard from again. Thankfully, that didn't happen to Mark Ruffalo. Of course, Ruffalo is too talented for that sort of thing to happen. Not even when stuck between Reese Witherspoon's ghost and psychic Jon Heder. Hell, let it be a testiment to the man's talent that I sat through the shitty Just Like Heaven on a lazy cable filled Sunday, just to see how the poor guy would pull off this thankless task. He did an admirable job. More importantly, he survived to act again.

If you've seen the work that's made Ruffalo a star, then you surely understand why. His breakout as the endearing, well meaning, yet self made failure in You Can Count On Me made him an instant one to watch. Ruffalo fully embodied that man-child we've all known in our lives, perfectly capturing all the little ticks that make you hate the guy and love him at the same time. On the other end of the spectrum is his role of David Toschi in Zodiac. Here he captures the obsessive, single minded determination of the man who was hell bent on catching the killer even as his own life begins to unravel. This is the one role where Ruffalo seems almost devoid of charisma and I mean that as a compliment since he oozes it most of the time.

Ruffalo has run quite the gammut and often times he's the only good thing in a bad movie such as his turn in In The Cut where he is all smarmy menace even as he cuts it with cool, off putting charm or his conniving weasel in The Last Castle. He's helped elevate mediocre movies into pretty damn good ones, such as 13 Going On 30, XX/XY and Reservation Road. He's been a standout in supporting roles like Eternal Sunshine and Collateral. When he needs to anchor a film, like You Can Count On Me or We Don't Live Here Anymore, he proves why he's leading man material.

All in all, Mark Ruffalo has shown he's got the range to play any type of role and he's covered everything from throw away fluff comedies to heavy handed drama to crime thrillers. He's got charisma to burn, a natural charm and the acting skills to hold his own against anyone.

But can he do horror, you say? He was in The Dentist. That has to count for something.

1. Viggo Mortensen

I wanted a solid, reliable rock of an actor to anchor the entire company, no matter the project. Whether it's his intentional doing or not, Viggo tends to be that guy. For some reason, he brings the best out of everyone, and throws himself headlong into everything he intends to have his name attached to. His recent work with Cronenberg seems to have awakened a new side of the man: an actor who's able to find the soul in a character, and instead of that soul making the character sympathetic, he finds a way to make that character creepier, and more compelling as a result.

I don't intend to do films that paint in black and white. I wanted an actor who wanted the same.

Now stealing jay f's wise idea...



1. Kate Winslet

While most of my company will be more character-actors and lesser-knowns, it would be a crime to neglect one of the best actresses working today. She smashed on to the scene in Peter Jackson's magnificent Heavenly Creatures and she's been magic ever since. While she is better known for her dramatic work like Little Children and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, she also has great comedic chops, as seen by her appearance on Ricky Gervais' Extras and her charming performance in The Holiday. While many have selected a strong leading male for their first round pick, they would do well to remember that there are few strong roles for women and even fewer actresses who have the acting range to be worthy of those roles. Winslet is one of the few and I proudly welcome her as the first member of The Secret Weapons.

2. Sam Rockwell

Rockwell delivered an Oscar-worthy performance in Confessions of a Dangerous Mind and in that film he demonstrates all the qualities he has shown repeatedly as an actor. While other films have focused on one part of his wide-range, from his comedic brilliance in Galaxy Quest and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy ("Hey man, nice jammies!") to his frightening insanity in The Green Mile to his effortless charm in Charlie's Angels to his beautifully meloncholy in The Assasination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, Rockwell can lead a film, support it, but he's always going to deliver. When you see him in a flim you know that there will be at least one memorable performance. I want you to remember all my films so I proudly welcome Sam Rockwell to The Secret Weapons.

3. Michael Caine

A good repertory company needs an anchor. A living legend to ground the group with his wisdom, experience, and gravitas. Not all actors make it to this age with their greatness intact. No offense to current or future draft picks, but some actors, like DeNiro and Pacino, lose their talent over the years and have us longing for their prime. This is not the case with Michael Caine. As an actor, he can shift effortlessly between whimsical bemusement to serpentine audacity. Caine is a lot of fun but unlike living caricature like Christopher Walken or demanding actors like Dustin Hoffman, Caine just plays his part and never ceases to amaze at how he can remain so distinct yet so adaptable to such a wide variety of roles. I am fortunate to have such a legend in my company and I humbly welcome Sir Michael Caine to The Secret Weapons.

4. Ben Foster

Sure to be the most controversial addition to this company, Foster embodies our group's title, The Secret Weapons. It's not enough to have large recognition. One must be able to be the shining star in truly awful films. Foster has done that repeatedly with his performances in 30 Days of Night, Alpha Dog, and The Punisher. But he's not just a diamond in the shit. He's a scene-stealer, receiving the critical acclaim while starring alongside Bruce Willis in Hostage and Russell Crowe and Christian Bale in 3:10 to Yuma. He's the under-appreciated actor who deserves to be recognized and I proudly do that now as I welcome him to The Secret Weapons.

