Casting Cringes

[Geronimo]

I fully expect to be shot down in flames over my opinions but, as this is bothering me, I thought I'd raise it. Every now and again directors make a casting decision which, in my opinion, spoils the general enjoyment of a programme.

I cringe every time I see Dawn French in Lark Rise to Candleford. Every line she delivers is like the delivery of a joke and her performance is shallow when compared to that of the rest of the cast - Claudie Blakley for example. Could the BBC or the director not find an actress who could act the part without yelling "look at me being funny"!

I cringe whenever James Nesbitt appears in "The Passion". Having done such a good job with the rest of the casting (loads of people we don't recognise - very refreshing) the side is let down by a lacklustre performance from Nesbitt. He doesn't look comfortable in the part and seems to be forceably adopting meaningful and dramatic poses. The accent is the nail in the coffin for me. I don't have a problem with the ordinary folk having a jumble of accents but couldn't Nesbitt for once in his life adopt a standard accent for the Prefect? Actors were always trained to keep their natural accent but to perfect a standard accent as well. This was an occasion where Nesbitt could have shown the public that he has something else to offer. It's the same syndrome as the Ray Winstone "Cockney" Henry VIII. Shudder.

So - that's my rant for now. What bothers you?

[penfold]

What's bothering me right now is the upcoming production of The Colour of Magic. Rincewind the failed wizard is a central character and recurs throughout the Discworld series...he is described as being young, and having the lean, stooping body of a long distance sprinter. Who do we get? David Jason ??
Now Nicholas Lyndhurst would have been absolutely perfect....

[Freddy]

Originally Posted by Geronimo I fully expect to be shot down in flames over my opinions but, as this is bothering me, I thought I'd raise it. Every now and again directors make a casting decision which, in my opinion, spoils the general enjoyment of a programme.

The Casting Ouch!

[Geronimo]

I agree Penfold. Also, the previews project a really dull performance by Jason. He was fabulous in Open All Hours and Fools & Horses but seems to be devoid of charisma in this production.

As for you Freddy - must have been a broken spring.