Okay, who do you think should play Nora Charles in the new version of the original THIN MAN films based on the book by Dashiell Hammett? The original films starred the powerful screen combo of William Powell and Myrna Loy. But as Nicolas says - shaking with dread - over at his blog, SQUEEZEGUT ALLEY, 'Film stars just don't look like Myrna Loy anymore...' I agree. Glamour is dead.
But still, the movie is moving forward. Let's be pragmatic: Who do you think would look best with Johnny? Who would have the necessary chemistry? As we know, Johnny Depp swallows the screen (it is almost impossible to see anyone else when he's onscreen) or else disappears completely, when he's in a movie. He rarely has chemistry with his female stars. Why that should be I don't know, but there you have it.
In my opinion, speaking as a lover of the original THIN MAN films and of the pairing of Powell and Loy, Johnny Depp will do all right as Nick. (He might have to put lifts in his wing-tips, but that's for him and the costume designer to figure out.) He will be able to get that 1930's look down pat - the shiny slicked back hair, maybe a pencil thin mustache, the tux, the stride. He can do that with his eyes closed. I can already see him with my own eyes closed.
I added the little 1930's pencil mustache - what do you think? He might make it work.
It's the casting of Nora that is most problematic. I have heard nor read anything anywhere about who is in the running for the part and for the intents of this post, I don't want to know. I prefer to play casting director on my little blog and ask you to join in as well. We'll all play casting director together.
So, let's get to it: CASTING CALL!
In no particular order of preference, here are seven actresses that might work as Nora Charles:
Keira Knightley? (She's worked with Johnny before.)
Helena Bonham Carter? (She's worked with Johnny before.)
Tina Fey? ( Quirky, but it might work.)
Maggie Gyllenhaal? (I like this idea more and more.)
Minnie Driver?
Reese Witherspoon? She'd have to darken her locks, though.
Rachel Weisz? Hers was the first name that popped into my head a few weeks ago when I heard about the adaptation. I still think she might work.
I think any of these actresses migh be capable of showing that sophisticated nuttiness spark that Loy had.
What do you think? Agree? Disagree? (No screeching, please.) Who would you cast?
Johnny Depp in The Thin Man? What do you think? I read about this a few days ago and tonight I noticed a link to further developments over at the Rap Sheet. Nick at