Who should star in the Jerry Garcia biopic?

Dead Hater Wed, Jun 17, 2009 at 05:53 AM EST

Well , lets see, they need someone who has a shitty voice and plays guitar like a begginner. It would help if they look like they live in a van by the river.

Gary Coleman

dingo Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 05:01 PM EST

Better to have a good biography of Garcia than a biopic. Maybe after Scorcese finishes his film about George Harrison. . .

milesarcher Sat, Apr 4, 2009 at 04:59 PM EST

That guy on "Lost" is just a big lummox. Garcia was never that fat. There are probably a number of fine actors who could take on the part, but none could do it better than Johnny Depp.

Ma'abud Fri, Jan 30, 2009 at 12:26 AM EST

You're forgetting this movie is about Jerry before the and the Warlocks. When he worked at Guitars Unlimited in Menlo Park, CA and before, he was in his 20's he had no beard.

Elizabeth Hann Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 10:06 PM EST

WE DON'T NEED a biopic about the Greatful Dead, that's what I think. They were a boring band. I don't see how anyone could make a movie about them. So I guess the whole question of who should play Gary is pretty moot.

jpack Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

After watching Phillip Seymour Hoffman on the daily show...he looked like Jerry. I would want no one else to do it

melted51 Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 11:13 PM EST

Just looked at some of the pictures and bios of other suggestions. Plus about Jorge garcia is he has musical chops- down-side he is one of the few actors who will actually have to lose weight to play JG. Similar to Seth Rogin is the fellow Adam Herschman who allegedly played JG in another movie

melted51 Sat, Nov 22, 2008 at 11:03 PM EST

For all those who say don't make the pic I say that Jerry was an important even iconic figure. If they can do a good job like I walk the Line or Ray I say why not. I do think its important that the person needs to have a grounding in music, but a musician who is not an actor- forget that!! If he wasn't retiring from film to pursue music I think Joaquin Phoenix should give it a shot. Physically I think that kid Seth Rogin has a good look but I don't know if he has the musical sense. For those who are suggesting these old geezers don't forget this is supposed to be a young JG

Bootsy Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 03:04 PM EST

I agree for the most part with the rest of the Deadhead's arguments on here. It may not draw enough interest, but then again fantastic films are made and seen every day that don't draw a lot of interest. Actually most of the best films as unfortunate as that may be. As far as it being done properly well that's another story, but don't forget that Michael Douglas made "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest" when he was not much older. I don't know anything about this Barfield cat, but apparently his father is a real-deal deadhead and that means something to me. As far as who should play him? I think more important than anything is that the person can act. Also since the movie takes place after Jer's coma , this is a very touchy subject and could be easily turned into cheese by the studios, just like the entire scene was turned into cheese after In The Dark. I like the Ken Burns idea a lot.

laksjfdlk Sat, Feb 2, 2008 at 12:47 AM EST

please for dead fans all over dont make a movie about jerry...i just cant imagine any philm maker having the knowledge about the dead to accuretely portray him

Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 10:29 PM EST

i really hope that they arent making a movie about jerry. it would never work, first off, because non-deadheads wont care enough to see it, and deadheads dont want to see some hack walking around acting like jerry garcia. he was just a person like everybody else, and how would you feel if, after you died, someone acted like they though you were in a movie. this will be an act of shame if it ever happens. and the doors movie is a joke, val kilmer is a pretty decent actor and he acts like a bufoon in the movie. every stupid aspect of jim morrison was amplified tenfold for his role. i cant understand how the writers would be able to know how jerry garcia acted anyhow, its not like they knew him. and i certainly cant see any of the survivng members of the dead scene aiding in this project. alright, enough angry ranting. i propose a national boycott of this movie by all deadheads if it happens...

fgrod Thu, Jun 28, 2007 at 05:28 PM EST

Have Johnny Depp put on about 50 lbs like Deniro in the Jake la Motta story.

Kate Winslet could play Carolyn Adams - she could put on a few pounds also.

I don't think its worth it though - it'll be a waste unless the screenplay is as good as As Good As it Gets.

It'll be total crap - forget it and make a Burns type documentary on Garcia with tons of interviews with the survivors.

Eric Epstein Fri, May 11, 2007 at 12:37 AM EST

I'd like to propose an unknown candidate...myself. I have been an actor and musician for 35 years (I am 49). I am a moderate Deadhead (attended 12 shows) and have played jerry's music (acoustically) for decades. Have a look at my picture...let me know what you think.

http://i204.photobucket.com/albums/bb213/yukonrock/ericlookingjerry.jpg

McGannahan Skyjellyfetti Sat, May 5, 2007 at 03:48 PM EST

For me, no one could ever do it justice. This is by no means to suggest that I would not see it. Such a movie needs to be done intelligently, emotionally and it must be sophisticated - relfecting Jerry's playing style....at least most of the time. Jeff Bridges could do it. Check this link out: http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~glennon/weblog/uploaded_images/bridgesglennon-711030.jpg

ABOWL4YOU Sun, Apr 22, 2007 at 03:54 PM EST

paul giomantti

Christy Sun, Apr 8, 2007 at 10:54 PM EST

David Dawg Grisman. They look like brothers alittle. Bob wier has the beard.hmmmm my pottery teacher in highschool looks like Jerry. Hes the man. Dr. Demsey. Butchy can play the younger Jerry Defs. peaceblazenimout

Pammi Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 07:17 PM EST

Butchy Sochorow of Splintered Sunlight is the only one who can play, sing and move like Jerry that I know of. He's the logical choice. They can do amazing things with makeup to change his eyes a bit and add the beard, bushy hair. He channels Jerry practically every night of the week, doesn't need to waste time getting into character.