5. Brendan Gleeson

Another strong supporting actor, Brendan Gleeson is a man that can be at turns dangerous, cuddly, and always with a wicked grin that lets you know he's having a good time. He can play the father as he did in 28 Days Later, the wise mentor In Bruges, or just a mean motherfucker Kingdom of Heaven. He's the killer clean-up hitter who fits into any cast and leaves his own indelible mark where his ability to blend into any role gives the film a realism no matter how fantastic or distant the setting. It is with great pride that I welcome this versatile and charming actor to The Secret Weapons.

6. Allison Janney

It should be enough to just say The West Wing and then "nuff' said" about this draft pick. But that would be a disservice to an actress who showed over the course of seven years and through some brief but killer performances in major films like American Beauty, Hairspray, and Juno that she can do it all. Perhaps only more powerful than the dramatic range is her comedy, making her a much greater threat than any sassy grandmother or lithe female lead of a forgettable sitcom. She's an actresses' actress, proving that even if there aren't roles for women over 40, there damn well ought to be. I'll make sure that all five films we'll be producing have a prominent role for Janney and I proudly welcome her to The Secret Weapons.

7. Kelli Garner

Kelli Garner is the Girl Next Door and not in the Maxim "What Fucking Street Did You Live On?" way. She's naturally cute but if she ever so much as puts on a pretty dress and does her hair up, she's a heartbreaker. The youngest addition to the roster, Garner has already demonstrated her versatility and ability to stick in the mind. Whether it was her brief turn in The Aviator or being the adorable love interest in Lars and the Real Girl, Garner has what it takes to go far in this business and it would be folly to not go along for the ride. That's why I'm buckling up and proudly welcoming this charming young actress who becomes the final member of The Secret Weapons.

MEL GIBSON:



Okay, he's nuts. And sometimes not in a good way. But when Mel's on, he's one of the most forceful and charismatic screen presences around - there's something about him the eye is naturally drawn to. He's proven his dramatic chops in roles that have required high dudgeon ("GIVE ME BACK MY SON!") and something a little more low-key (there's a subtlety and sorrow to his performance in THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE that I really responded to); he's displayed comedic skills both antic and charming; he's been a fine romantic lead (his scenes with Michelle Pfeiffer in TEQUILA SUNRISE just crackle) and a kick-ass action hero (Martin Riggs, duh).

He's got a bit of mileage on the clock these days, but that means he's got the gravitas to play elder statesmen and mentor types as well as the occasional older leading-man role. Put it this way: when it comes time to cast one of my guys as President of the United States or something, I got that shit covered.

Just keep him out of the bars during the shoot, and it's all good.

THOMAS JANE:



Here's the kind of guy it would be easy to underestimate, the actor you get when McConaughey's too expensive and Eckhart's booked solid. But look closer - there's depth and mischief and wildness in Thomas Jane, qualities that the right projects can tap into and make the most of. There's the grimness and sadness that underpinned the ass-kickings he doled out as The Punisher (plus that wonderfully fruity Eurotrash accent he employed while undercover in that movie's opening scene). There's the recklessness that gradually revealed itself as a self-destructive streak in the magnificent STANDER. There's his perfectly calibrated reactions as the world disintegrates beneath his feet in THE MIST, as well as the way his David Drayton can step up to leading-man duties one scene and graciously ease into a supporting role the next. There's the fact that he played the star of 'Homeless Dad' ("I just want my kids back") on ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, something that's ineffably cool. He's done solid work in shitty movies (likeably bemused in THE SWEETEST THING, laudably sleazy in ORIGINAL SIN) and been an underrated scene stealer in ace movies (his coked-up male stripper in BOOGIE NIGHTS). And he's a fanboy who'd really like to play Jonah Hex! To quote Bill Murray in STRIPES, I wanna party with you, cowboy.

DIANE LANE:



Well, first of all, just look at her.

Let's get the superficial stuff out the way: Diane Lane is gorgeous. But there's a real-world quality to her beauty that helps create a connection between the audience and the characters she plays - she can combine movie-star presence with a kind of accessibility. It's this aspect, added to her natural, unmannered style of performance and her ability to convey longing and independence with equal degrees of strength and conviction, that makes her work in UNFAITHFUL and A WALK ON THE MOON so compelling and authentic. She's a dab hand at rom-coms (yeah, I own a copy of UNDER THE TUSCAN SUN), and displayed some nifty fighting skills in JUDGE DREDD. She's blended seamlessly into terrific ensembles but when the time has come to take centre stage she's acquitted herself awfully well. Plus she was Ellen Aim in STREETS OF FIRE - case closed, motherfucker.

She's good enough for the star of HIGHLANDER and Josh Brolin. She's good enough for you, pal.

