Team of Rivals

[Jules362]

I read that Steven Spielberg is making, or going to make, a movie based on the book "Team of Rivals," by Doris Goodwin. I've had the book setting on my shelves for over a year and haven't gotten around to it yet, but it's next on my list.

I heard somewhere that Sally Field has been selected for the part of Mary Lincoln, and my son told me that the part of Abraham will be played by Liam Neeson. I wouldn't have thought of him, but now think he's perfect for the part. He's tall, a little on the gaunt side, and seems to have conquered that Scottish brogue. I'm also curious about which supporting actors will portray persons such as Seward, Stanton and Halleck. Any ideas on who might fit into those roles?

I'm wondering what people here think of the book in general, and it's potential as a movie. I usually avoid Civil War movies because the dialoge seems so contrived.

[elektratig]

I hadn't heard this, but a quick search turned up some confirmation. Not sure about that cast . . .. On the other hand, Sallie Fields is crazy. Can we come up with better suggestions?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/

[JohnW in E.TN]

Sally Field? Ugh. I hate the fact that Hollywood feels the need to put mainstream, recognizable stars in everything, especially productions of a historical or literary nature. The movie ¨Troy¨ is a good example. Brad Pitt as Achilles?! Geez!

Little known actor Paul Giamatti was excellent in ¨John Adams¨. I´m surprised Tom Cruise or Matthew McConaghey wasn´t cast in that one.




John W.

[unionblue]

Originally Posted by JohnW in E.TN

Sally Field? Ugh. I hate the fact that Hollywood feels the need to put mainstream, recognizable stars in everything, especially productions of a historical or literary nature. The movie ¨Troy¨ is a good example. Brad Pitt as Achilles?! Geez!

Little known actor Paul Giamatti was excellent in ¨John Adams¨. I´m surprised Tom Cruise or Matthew McConaghey wasn´t cast in that one.




John W.

John,

Have you read the book, Team of Rivals?

Unionblue

[JohnW in E.TN]

Originally Posted by unionblue

John,

Have you read the book, Team of Rivals?

Unionblue

It's waiting in the wings, Neil. Having read Gore Vidal's "Lincoln" several years ago, I know something of the interplay between Lincoln and his cabinet, especially the manipulations of Salmon Chase. I am also curious about the influence of the Blairs upon his presidency.

I'll get to it. I'm not taking any classes this summer, so it's time for some pleasure reading, for a change. Currently reading McCullough's, John Adams.

So many books, so little time!

Regards,

John W.

[samgrant]

Sally Field should play Edward Stanton. Just joking. (Sally. we don't like you. We really don't like you.)

Kathy Bates (Misery) should play the "Hellcat".

Sounds odd to me that they could pull that off as a movie, I'd think a Broadway musical more likely.

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[samgrant]

Originally Posted by JohnW in E.TN

Having read Gore Vidal's "Lincoln" several years ago, I know something of the interplay between Lincoln and his cabinet, especially the manipulations of Salmon Chase.
John W.

Vidals "Lincoln" seemed to be very close to the true events and relationships (excepting Hay's possible relationship with Kate Chase) of the time.

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[OldGreyWolf]

Originally Posted by samgrant

Sounds odd to me that they could pull that off as a movie, I'd think a Broadway musical more likely.

Whom do you reccommend for the part of Lincoln's "Special Friend", Joshua Speed?

[JohnW in E.TN]

Originally Posted by samgrant

Kathy Bates (Misery) should play the "Hellcat".


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Considering her performance in "Misery", she would be superb.

Regards,

John W.