Today, Richard’s newest project
was announced. He will star in an adaptation of the best-selling novel “Urban Grimshaw
and The Shed Crew.” My reaction to this has been strong enough to make this
blog post, but first, here is the synopsis from Amazon…
You're twelve years old. Your mother's a junkie and your father might
as well be dead. You can't read or write, and you don't go to school. An
average day means sitting round a bonfire with your mates smoking drugs, or
stealing cars. Welcome to Urban's world. Bernard 'Chop' Hare was on society's
margins, living on one of Leeds' roughest estates and with a liking for drink
and drugs. So he knew what life in the underclass was like in '90s Britain. But
even he was shocked when he met Urban, an illiterate, glue-sniffing
twelve-year-old. And through Urban he got to know the Shed Crew -- an anarchic
gang of kids between the ages of ten and fourteen; joy-riding, thieving
runaways, who were no strangers to drugs or sex. Nearly all had been in care,
but few adults really cared. Bernard decided to do what he could. He didn't
know what he was letting himself in for.
I’ll just say this up front. And
don’t kill me until you’ve heard me out…
When I read this description, I
was overcome with disappointment.
Typically, this isn’t the kind of
story I enjoy, either in books or in movies. And to be honest, I was thinking
that I wouldn’t bother watching it, even if Richard is starring in it. I think
I’m still recovering from my despondency about his not being Poldark. But then, I thought about it,
and I realized…
I’m a selfish ass.
This is a fantastic opportunity
for Richard to showcase his skills as an actor. It’s not a role that will rely
on his good looks (Which I’m sure is a relief to him.) This is a gritty role,
and the character is the kind of flawed anti-hero role that Richard can really
sink his teeth into. I don’t imagine there will be much to “Squee” about with
this part, and that’s fantastic for Richard. The more I think about it, the
more I’m loving the idea of this movie. What kind of fangirl would I be if I
didn’t support this? Richard has chosen a role that will be a boon to his
career, and maybe…just maybe…it will FINALLY give him some critical
recognition. And what’s wrong with that? Richard has never disappointed me
before, and I know he’ll be amazing in this.
I’ll be watching! :D
Totally agree!! I think he will really get into this role. Of course, it being Richard, I'm sure he will be adorable, even though the role doesn't depend on his looks. I hope they don't actively try to change his looks for the role, though, like with prosthetics and wigs. Don't need that either. Like he said, you can disappear into a role without that.
ReplyDeleteI think he'll really disappear into this part. There's nothing glamorous about a drinker/drug addict, and I'm sure he'll be almost unrecognizable in the role.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait!
I wish him well for the part and hope it's a good film that does well, but yeah, it sounds quite depressing. :/ Ah well. Guess I'll watch it when it's shown on TV.
ReplyDelete