Your Take: Act Naturally
In Wednesday’s News Roundup, Brody included a mention of a new Hank Williams biopic:
The life of Hank Williams first went to the big screen in 1964 with Your Cheatin’ Heart, but Nashville-based 821 Entertainment Group and Strike Entertainment have teamed up to create a new feature film. Strike Entertainment partner Marc Abraham will write the script using Colin Escott’s book Hank Williams: The Biography as a resource. Escott will be an associate producer.
Variety’s Michael Fleming had more information on the proposed film:
“It took us almost five years to execute this deal, and people told us we were crazy to try because the estate was so fractured,” Geadelmann said.
On one side of the estate is singer Hank Williams Jr., and on the other is Jett Williams, the illegitimate daughter of the late singer, born days after he died. They haven’t seen eye to eye on much, but they did get together on the biopic.
Abraham is the producer of such films as “Children of Men” and “Spy Game,” who grew up in Kentucky listening to Williams’ music. While waiting for the rights on the Williams biopic to come together, Abraham helmed the Greg Kinnear-starrer “Flash of Genius.”
“He was the first real star who went down as the result of his lifestyle, succeeded by Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin and Kurt Cobain,” Abraham said. “He destroyed himself, but for six years leading to his death, Hank had six songs each year in the top 10.”
Though it’s early, Abraham believes that original recordings will likely be used in the film.
Williams’ story was previously told on the bigscreen in the 1964 George Hamilton starrer “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
Two well-known country stars have already received successful silver screen treatments: Loretta Lynn’s rags to riches story Coal Miner’s Daughter won actress Sissy Spacek an Oscar, and Johnny Cash’s life took center stage in 2005’s Walk the Line, which garnered several Oscar nods and a best actress trophy for Reese Witherspoon.
Which country star’s life story, past or present, would you like to see made into a movie? Give us your take on who would play the starring roles and what title it would go by.
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August 15, 2009 at 7:14 am Permalink
Mel Street – he acieved fame in 1972 and score a number of hits but committed suicide on 10/21/78, his 45th birthday. The prior year he had finally landed a major label deal and earlier in 1978 had his biggest hit since 1972. George Jones called Mel his favorite singer
There has to be a story there somewhere. Not sure who would star as Mel – maybe Craig Morgan could make his film debut here (he doesn’t look like Mel but other aspects of his character and background might work)
Title : The Mel Street Story – Walk Softly On The Bridges
August 15, 2009 at 7:14 am Permalink
I’d like to see Patsy Cline’s life story made into a movie. It would star Jessica Lange and Ed Harris, and I’d like to see it called “Sweet Dreams.”
August 15, 2009 at 8:38 am Permalink
How about Jimmie Rodgers, it would give a greater understanding of who the man was and insights into the orgins of country music. It could star Robert Downy Jr. based on somewhat reselmblance in looks.
August 15, 2009 at 8:38 am Permalink
There was talk awhile ago of a biopic on Charley Pride.
George Jones might be interesting if it could be done without appearing to glamorise the drinking. Or the original Carter Family.
August 15, 2009 at 9:49 am Permalink
Hank’s the easy choice for sure. George Jones, Dolly, and Willie also come to mind. My wild card would be either Roy Acuff or Fred Rose. Acuff was one of the first country superstars and the two of them headed the biggest early publishing company, Acuff-Rose, which I’m sure you could make a pretty good story out of, incorporating Hank, Frizzell, Orbison, etc. There’s a reason they were the next two inducted into the HOF alongside Jimmie Rodgers and Hank.
August 15, 2009 at 10:07 am Permalink
Dolly is kind of an obvious choice. I would go with a more out there choice of Natasha Lyonne to play her because she can act and naturally has boobs (if you cast any of the well knowns in Hollywood it would just be a bad jike because they are either too skiny to pull off the prostetics or Jessica Simpson). IMDBing “But I’m a Cheerleader” to find Natasha’s name made me think of how much I would like to see Michelle Williams play Shelby Lynne in some context.
August 15, 2009 at 11:44 am Permalink
I’d vote for Bob Wills and name it “Ride With Bob”! Heck, they could even make a traveling musical stage show out of it! (lol)
August 15, 2009 at 1:05 pm Permalink
The story of Kellie Pickler
August 15, 2009 at 1:44 pm Permalink
Merle Haggard’s story would make a good film–how a young criminal became a country star and then a counter-counter culture icon.
August 15, 2009 at 1:48 pm Permalink
There was talk awhile ago of a biopic on Charley Pride.
I was thinking about that the other day and wondering what happened with this project. Does anybody know?
August 15, 2009 at 5:24 pm Permalink
IMDB lists the Terrance Howard Charley Pride biopic as “in development.”
Nicholas: That would work–Jamie Presley could play Kellie Pickler and it would be hilarious because she actually gets that what Kellie Pickler does is satire.
August 15, 2009 at 6:41 pm Permalink
George Strait, it could be called Stand There And Sing.
I have no idea on the actors though.
August 15, 2009 at 8:04 pm Permalink
Merle Haggard of course. As already stated, his story is amazing and inspirational.
Clint Eastwood as Merle Haggard would be phenomenal.
August 15, 2009 at 8:05 pm Permalink
oh, and George Jones would be my second choice.
August 15, 2009 at 8:09 pm Permalink
What about Ronnie Milsap, seeing as how there was just a nice article on here about him. I think his story and struggles would definitely find a niche in a capable director’s hands.
August 15, 2009 at 8:38 pm Permalink
Though it’s early, Abraham believes that original recordings will likely be used in the film.
Well, that killed my enthusiasm for the that project. Are they gonna use archival footage to replace the vision of the actor when they can too? What’s the point of hiring someone to play a singer and not letting them do the damn singing.