Corrine Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 05:47 PM EST

Trey Anastasio? Oh now you've gone and made me spit my Trix cereal all over my monitor. (Silly Dead Head; Phish is for kids!)
Funny, didn't know Butchy was chinese... ;)
xo

Stacey Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 03:14 PM EST

Ummm......Trey Anastacia...huh? That makes me laugh. My pick Butchie from Splintered Sunlight. How sweet he is!

Viola Lee Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 01:48 PM EST

Enough with making a specticle out of Butchy from splintered sunlight splinteredsunlight.com Has anyone thought he may not want to be thrust in the limelight for being a sick lead guitarist who conjures up the spirit of Jerry? I say whomever gets the spot should have to cut off his finger chopping wood. Hell I would do it if I could sing and play like that.

Curtis Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 12:08 PM EST

Check out the picture in the link below .A perfect match.

http://i117.photobucket.com/albums/o65/bconley23/Dont%20Delete%20These/1butch.jpg

Jackie_C Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 11:33 AM EST

My Dad takes pictures at most of the Splintered Sunlight gigs he can attend; and Butch really does portray Jerry! Sometimes it can be quite scary how close it is... but I think that is just one reason the fans adore the band so much! Check em out as they said at www.splinteredsunlight.com. Also, there are a few videos floating around on youtube... :)

Have a grateful day!

~cozmikchuck~ Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 11:21 AM EST

Butchy's lineage has been a point of discussion for years but he's not Chinese. Rather, he's of Mongolian descent. Great guitarist and man, as is Mark Diomede, who someone mentioned earlier. Keep rockin'! ~cc~

One Hit Stew Thu, Apr 5, 2007 at 10:16 AM EST

Butchy Sochorow of Splintered Sunlight (www.splinteredsunlight.com) would be great casting choice for Jerry because he channels the guy when he plays GD songs onstage. The only drawback I can see is that Butchy's Chinese. Asian Jerry! WooHoo!

lazybones Tue, Mar 20, 2007 at 10:33 PM EST

My vote is with Richard Gere or Jeff Bridges. Both are accomplished actors and would be great as older Jerry's. They both also have those puppy dog eyes that remind me of Jerry. Check this link to see Bridge's looking the part! http://www.uweb.ucsb.edu/~glennon/weblog/uploaded_images/bridgesglennon-711030.jpg

Joel Mitchell Sun, Feb 18, 2007 at 06:03 AM EST

This movie should not be made.

Jack Fri, Jan 19, 2007 at 12:17 PM EST

Mark Diomede from Juggling Suns, Solar Circus. He's got the look and the licks.

Craig Fri, Dec 8, 2006 at 11:27 PM EST

Please, God...anybody but Jack Black.

tiffany Fri, Dec 8, 2006 at 05:29 PM EST

As a passionate, life-long Deadhead, I want, I NEED this casting to be SOOOOOO 'right'. No doubt, this biopic makes me nervous, since it's the first project for unproven Reese, right out the gate. (Who's also apparently working on producing a Jessica Simpson project?? of all things. ack.) Of the suggestions here, I feel most comfortable with Paul Giamatti. He's got that shy, sad sweetness thing going on.

Rachel Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 04:01 PM EST

Philip Seymour Hoffman. If that guy can play Capote so well, he can definately play Jerry.

EP Sato Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 03:40 PM EST

Dan or Lemon's suggestions are awesome.

John c. Reily's got the method, D'onofrio's got the look.

Jason Lee would be fun, but I don't think he's developed enough as an actor yet. After a few more years of comedy, he may be set for a more serious role.

lemon Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 02:37 PM EST

Vincent D'Onofrio - who else??

EP Sato Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 10:35 AM EST

They should go with a famous stoner: Matthew McConaughey, Willie Nelson, Art garfunkel, Tommy Chong (also known for their musical talents), and directed by Oliver Stone or Terry Gilliam.