ANNE HATHAWAY:



I fell for Anne Hathaway the first (and only) time I saw THE PRINCESS DIARIES. Here was a young actress who combined elegance with a goofy, likeable charm, and it didn't hurt that she was, well, kinda stunning. And as she made her way through a handful of innocuous comedies, it was always clear that she was gearing up for something with a bit more substance.

She's since delivered and then some: Streep, Tucci and Blunt got the plum parts in THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA but Hathaway truly carried it; her supporting role in BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN not only displayed off-the-charts sexiness (you know the scene I'm talking about) but an ability to convey a wide range of emotion (her phone conversation with Heath Ledger near the end of the film, where she sadly and wearily recounted the fate of her husband, was a small marvel); BECOMING JANE was a bit wet but it showed that Hathaway could handle period pieces in look and demeanour.

I'm sure her stunt double handled a fair portion of the butt-kickery in GET SMART but there are more than a few occasions when she shows a dynamic physical presence. And while she essentially has the straight-man role, she absolutely nails the one-liners she's given and has a pleasingly combative/romantic rapport with Steve Carell.

She's classy, she's funny, she's sexy, she's talented. And now that she's dumped her white-collar criminal boyfriend, she's mine! You hear? Mine!

1. Mary-Louise Parker



There's an awards show moment that I always think of when trying to describe my affection and appreciation for Mary-Louise Parker: It was the 2005 Golden Globes, and the nominees for Best Actress in a Comedy were the Desperate Housewives, and Parker. When Parker won, the post-game had one of the losing wives admit that Parker was better than all of them put together.

Mary-Louise Parker is the greatest American actress working today. Fact. That sentence should start with "After Meryl Streep," but we all know that's the truth. Although it seems like Parker's film career has left her perpetually stuck in the "moms, wives, and bffs" category, she's always brought her best to those roles from Longtime Companion to The Client to Saved! to most recently in The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford. But Parker's shown what a force she is on television. As a hardcore West Wing fan, I'm of the mindset that Josh Lyman should have wound up with Parker's Amy Gardner and not Donna Moss, and some of Parker's best moments on the series came opposite Stockard Channing, where she kept up against an actress who could steamroll right over weaker performers, jab for clever jab.

It's rumored that Sorkin wanted to add Parker to the main cast of West Wing, but she chose to play Harper Pitt in the HBO version of Angels in America, and her performance in it is one reason why that's the greatest miniseries of all time. Harper can be a really fucking annoying role if done wrong, all "big wet eyes" and drug addled hallucinations, but Parker makes the gradual awakening of a Mormon housewife who refuses to admit she knows why her husband doesn't love her heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. It won her her first Golden Globe, where she proceeded to thank her infant son for her boobs.

Like the rest of the Angels cast, Parker has extensive theatre experience -- she's a three-time Tony nominee, and won for Proof -- but I haven't had the chance to see her yet. However, I will say that after reading Proof, it's hard not to picture Parker in the lead, like it was written specifically for her, and making the Paltrow-headlined movie all the more irritating.

These days, Parker is tearing it up on Weeds, a show credited with leading the Showtime renaissance. This is one I'm late to the bandwagon on, as I've just recently finished the first season, but the moment at the end of "Lost in the Nethers" is a perfect scene that illustrates Parker's stunning versatility. In it, her widowed housewife Nancy Botwin, watches a sex tape made by her late husband. We see very little of the tape itself, as the camera focuses on Parker's reaction. To me, a great measure of an actor is what they can do without words, and in the scene, Parker conveys grief, lust, amusement, and worry without a single word. It's a beautiful scene, and is probably the reason I decided to make Parker my first draft pick.

A true professional who's had a career for over twenty years, her career has not been without scandal (fuck you, Billy Crudup), but I've always admired her for never addressing the issue, choosing to let the work and the performances stand for themselves. While her role in the Second Glance Rep company's slate will be largely supporting, she'll be playing the lead in Aqueduct of Tears and taking on a most unusual role in Beyond Pluto.

EDIT: I already gave my stupid reasoning, so I will back away slowly.

Naomi Watts




I've had a thing for Naomi Watts for fifteen years now. Of course, like most of the world, I didn't realize it until 2001. Yet, way back in 1995 I was having unwholesome thoughts about Jet Girl. Don't get me wrong. I'm no Tank Girl fanboy. Far from it. I never read the comic book and I HATED the film. Yet, one thing stood out for me besides the fact that Ice T had crapped away any street cred he'd ever had in one fell swoop and that was Jet Girl. I didn't know who the actress was but I knew there was one glimmering spark in this shit pile that had caught my attention. Not only was she a big hot gob of nerdy sex appeal, she was the only person in this mess that could act. And act she did. Not spectacularly. Not flashy. Just solid. Someone with some spunk and believability in an awkward mess of celluloid. She reeked of someone who deserved better and years later I would be vindicated.

This is, of course, also after seeing her in Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering. I give her no props for that. I don't even remember her nor did I connect the two roles. Pretty sure I found her hot, but that's neither here nor there.

