Monday, August 25, 2008

What are your thoughts?

Yes yes, I'm behind the times, but in June it was announced that a remake of My Fair Lady is in the works. Rumored to re-create the role of Eliza Dolittle is Keira Knightley.

This is one of my all-time favorite movies so I was pretty sad to hear this. To be fair, Knightley does look a little Hepburn-esque and would look the part of Eliza. And I didn't mind her in Pirates of the Caribbean. But my intense dislike for her started when she starred as Elizabeth Bennet in the 2005 remake of Pride and Prejudice. Her acting lacked depth and she was totally unbelievable as either a caring, sympathetic sister or a girl falling in love. I thought she portrayed Lizzie as brusque and snide instead of the intelligent, clever and gently sarcastic girl she is meant to be. You might say there is little difference , but I loved the original book and to me, it was all the difference in the world.

So that's my mini-rant on Keira Knightley. While there are many, many actresses who would be even worse in the now-famous role of Eliza, I can't imagine that Knightley could catch the subtle nuances, innocent sweetness or the sheer classiness of the part that Hepburn made famous on screen. My question is: who do YOU think should get the part? While you're thinking about it, who would make a good Henry Higgins?

9 comments:

The Beals said...

This is my FAVORITE FAVORITE musical EVER!! I didn't know they were re-making it! YAY!

The Beals said...

However.. I do agree with you about Keira Knightley.

Jenny said...

Rufus Sewell would be so perfect. Am freaking out over my genius.

Spencer Family said...

Oooh I'm with you--Keira Knightley is NOT Eliza worthy. I will have to think about who is though. That's one movie that I don't think they should remake--the original is just so good.

Bethany @ The Paper Pony said...

Big fat NO to Keira Knightly... I think Emily Blunt would do a fantastic job (if, in fact, she can sing... it is a musical, right?).

Hannah said...

Can Keira sing? Apparently...

I actually liked her in Pride and Prejudice, but I am not the Austen snob the rest of you are. ;) Maybe I am just more shallow...

AMS said...

i don't know of anyone who could pull off eliza. i think a remake of My Fair Lady is a disaster waiting to happen! the original is just perfect! although, i'll probably end up seeing it just out of curiosity!

Anonymous said...

I have absolutely no thoughts these days - and not just about whom would be good to play Henry Higgings, but you should pat yourself on the back because Hollywood rented "My Fair Lady" to us last night (thanks to you) and my kids are better for it (though Josh might tend to disagree).

Megan said...

I feel bad for whoever tries to play the part of Eliza. Audrey Hepburn has been immortalized for her role. Seriously...who could ever measure up to that. You are SO good with words. I couldn't figure out why she bugged me in that movie and you are SO right!