August 16, 2009 at 2:42 am Permalink
I think the point would be that the estate (which obviously has some power in these particular negotiations) makes more money if they can licence the original recordings for use in the film.
Actually, I’m not necessarily opposed artistically – I’d rather they used an actor who can’t sing but can really act for Hank, and dub him, than be restricted to singing actors. Of course they wouldn’t have that problem casting Audrey. I really can’t imagine any actor who could play George Jones, either, if he was expected to sing like him.
Yes, Merle’s story has inbuilt drama, but you need an actor 50 years younger than Clint Eastwood. I think some of the early women in country music would have interesting stories too.
August 16, 2009 at 3:35 am Permalink
Actually, I’m not necessarily opposed artistically – I’d rather they used an actor who can’t sing but can really act for Hank, and dub him, than be restricted to singing actors.
If they have to go the dubbing route, they should get someone who can pull off a convincing Hankalike and get them to do the vocals. Unless they’re going to make all the spoken dialogue sound like it’s a 50 year old recording, the original HW records will pull you straight out of the film when they start up. They just won’t sound like they belong with the rest of the movie.
August 16, 2009 at 8:52 am Permalink
George Jones and Bill Monroe would be my first choices because, if the scripts were honest and frank, I can’t imagine too more gripping stories for country music fans. The two movies would likely be very different based on the times they happened in and the regions of the country they reflect. George’s story would probably be unbelievable to most people.
August 16, 2009 at 11:25 am Permalink
Clint Eastwood as Merle Haggard would be phenomenal.
As long as he don’t sing Merles songs.
August 16, 2009 at 11:25 am Permalink
Clint Eastwood as Merle Haggard would be phenomenal.
August 16, 2009 at 12:06 pm Permalink
I am a huge fan of biopics in general, especially if they revolve around music. CMT has recently aired ‘Great Balls of Fire’, the Jerry Lee Lewis story and ‘Love Can Build a Bridge’ (The Judds), ‘Sweet Dreams’ (Patsy Cline), and the one about Hank Williams Jr. whose title I forget. And man, I just eat up those pictures and how they portray 1950s and 60s Nashville.
I definitely think Dolly’s story could make a pretty good movie, and maybe we could get Jessica Simpson to play Dolly … Seriously, I have no idea who could play Dolly Parton in a movie about her life because I don’t know many actresses’ names. Reba’s cowgirl upbringing and the decade she spent in Music City before she made it big could play out really well on the screen. And I think Joanna Garcia would make a great Reba. Also, the stories of George Strait, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks, Conway Twitty, Ronnie Milsap (as Drew suggested), Kitty Wells, Tammy Wynette, and a whole slew of others would make for great movies.
August 16, 2009 at 1:14 pm Permalink
The Story of My Life: Deana Carter =)
Her life would definitely be an interesting movie. Her struggles with record labels and fall from the top of the charts to finally making the album she wanted to make a decade later.
August 16, 2009 at 1:27 pm Permalink
JR: Seriusly, Natasha Lyonne. Not only does she have the natural build she also did poor-white-trash-girl-with-pride-determination-strength-dignity-and-aching-vulnerabilty really well in The Slums of Beverly Hills.
August 16, 2009 at 1:48 pm Permalink
I saw The Slums of Beverly Hills but it’s been a long time – I had forgotten about that movie. I remember it was hilarious, sort of like Married With Children if they had better writers. I’ll have to rent that movie again … Thanks for the suggestion.
August 16, 2009 at 2:59 pm Permalink
The Story of My Life: Deana Carter =)
Her life would definitely be an interesting movie. Her struggles with record labels and fall from the top of the charts to finally making the album she wanted to make a decade later.
This is your idea of a good movie plot? Seriously??
August 16, 2009 at 3:03 pm Permalink
I think a Deana Carter movie could be really good, what with her growing up with that father of hers, and how her later recording life has seen its ups and downs.
August 16, 2009 at 4:02 pm Permalink
Ninety-five percent of biopics aren’t very good, so I’m going to go out on a limb and say nobody.
August 16, 2009 at 4:06 pm Permalink
OMG, how come nobody’s mentioned Taylor Swift yet? She’s like the greatest singer ever and she’s had so many setbacks.
August 16, 2009 at 4:10 pm Permalink
Because that would fall under the Oscar category of “Animated Short Feature” and we are talking long form Best Picture type pictures.
August 16, 2009 at 4:13 pm Permalink
Good one, Stormy.
August 16, 2009 at 5:11 pm Permalink
I’m with Chris N.
August 16, 2009 at 6:09 pm Permalink
You guys have obviously never been the powerful and profound Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.
August 16, 2009 at 6:58 pm Permalink
I’ve always thought Willie’s story would be interesting, with the drugs, IRS, highwaymen, acting… But it will have to wait till the Red Headed Stranger is called home.
And obviously… Billy Bob Thornton would play him. They’re friends, BBT can sing, and they’ve toured together.
If Dierks hadn’t used the title “modern day drifter” already, I’d say that, but I think you could just call it “Wilie”. He’s one of a few people who can be recognized by that one name.
August 17, 2009 at 9:02 pm Permalink
I think the Buck Owens story would be neat. Dwight Yoakum could play the lead, Marty Suart could play Don Rich. Buddy Alan who is Buck’s son , and the Buckaroos. Susan Raye and Wanda Jackson as well and Shooter Jennings would fit in also. It would be a great honor to Buck.
August 18, 2009 at 2:42 pm Permalink
Yay Stormy! Walk Hard was memorable for one thing mostly (to me anyways) Jenna Fischer eating ice cream!
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