Flash forward to 2001 and David Lynch, brilliant eye for talent David Lynch, pulls her from oblivion and makes her a star with her mind boggling, out of nowhere turn in Mulholland Dr. Lynch gives her an insanely juicy role as Betty and Watts runs with it. It's a wonderful experience watching a basically unknown seize her opportunity to be a star. She plays every note right, layering the performance and revealing each bit of the character in carefully measured bits. Watching her slowly transform from supposed wide eyed innocent to seemingly lusty schemer and beyond is pretty much an acting class. And, it was only the beginning.

She would follow this up with a run that included unappreciated strong turns in The Ring and Ned Kelly, four in a row masterworks 21 Grams, We Don't Live Here Anymore, The Assassination of Richard Nixon and I Heart Huckabee's and finishing up with King Kong, where she was arguably the best part of the movie. Add in her last one-two punch of Eastern Promises and Funny Games and I already forgive The Birds remake.

Point is, Naomi has proven without a shadow of a doubt that she's one of the greatest and most versatile actors working today. I'm happy to make her a main cog of the Socially Inept Review. Plus she has that bad DTV horror movie in her background. That's very important to me.

2. Natalie Portman



Screw you, Hollywood. You have no concept of what you've had working in your fair city for the last 15 years. I'm gonna guess some of you saw Leon or else she wouldn't have gotten this far, even. You know what kind of power this girl had, even then, when she's given the right material to work from. You have this amazing, bursting talent in your midst for the better part of 15 years, and you squander her on meandering, cloying, disingenuous shit like Anywhere But Here or The Other Boleyn Girl. She's worth way more than that, and thankfully, every once in a while, somebody like Anthony Minghella or Mike Nichols comes along, and uses her properly. It's still baffling and impressive how, even with all the talent on display in Cold Mountain, she blows them right the fuck away in a segment with the barest minimum of dialogue.

Here's the secret, kids: The genius is that Natalie comes off as NORMAL. No matter the situation, she has the ability to immediately put forth this air of "put a genuine 20-something in this situation, here's what she'd do". And she never betrays that. Even in V For Vendetta, after her great awakening, so to speak she manages to play Evie a little guarded and weak, as someone who's got new information, but is still lost on how to utilize it. Most other actresses, Evie pre- and post- the rooftop are two different characters, easily. With Natalie, she's just a girl on the brink. Which tends to be the leitmotif of the vast majority of her GOOD roles to begin with. And it's going to be fascinating to see how this girl reacts when I put her through the genre wringer for this company.

She's mine now. Screw you Hollywood. Especially you, George Lucas. Oh, especially you, you son of a bearded bitch.

All going in one immaculate post, from now on.

Rachel Weisz

TBA

edited

Above...

Maria Bello was destined to escape the little prison we first met her at, TV. That's were she was born you see. As many other before her, she roamed from shitty TV role to the other in order to pay rent.
Then a little thing called E.R. offered her a way out. Just one season of that show was enough for her to run into the arms of daddy Movies and never look back. Payback was our first serious glimpse of her greatness. A simple role. A super high class hooker for the mob, sorry, "the outfit". Playing opposite Mel Gibson, we were supposed to know that there was something more to her character that Mel craved so much. You know how much it took? A fucking picture. That was enough for her to display so much weight and layers on her character. Just looking at the picture Mel had with him made us root for them.
Then she took a similar role, instead of handling call girls, she was the leader of some fucking ugly coyotes. There were so many beautiful and gorgeous women dancing around that bar, but who did we all wanted to get with? Who was not only pretty but tough? Lil, that's who.
She realized that Coyote Ugly was not a step in the right direction, so for the next 5 years she went on a prestige streak. Starring in a bunch of smaller films with interesting roles. Topping it off with one of the most sensual roles of the last decade. The Cooler. Natalie was William H. Macy's leash. She was there to please him and make him want to stay. She was a goddess violently fucking a wimpy old guy. And it's a testament of her acting chops that we believed that a woman like that would be aroused by a man like Macy. I never hated Baldwin so much as when he dared hit her.
I've been speaking about a lot of steamy and sexy roles, but we all know were she peaked. Playing a suburban housewife with a suddenly awoken libido for the discovery that her boring husband for so many years was actually a killing machine for the Mafia in hiding. She was scared, she wanted to run, she wanted a piece of Viggo. I doubt there will ever be another seminal cheerleader-outfit-on-a-grown-woman scene in years to come. And if that wasn't enough, they went for the stairs. In one of the hottest rough sex scenes in recent memory. A History of Violence cemented her status as a Working Goddess. And we are very excited to have her come on board to our fine group of actors that will join her in her next 5 roles.

