In the same way it now seems surreal that the tabloids are going after celebrity children as their latest obsession, it is also strange that it is now the norm to discuss a film’s script, as if reading a script is any indication of how well a film will succeed or fail. As we learned last year with Charlie Wilson’s War, script-to-screen can be a long and winding road. Actors, directors, producers bring much to the table. The written word is, well, only part of the whole picture. This is why it seems slightly odd to me that several sites are actually reviewing W, including Slate (via Cinematical).
It’s a good thing that Josh Brolin will reading these lines. Brolin was one of 2007’s breakout stars and he’ll be right at home doing a Texas drawl. But will they lighten his hair a la Colin Farrell in Alexander and thus ruin the entire film in one fell swoop (the camp pleasures of Alexander notwithstanding)? Here is a bit from the Slate review:
Pages 14-16: Before Laura is in the picture, W. dates Judy, “a blonde, curvaceous Texas cowgirl.” Judy needs a lot of reassurance: “How many times do I have to tell you, you’re my gal. I’m as happy as a rabbit in a carrot patch with you,” insists W. at a Texas bar.
And another part:
The Most Powerful Figure in the World
Page 1: Ever wonder how W. and company came up with the phrase “axis of evil”? Maybe it went something like this:
Chief Speech Writer: “Axis of hatred?” I don’t know. Something about it ‚Ķ just misses.
Rove: Well, then what about “Axis of the unbearably odious?”
Bush: Don’t get cute, Turdblossom. This is serious.
Chief Speechwriter: What about ‚Ķ “Axis of Evil?”
Bush: “Axis of Evil.” I like the ring of that. That’s it.
