Source: The Telegraph
(Found via Cinematical)
What a great time for My Fair Lady fans. First, we got a lovely rendition of “I Could Have Danced All Night” on Glee (a surprisingly awesome show that I’m trying to hook all my friends on), and now comes word that the long-discussed remake is closer than ever! I went on in a long, long spiel about my love for Pygmalion, George Bernard Shaw’s original play that inspired the musical. And while we already have a My Fair Lady movie (featuring the immortal Audrey Hepburn and the brilliant Rex Harrison), news broke today that Pride & Prejudice and Atonement helmer Joe Wright will direct the new project, with his leading lady Keira Knightley in the title role...
Very, very cool news. I thought Joe Wright’s Pride & Prejudice was one of the best literary adaptations ever made—perfectly capturing the spirit of the novel, yet having a voice and personality of its own. He has a knack for sweeping visuals, and, while Atonement was problematic, the performances and dramatic moments were just beautifully done. And he obviously works great with Knightley; two of her absolute best performances were under his direction, and Eliza Doolittle should be no different. Plus, on top of all that, the remake’s screenplay will be from my one of my favorite actresses (and a damn good writer herself), Emma Thompson. Thompson always struck me as a witty, intelligent performer (she also did an uncredited rewrite of Wright’s Pride & Prejudice)—she could do wonders with Shaw’s endlessly quotable dialogue.I like the idea of a remake on this material. Yes, the Audrey Hepburn movie is very good…but there is a lot to improve upon. The stage show is one of the most enjoyable, vibrant experiences I’ve ever seen, and a new movie (especially under the talented eye of someone like Wright) could finally do that justice. And, really, I’m always up for re-interpretations as long as the creative minds bring something new to the table. My Fair Lady has been on the stage for years, going through dozens (if not hundreds) of alterations in casting, staging, etc. Subtle differences could change the whole experience, often in interesting ways—I’m banking this version of the musical will bring back the wit and energy that somehow got lost in the lavish 1964 movie.
Oh, and for a final tantalizing bit of news: though it’s not 100% official yet, Daniel Craig is circling the role of Henry Higgins, that arch, stuffy, pompous, insufferable, hugely entertaining Professor who transforms Eliza…and, of course, captures her heart—and his own—in the process. Craig is an enormous talent, and if you ever catch any of his interviews, he’s got a sharp sense of humor that could be perfectly applied here. It’s an interesting choice, and one I’m all the more curious to see play out on screen (the picture to the right gives us a good glimpse of his more dapper, playful side).I’ll keep an eye on this as it develops further. For now, I’m psyched to see Wright and Knightley reteam, and all the more excited to see Pygmalion brought back to the screen with such giant talent behind it. Knightley should make a wonderful Eliza Bennet (her natural spark and feistiness is a perfect fit for both the Cockney flower girl and the Duchess-with-a-brain), and the fact that Craig is being considered goes to show that the filmmakers are looking for a worthy verbal opponent to her. After all, minus the great songs, the play almost works like a great, classic duel of wits. Can't wait to hear if it still rains on that bloody plane in Spain...
How about you guys? Excited at all for a new take on this material? Think Knightley will make a good fit for the iconic big shoes of Audrey Hepburn (let alone the singing powerhouse, Julie Andrews, who originated the role)? And how do you feel about Daniel Craig trading in killing people and badass-world-extravaganzas for some funny, high-profile singing?
And, to cap this off, here’s a bonus video from last week’s Glee. This is my favorite song from My Fair Lady, and it just goes to show how charming a new take could be…
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.
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