In Aqueduct of Tears she'll play Michele Hudson. A young and beautiful bride. She's led a very conventional and happy life so far and is getting married to his high school sweetheart on his father's house. But a sequence of events will shed some light on her family's past.
She'll follow that role with a fun little supporting spot in Beer Battered Bedmates, where she'll play the best friend of a the female lead. A role that will cement her comedy credentials received in Thank You For Smoking.
Close to Halloween she'll slip back in some comfortable shoes by playing a bartender one more time. This time of a small town biker joint nearby a mysterious Warehouse, where urban legend says some crazy human experimentation has been going on.
Up next she'll play Sgt. Dillon's wife in the Action Blockbuster 40 Second Fuse. She'll be the recipient of serious threats from a former Bomb Squad member played by Chiwetel Ejiofor.
Finally we'll be seeing her in the science fiction flick Beyond Pluto. She did extensive research for her role as Lt. Connor, the head science officer in the first manned expedition to Mars.
Stay Tuned!

5. Peter Stormare



I needed one of those actors knows as "that guy". You know, that guy that is memorable in those 5-10 minutes he's in the movie? The one actor that you keep telling yourself "" That man should be in every movie". Well, he will be in mine. Christ, I remember when he play that villain in Fargo, or the crazy Russian in Armageddon, wondering how can I get more of this guy? He has range, able to mimic nearly any accent (he's Swedish by the way, so that should count double as far as ). And he played the best cinematic version of Satan in Constantine. So good was his performance that it would have made Keanu Reeves cry like the little bitch he is had being human. That's acting.

He can do and fit in anything style of movies, and even if he can do weird and strange characters like no one else, he's able to retain some of that wackiness as he did in his European outings.



6. Terrence Stamp



"Come to me, son of Jor-El! Kneel before Zod.

Kneel!"

Ring any bell? Most know Stamp as General Zod, where he stole the movie away from everybody and forever made him an icon, yet few know him as the talented actor and cinematic badass he is. I rediscovered Terrence Stamp when I watched his older movies from the 60's, and since then grew to appreciate his skills. His turn in Priscilla: Queen of the Desert was proof he could branch out and do whatever he wanted, and The Limey proved to those who watched it that he's even more dangerous when he's not flying and wielding a gun. He's also the master of the mentor role, where he'll teaches the characters to be what he wants them to be, even if the movie is shitty, and look good at it. And he's funny as hell, when the said movie can use him correctly (I'm looking at you, Get Smart).

Come on. Do it. You know you have to. You know you want to.

Kneel before Stamp.



7. Idris Elba



Why did I pick Idris Elba? Because if I tell you his name alone, you don't have a clue who he is. Let me says another name then: Stringer Bell. That's it. That's all there is to say. When an actor is able to stand out of a quality ensemble cast such as the one in the Wire, you have talent there. Those who saw the show pretty much understand why he's in my company, and for those who didn't see it, do yourself a favor and go watch the best TV production ever done.

Ellen Page



I went back to visit my parents in Michigan for a couple weeks this past April. Having always been a night owl my entire life, I'm always flipping around their myriad of movie channels whenever I'm back in town and reveling in the sheer volume of choices. This particular evening, I noticed Hard Candy on the channel guide and decided to finally give it a look. I really liked Ellen Page in Juno and The Tracey Fragments (her performance in the latter wasn't enough to save the film as a whole, though), plus this has the future Dan Dreiberg as her co-star.

Wow. Holy fucking shit, wow. THAT was the role where I decided to see every single thing she does for the rest of her career.

Arguably one of the most talented young actresses in the industry, this 5'1" Canuck already had numerous accolades and a big box office hit under her belt before she could legally drink in the States. Her career is starting to take off in a major way and it's an honor for her to join the Triumph Repertory Company. She brings a boatload of charisma and dedication to whatever role she inhabits (even shaving her head for a role in the little-known Mouth to Mouth).

She's the Juggernaut, bitch.

Is it time yet, now that Redford's all but retired and Newman is sadly on his way out, to anoit Ed Harris as one of the great elder statesmen of American acting?

2007 will go down as a legendary year for cinema. That's established. Yet for all the great moments -- milkshakes, coffee shops, variations on Bob Dylan, and Martin Starr beard jokes -- it is in my humble opinion that there was not a better scene than Ed Harris and Casey Affleck outside a hospital in Gone Baby Gone.

"I had a priest tell me that guilt was God telling you what you did was wrong."
"Fuck him."

As that scene is written in the script, it's unclear whether Remy, Harris' career Dorchester detective, is talking about the priest, or about God. Harris makes it abundantly clear, though, and there aren't many actors who can get away with telling God to get fucked, and not in the humorous, meant-to-be-controversial or shocking way. The power of that moment comes not from what Harris is saying, but how he is saying it, not as an actor, but as this character who has completely rejected what society tells him is "right" to form his own sense of morality and justice, which he then explains in a brutal monologue about what he's willing to do to protect a child. It's the scene that sets up the entire second half of the movie, both from a plot standpoint and a thematic one; as Affleck's Patrick Kenzie sees Remy's confidence in his beliefs and is able to form his own decisions, his own idea of "justice" around it.

