I keep catching wind of this–a wind that is reminiscent of a sour fart.
Every actor who even remotely resembles the late, cult-status rock star, Jeff Buckley, wants to play Jeff Buckley in the biopic that has been in development for years. Jeff’s mother, Mary Guibert, has long been involved in the process, being the responsible party for his “musical estate” and legacy. This project has been on a production roller coaster, attempting to find the right key creatives: Writers, a director, a title and of course, its star.
Robert Pattinson revealed recently that he has spoken to Ms. Guibert about portraying Jeff in what I believe to be a project that will continue to struggle to see the light of day–er, the darkness of a theater. And not to crush Pattinson’s vampire-elephant-loving heart, but Ms. Guibert is also apparently a fan of James Franco, who I believe to look more like Jeff, and who the populace would much rather see “trying” to sing and play like Jeff. (When I state populace, I’m excluding all females from ages 12-37.)
Yeah, Rob, according to Franco, Ms. Guibert has had contact with him, too. Then there are others, including James Marsden, who would like a crack at playing the incredibly influential musician. At least we know Marsden can sing.
Oh. Right. Did I fail to mention that? Whoever is playing the role needs to sing and play like Jeff. Reason number 683 why this project is a beast. You cannot impersonate Jeff Buckley. It cannot be done. And the thought of Robert Pattinson whisper-whining his way through the characterization of a man who was often mis-characterized as only being soft-spoken, but who had balls of solid brass…nope…not gonna buy it. Pattinson simply does not have the chops.
This is the only thing I have against Robert Pattinson–that he truly thinks he could pull this off. And it annoys me to think that everyone who would see it, knowing very little about Jeff Buckley, would think that he did “like…such an awesome job…”Now, if they were doing a Justin Timberlake biopic, by all means, Pattinson is your man.
As a huge Buckley fan, the only guarantee that Pattinson would bring to the film would be that fans like me would never see it. And I would really love to see it.
Well, you can keep my click!
James, just how much of Pattinson’s music have you heard? and why are you not hearing the Buckley influence? Jeff is an inspiration to Rob, he is a huge fan. He has the heart (and the chops) to play Buckley. I dont know why anyone else would even be considered! Jeolous much?
Jealous? Is that what you mean? Haha. So, you’re a friend of Pattinson? You’ve seen him do other stuff that what has been released? What work of Pattinson’s would you recommend I check out to observe these “chops?”
D.Hart, just how much of Buckley’s music have you heard? and why are you mistaking simple influence for actual chops? “Stray Dog” does not = “So Real.” I know plenty of people who could be considered! (Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Mark Rendall, Reeve Carney, James Ransone) Ignorant much?
And though it should be evident from hearing Robert ‘sing’, even he admits to not being as talented as Jeff Buckley.
“Pattinson—who has penned songs for the “Twilight” films as well as “How To Be”—is quite aware he’s not in Buckley’s league when it comes to music. “I don’t really think I can sing like Jeff,” Pattinson said. “He was unique. Also, I can’t play guitar like him either. It would involve quite a lot of work.”
This is a tough call. I am a Pattinson fan but I am not sure he can pull this off. Although James Franco looks more like him he absolutely cannot sing so I’d hate to have him do it badly. James Marsden I can’t see him in that serious of a role but who knows. I’m not familiar with any singing of all the people SharahSmiley mentioned but I think you are selling Pattinson short. Yes he’s no Jeff but we all agree nobody really is but Pattinson does look SOMEWHAT like him and he does have a soulful voice (check out “I’ll be your lover”) although not the same tones as Jeff…. I don’t think we’ll be happy with anyone they pick but I will try to keep an open mind.
If they don’t choose Robert Pattinson to play Jeff Buckley, someone out there needs to be fired! If Robert would take a pay cut to play a role he really wants to play, why on earth would they turn him down? He is hot, he can play the guitar, he can sing, he is gorgeous, he could pass for Jeff Buckley, he is one of the biggest stars in the world right now, he is a dedicated worker, he can sell the dang movie, etc.
First let me say this:I am a Pattinson fan. He can not play Jeff Buckley and he sure as Hell can not play Justin Timberlake. What a surprise it would be if Justin played Buckley? He did a beautiful job with a Buckley song on the Haiti charity drive. Rob would need some hours in singing lessons. So…no. Maybe I’m too harsh, maybe Rob could get some singing lessons. You know Gerard Butler did take singing lessons for Phantom of the Opera, so I guess it’s a possibility. Not a fan of Franco’s, although he does look more like Buckley than the others.