Hopefully, the movie will focus on dude's many affairs, illegitimate kids, status as a "deadbeat dad", Army Career, heavy drug using days in the late 1970's/early 80's, and his work with legendary comedian Lenny Bruce in the 1960's. This flick would be amazing, so long as they avoid overly long concert footage, exempting the show with Carlos Santana where Santana stopped to give jerry props for how smokin' his performance was.

dan cullinane Wed, Dec 6, 2006 at 10:28 AM EST

john c. reilly or jason lee...but god it would be awesome if it was eddy vedder

Chris63104 Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 08:31 PM EST

The first answer - Paul or Jack are excellant ideas. Peter Jackson to star & direct is Genius. Can't wait - Give me some Sugar Magnolia - Peace Out

shana Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 05:36 PM EST

Whoever it is, its gotta be like The Doors movie where Val Kilmer really channeled Jim Morrison, they have to be almost spooky in their transformation and similarity, like how you really believed Joaquin Phoenix as Johnny Cash. So I don't think they have to look like him right away, plus if it goes over many decades of his life the weight and hair and beard would change a bit....

Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 05:09 PM EST

I like the Paul Giamatti call.

Kim Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 04:57 PM EST

Jack Black-time to be serious

bg 17 Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 04:15 PM EST

I saw the picture here and thought, "I'll be unique and say Richard Gere, as there is a resemblance that no one will notice until I say it and won't I appear the pop culture smarty and even smarter when Reese from Malcolm and the Middle reads it and decides to cast Gere who will go all method and get fat and win an oscar and I get hired as a casting agent on the spot and eventually they make a movie of my life starring Mark Wahlberg as the small town boy who defeats the odds and makes it big!"

And then I read the comments and see that Rence beat me to it. Congratulations and enjoy my fame Rence!

stan27 Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 04:13 PM EST

Val Kilmer

Matt Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 04:00 PM EST

Ryan Adams. A year ago, he had the beard, hair and glasses thing down. He's got the musical chops.

daisyj Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 02:51 PM EST

You know, Charlize Theron does like to play ugly...

Chuck_A Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 02:49 PM EST

How about Peter Jackson directs himself in the title role? He looks just like him.

Jason Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 02:14 PM EST

Vincent Chase

Rence Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 02:05 PM EST

Here's a total out of left field suggestion.

How about Richard Gere?

If we put 100lbs on him and have him do drugs everyday for 2 weeks I think he could do it.

Doesn't he kinda look like JG's long lost thinner, better looking cousin anyways?

T

Nick Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 01:47 PM EST

This could very well be the comeback film for Alex Winter (aka "Ted" from the Bill & Ted movies).

Heck, even Keanu ("Dogstar") Reeves could put on a wig and a fat suit too...

Or is this the acting debut of Eddie Vedder...

jeff thrope Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 01:23 PM EST

my personal savior - dale earnhardt, jr.
(and he loves music.)

Eve Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 01:22 PM EST

I'd also go with Philip Seymour Hoffman. He could pull of Cary Grant if we had the opportunity. There is nothing that actor can't do. To direct, I'm thinking Cameron Crowe. He best movie was Almost Famous, a musical biography. I think he would do justice not only to the man but also his music. He would find the right balance as long as he doesn't put a 10 minute music montage like he did in the dud Elizabethtown.

Stephanie Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 01:06 PM EST

Who said Brit's...oh no! LMAO!

Seriously, Trey Anistasio or Jeff Daniels. Just put fat suits on them.

michelle Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 12:52 PM EST

Shooter Jennings - and he can sing.

Jason G. Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 12:48 PM EST

Trey Anastasio from Phish. He's got the chops and they could put a fat suit on him!

Paul Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 12:43 PM EST

Tom Hulce! Didja see him as the hippy doc in Stranger than Fiction? And how cool would it be to bookend a career that started with playing Mozart?

Renee Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 12:42 PM EST

Jack Black has the ability to channel the musical creativity but he would have to not make it a comic farce. my vote goes to Rupert from survivor

Dave Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST

I seriously thought that was an old picture of Peter Jackson. I think both Jorge Garcia and Jack Black would do a great job. The more important question is, who will direct? I'd suggest Richard Linklater, Taylor Hackford, or Spike Jonze.

Gammaz Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 11:57 AM EST

My mailman Gary is a spitting image of Pappabear.

LM Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 11:39 AM EST

I tend to feel biopics never do the subjects justice and there is always disagreement about the accuracy. And yeah, the last thing you wanna do is piss off a bunch of deadheads.

Chris Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 11:25 AM EST

"Britney's vajayjay"...

OMG, I can't stop laughing!!

mark in nyc Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 10:58 AM EST

I bet any theatre that shows this movie will have their consession sales go through the roof!

Jimmy Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 10:37 AM EST

Not to mention big and hairy...

Jimmy Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 10:35 AM EST

How about Britney's vajayjay? Its just as mediocre and overexposed as Jerry Garcia was.

cc Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 10:11 AM EST

Phillip Seymour Hoffman could channel anyone. He would become Garcia.

Howard Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 10:02 AM EST

Here's a crazy idea - DON'T MAKE ONE!! I'm not a big Dead fan, but I can't see it doing Jerry justice.

roel Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 09:52 AM EST

peter jackson, genius!

survivors rupert!

Dan Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 09:40 AM EST

Eddie Vedder

Jen O. Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 09:39 AM EST

Peter Jackson

Telly B Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 09:29 AM EST

Jared Leto

cliff Tue, Dec 5, 2006 at 09:27 AM EST

Paul Giamatti or Jack Black