That scene is what I like to call a "rewind scene," one so good that if you're watching it on DVD, you back it up and watch it again immediately. Harris has a lot of moments like that in his 30 year career in film. "I believe this will be our finest hour," from Apollo 13. The creator pleading with his creation in Truman Show. Fucking with Tom Cruise in The Firm and fucking with Maria Bello in History of Violence. The drowning scene in The Abyss and the end of Walker.

And, of course, Dave Moss. No explanation necessary.

One of the reasons the "twist" in A Beautiful Mind works so well is because of Harris -- mostly because we, the audience, are used to seeing him as government authority figures (and Ron Howard knows it, just like he knows we're used to seeing Paul Bettany as the best friend) -- but he doesn't break or waver, not for a second, not even after he's been revealed as a figment of Russell Crowe's imagination. While I'm sure the "twist" that comes at the end of The Rock was scripted, it seems like it was added in after Harris showed up on set -- because his Gen. Hummell is such a twistedly noble and decent character that you find yourself rooting for him most of the time.

He's a working actor, walking the line between "hey, it's that guy!" and four-time Academy Award nominee, between passion projects like Pollock and house payment paychecks like National Treasure: Book of Secrets. (We'll forget about Radio and Milk Money for now.) And like Mary-Louise Parker, the "thinking woman's sex symbol" is a veteran of the theater, most recently tearing it up in Neil LaBute's one man show Wrecks. And you know that LaBute doesn't fuck around.

Not only is he never bad, he's never okay, either. He's always good, and he is frequently great. Second Glance Rep is pleased to have him join our company, and we hope that his supporting role Aqueduct of Tears, as a slightly bigoted, more than a little sexist coach who forms a sixty-year friendship with Mary Louise Parker's idealistic teacher ("Driving Miss Daisy" it ain't) will bring him that Oscar he should already have. We also look forward to his straight-man role in Beer Battered Bedmates, where he'll skewer his own "government asshole" persona, and as the vicious serial killer at the heart of The Warehouse. His roles in Beyond Pluto and Forty Second Fuse are undecided at this time.

“I have a good time, I laugh and goof around and get silly, but I don’t like bullshittin'. So, I guess that comes across as serious.”
--Ed Harris, New York Magazine

EDIT: Consolidating in one post.

Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson - representing Professional Wrestling

Where does Dwayne Johnson fit in as a SCAB? You know the drill already. If you want to get smartassey about it, Johnson has probably the closest thing to an acting background as you can get without being considered an 'actor' - WWE wrestling. Between choreographed matches and made-up feuds with other beef sticks, he honed his immense natural charisma into the wildly popular persona, The Rock. Sure, it was machismo & shitty catchprases for kids and stunted manchildren (Oh, I jest) but it won him legions of fans and helped him become one of the largest celebrities in the business since Hulk Hogan. Of course, he then left that all behind to pursue acting, where he has subsequently been denied his right of passage into action movie mega-stardom. A lot of this falls on the lack of solid hard-R action flicks like he would have flourished on in the 80's and early 90's. Joining the SCABS is going to be step one in digging himself out of the accursed Disney trap.

What he brings to the table? The magic word here is charisma. Seriously, I wish it were winter so I could freeze it into ice blocks and skate on it and melt it in the spring time and drink it - it's that good. In addition, he has a pretty gifted talent for comedy; his best stuff coming from playing off of the other actors around him (or letting them play off his straight-man like in The Rundown and Walking Tall), which is exactly what you want in an ensemble. He also isn't too full of himself to take on roles other 'tough guys' wouldn't dare - just look at his gay, afro'd and flamboyant bodyguard Elliot in Be Cool. The cowboy music video and his Bring It On audition for Travolta are marks of a man who isn't afraid to take risks to really sell a comedic performance. He even spoofs on his old signature raised eyebrow look. Yeah, the movie is a piece of shit, but to his credit he’s one of the only redeeming things about it. Still, his comedic supporting efforts should shine in comedies like Beer Battered Bedmates.

Science fiction. Well, he has very loosely covered the genre with Doom and some elements of Southland Tales, but I would hardly classify either movie as science fiction over anything else. Between this and horror his lack of complete experience might show through, but given the right role I believe his natural talents and willingness to try new things will be strong assets in these inexperienced areas. Semper Fi motherfucker?

Action - a string of bad luck. The Scorpion King did decent business but couldn't quite capture the Mummy audience, the Walking Tall remake didn't exactly take off, nor did The Rundown. Really unfortunate, because the Rundown had all the elements of a great action flick: huge leading man, comedic sidekick, big-name villain, memorable henchmen (the whip guys? come on, fucking awesome), a flashy fight with former pizza-delivery man Keno, and the big you pushed me too far moment where the setup of Beck never using guns plays out and he blows the fuck out of everyone in town with a shotgun in each hand. Suffice to say, the man can handle all kinds of action.

