Miramax (the new one) is developing a Timothy Leary biopic, based on an upcoming biography of the acid-promoting counterculture icon. You may recall, Leary himself was no stranger to the silver screen (though his last role before his 1996 death was "Hot Dog Gawker #2" in this video game). But most of us, I’m sure, are familiar with his fine work in We’re All Devo.
Who’s capable of taking on such a role? Especially if Val Kilmer is officially disinvited to apply? (The blogfather would like to extend that disinvitation to Keanu Reeves.)
For my money, I’d like to see Tom Cruise as Leary. He’s got the wild-eyed messianism down pat, though I’m not sure how he’d feel about the better-living-through-chemistry theme. But if Cruise turns it down, I say go straight to Denis Leary. Think about it: "Leary as Leary." That’s about as far as I’ve thought it through.
How say you? Who should play the good doctor? I hear Miramax is offering the role to anyone who’s "holding and willing to share."
How about Heath Ledger? He’s got the manic zeal from Lords of the Dogtown left over, but would be emotional enough to make him a real, sympathetic person, as well as experience with verse so that he could manage the poetic side. That’s my vote, in any case.
I guess it’s totally irrevalent that he was Uma Thurman’s mother’s first husband, huh?
Jeff Bridges. He even looks like Bridges.
Malkovich.
Good Lord! Look at that picture! Tell Steven Seagal to lose 75 lbs. and you’ve got your insta-nut actor to play your insta-nut LSD guru.
Johnny Depp. Hands down Johnny Depp.
I know he’s kinda old, but Dennis Hopper. I don’t think a youngun who wasn’t around then could do it as well as some one with some first hand knowledge.
I look at the picture and I think of Hugo Weaving. Tom Cruise?? Ick. I used to love him in the 80s. Why am I so skeeved out by him now? Leery has got to be deep and magnetic.
I like the Heath Ledger idea, and Johnny Depp would be intense, as always, but he’s got the wrong look. Dollars to donuts this one goes to Leonardo DiCaprio (No – don’t think Titanic Leo – remember back to What’s Eating Glbert Grape).
If they were playing the character on the older side I think Steve Martin would be a really interesting choice. Could really bring a different tone to the movie. It’d also save hime from all the crap he’s been doing recently.
Look no further than Jeff Bridges.
George W. Bush
What about Matthew McConaughey? I don’t think he would have much trouble channeling Timothy Leary.
Randy Quaid.
Christopher Walken would be great!
Also, Leary is Winona Ryder’s godfather.