Long ago, when I was but an EW zygote, I learned the hard way: Fans are fiercely protective of Michael Hutchence, INXS frontman, white-mouse aficionado, and official Merriam-Webster definition of sex from 1987-1991. (I wrote something a wee bit critical of his posthumously released single "Let the People Talk," and received, no exaggeration, death threats.)
So my heart goes out to the makers of the newly announced Hutchence biopic, tentatively titled Slide Away. I don’t want to see anyone drawn and quartered. Drawn, maybe. Quartered, maybe on holidays. But never both. So let’s take some of the heat off them (the well-meaning team includes director Nick Egan, Hutchence’s friend and chief videographer) and throw out some casting suggestions. Our beloved blogfather has bravely thrown his hat into the ring by suggesting Jonathan Rhys-Meyers (recently of Match Point), who earned his rock/sex god spurs in Velvet Goldmine. Susman supports this choice, adding, "Rhys-Meyers also played Elvis. I’d say Michael Hutchence does lie squarely on the rock/sex god spectrum between the King and faux-David Bowie." Fine: I will see their Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and raise them a Jonathan Rhys-Davies. Just to start something.
Did I start something? Who do you think should play Michael Hutchence?
Hmm, the title’s going to need to change. Slide Away is the title of an Oasis song, and considering the well publicized feud between the two bands, hardly seems appropriate.
Come on, look at the picture. The answer is literally staring you in the face, brother… Henry Ian Cusick, AKA Desmond on Lost.
I wish them much success on finding someone that will ooze all the sex appeal Michael did. His voice was an invitation to intimacy-a personal one. Unfortunately, his life had a tragic end. This is the only way someone has a movie of their life made. I know I am not the only one who loved Michael.
My top two choices for the role would be Jonathan Rhys-Myers and Jared Leto. Both have that sake kind of dark, intense sensuality that Michael had, and both can be exceptionally hot in on-stage/concert settings. Velvet Goldmine would be the definite reference for Jonathan’s abilities, and Jared’s own band, 30 Seconds to Mars, shows how well he can do the whole “rock star” thing. (BTW: If you’ve never checked out his band, you should – they’re kind of a prog-gothy metal, but with REAL talent – it’s nothing like most other actor-”singer” projects. These guys can bring it!)
Let me clarify – by “hot in on-stage/concert settings” I don’t just mean that they look good. I’m talking about that kind of raw, almost feral sensuality that made Michael Hutchence almost hypnotic to watch and listen to – the same kind of quality Jim Morrison had as well (when he wasn’t too stoned to have a clue of what he was doing)
This is going to sound like a very outre suggestion, but how about Joseph Gordon-Levitt? He’s a phenomenal actor with the requisite floppy brown hair who really hasn’t given us an overly sexualized performance yet. Plus, he has the vulnerability and the bravado.
JRM sounds like a good choice to me. That man sweats sexiness.
Constantine Maroulis…there somebody had to say it.
Question from the clueless: “white-mouse aficionado”?
Well, Kevin Spacey seems to think he’s a natural at playing beloved musicians. Put a curly wig on him and stand back!
Thanks GOB for a good laugh this morning, I can sure use it. Your post was good humor for starting the day. Kriselda: You are right-on about what you said. Michael and Jim are in the same league. Sadly, what you said about Jim morrison is true. The Doors are my favorite band-ever. I still love Jim Morrison.
They need to cast younger and older versions. Orlando Bloom as the young Michael??
How about Colin Farrel both have eyes that just look like sex.
I had no idea who this guy was until he died…seems like he and INXS have been all over the place since then.
gavin rossdale. he acts now, right?