Which leaves us drama. I'm having a hard time gauging his dramatic performance in Southland Tales - some times it felt strong, other times, like when he was acting scared, it felt corny/over the top. Of course, that movie is so all-over-the-map that the cornyness might be completely intentional, but considering it was only his second dramatic role I think he fared pretty well in it. It’s another notch in the ensemble belt at any rate. His other dive into the field, Gridiron Gang, may be the most stereotypical inspirational-sports-movie-with-a-ghetto-twist ever, but Johnson got to show his acting chops without it being the 'boring' section between swordfights or gun battles, and he gives the poor material a little something extra. I think if he continues to dedicate himself to working on his Game Plan, he'll be a really well rounded actor in no time. Game Plan, see what I did there? I’ll be here all week folks, plenty of opportunity to blow me. Tip your waitress.

place holder for Angelina Jolie

There's been a trend over the past few years in which good looking to downright hot women are into very nerdy or geeky things. Now whether or not that's just one of many fads of the double-oh decade or perhaps something here to stay. One women that certainly fit the bill at least in my mind has to be Rosario Dawson.

Not only does she give off the street sophisticaton of someone whose grown up in New York (As depicted in Kids and The 25th Hour). But also as someone who apparently loves comics and trashy cinema as viewed as her work as Gail in Sin City (S&M fetishism aside, she looked damn good in black and white), the most palatable thing about Clerks II , certainly one the better things about Death Proof and probably the best thing about Alexander ("Naw it's probably the titties"). Not to mention one crazy as hell deleted scene in The Devil's Rejects in which from what I can tell. She lost about 98 million gallons of blood

In terms of these latter projects, these could just be the work of someone wanting a few bucks to do some kitchen remodeling (aka the Bob Hoskins approach) but something tells me that Dawson really enjoys this type of material. (I know she's co-written a comic book. Which I admit to not having scene and IMDB says she loves Star Trek. So make of that what you will.) Not only did I pick her just because of all this but she is someone who fits in well within a cast and as a lead. As seen in Sin City and a blink if ya miss it role as a reporter assisting Steve Zahn in Shattered Glass.

Much like Gary Cole, I always enjoy seeing her on screen and I know I'm going to get at least some very solid work from her. Not to mention I certainly believe she's got the ability to carry projects on her own.

Round 2 Pick 6 Emily Blunt


Emily Blunt is a scene stealer in the best possible way. She's someone you notice. The Devil Wears Prada was made for a master like Meryl Streep but Blunt rose to the challenge and equaled her greatness. In Charlie Wilson's War her 5 minutes of screentime is talked about just as much as PSH phenomenal work as a bitter CIA agent. Her standing at the top of the staircase in an opened men's shirt, panties and bra drew gasps from the theater I was in. It was a holy shit moment and the sexiest entrance I think I've see. Then there is My Summer of Love. You come for young lesbian love but end up captivated by the two leads in a very moving love story.

At 24 she's just starting out and already getting praise from a heavy hitter like Merly Streep.

Other than I'm just picking people from Pushing Tin, my John Cusack explanation will be here later. See above, actually.

When God gave the gift of pregnancy via immaculate conception to Peter Sarsgaard's mother, he knew that he was creating his masterpiece. His first big screen role came as one of the victims murdered by Sean Penn in Dead Man Walking, and he garnered critical acclaim for his part on Boys Don't Cry. Although he was pegged for a time as a character actor who may only be able to work in darker films and mindsets, he was able to erase those doubts by being the heart of Garden State when it wasn't his film to be the anchor, and by clocking in a fantastic performance on SNL. His most daring performance was delivered in the film Kinsey where he played Alfred Kinsey's love interest during a time in our history where homosexuality is by leaps and bounds less understood and tolerated than it is today, and it was done in such a natural way that you believed there was love between them. He makes a perfect addition to my reparatory company and his versatility and ability to lose himself in a role is up there with some of the greats.

Don't forget to buy your Sarsgaard SARS Guard.

Here at Bricks & Mortar we strive to amass a diverse pool of talented actors and actresses who are as comfortable sharing the screen as they are dominating it. Terrence Howard is just such an actor. Whether it’s an Oscar caliber turn as a Tennessee pimp come rapper (Hustle&Flow), or being the best thing in an award winning ensemble cast (Crash), or merely sharing a few minutes of screentime and making the best of it as he did in Iron Man, Terrence has the goods.

Speaking of Iron Man, it's a testament to Howard’s ability that the most natural feeling relationship in that film was between his Jason Rhodes and Tony Stark. Without him the role reads as a token buddy character, but with him, you believe the man can go toe-to-toe with Robert Downey’s Iron Man. And as a slight aside, I remember thinking it was a great idea when someone (Devin?) suggested Howard for a slightly unconventional take on the main character. He's got the charisma to pull it off, and yet he's capable of filling in lesser roles with panache.

Terrence embodies everything we're looking for here at B&M, and we're proud to have him aboard.

Nothing to see here...move along.

Daniel-Day Lewis was the aforementioned "actor I thought I was taking all along at number one." To say I'm shocked he was available at my spot in Round 2 is an understatement. Some of my fantasy repertory company colleagues think he has too much of a dominating presence for a company. TO that I say: Maybe. But this is a fantasy draft, and to pass over one of the best living actors -- perhaps *the* best living actor -- because Daniel might overshadow his company mates is absurd. OK, maybe not absurd, but in a fantasy draft where we're pretending that Day-Lewis and Johnny Depp, for example, are in the same repertory company ... well, I think I'll take my chances stacking my fantastical deck.

Never mind. Going the Nick/Matchstick route, and putting all my picks in one post.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt is part of a group of young actors whose acting ability certainly rivals that of older more estabilished actors; giving the impression that if he continues to even maintain the quality of work seen on the screen over the past few years. That we are certain to encounter some extremly great work in the future.

Much like any former child actor, Levitt began doing commercials and other kid-related stuff, most noteably Angels in the Outfield and guest spots on tv shows. He then landed a supporting spot on Third Rock from the Sun playing essentially a comic version of Homer from Near Dark (Old man trapped in young kid's body) and while it's a silly sitcom, you certainly got the feeling he and John Lithgow were working together pretty well (French Stewart, not so much) but while it was typical sitcom antics. You could see something there, but only if it was realized and not wasted in typical teen actor fashion. (drugs, bad career decisions, etc.)

Then a few years later, three movies really showed the guy's talent. First, being a hustler in Mysterious Skin, a teen detective in the noir-homaged, Cowboy Bebop framed Brick, and an brain injured former jock in The Lookout. In all three films, you have diversified lead roles in which he is not gotten into the typicall teen movie garbage that other young actors get into and pretty much snuff out their careers.

Casey Affleck



After spending his entire career in the shadow of his older brother Ben, Casey Affleck made 2007 the year that he shed the "little brother" label and let the industry and the world know that he's his own man. In The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, he played said killer (opposite fellow Triumph Repertory Company member Brad Pitt), earning universal acclaim. The first in the family to garner an Academy Award nomination for work done in front of the camera, Casey stood out amongst the very talented ensemble and brought an incredible amount of depth and heart to the infamous murderer.

Older brother Ben knew that Casey had the ability to be the lead in a studio picture and was his first choice for the role of Patrick Kenzie, the private detective hired to help the police find a missing little girl in the South side of Boston, in Gone Baby Gone. Casey Affleck stood toe-to-toe with such luminaries as Ed Harris and Morgan Freeman and held his own. He showed he belongs in the big leagues with those actors, that he's not "the other Affleck".

Hell, in the Oceans films, his banter and shenanigans with Scott Caan have been as entertaining or more than the activities of the A-listers Clooney, Pitt and Damon.

I have held off on assigning roles for the 5 films, but the acquiring of Casey Affleck has sped up the process a little bit. He will be playing a journalist for a Midwestern newspaper in Aqueduct of Tears who goes up against Brad Pitt's evil US Senator in a tale of murder, deceit, blackmail, arson and an NFL franchise.

The Triump Repertory Company couldn't be prouder to welcome Casey Affleck into the fold.

If you go to Wikipedia and search for the definition of "Secret Weapon" you get a picture of Ciaran Hinds. He is there to hold things together. He automatically fills the screen with an emotional weight and gravitas that serves as the anchor of every ensemble cast. Hinds was never destined to headline movies, it was too easy for him to be a superstar. He knew he could better serve the world and the starving children of the world by elevating every material and scene he's in. This is specially evident in gems like Munich and There Will Be Blood. Where he's Daniel Plainview's right hand man and closest thing to a friend. He's the ultimate dad, the ultimate Sr. Officer, the ultimate Bad Guy, the ultimate experienced partner and just about everything you want him to be.
Working Gods is damn proud to have him join our team in the following productions.

In Aqueduct of Tears he will be playing the father of Maria Bello, a old man filled with joy because of his daughter's wedding. The surprising arrival of Chiwetel Ejiofor's character will reveal some ugly skeletons in his closet and change the family dynamics for ever.
Beer Battered Bedmates will have him play the owner of a recreational facility in where a bachelor party is being held. He''ll get more than he bargained for!
Mr. Hinds will get to ham it up playing evil Nazi scientist Dr. Friedkin who has been experimenting with human resurrection in order to create the ultimate undead super soldier in the classic horror flick The Warehouse.
Having led the bomb squad for almost 30 years, Captain McClane will have to face his biggest threat yet, his former apprentice turns the table around using all his knowledge to terrorize the city of Las Vegas in the action packed flick 40 Second Fuse.
Finally in the sci-fi drama Beyond Pluto he'll be playing the head medical officer Dr.Sisko. The expedition will test his abilities once a series of events jeopardize the entire crew.