Is Leonardo DiCaprio Right for Beyonce's A Star is Born Remake?
Reflecting on all my years (one) of reviewing Bad Movies We Love, I think the most epically bad is the '76 version of A Star is Born. Towering chestnut afros, Kneivel-like motorcycle accidents, the appearance of Gary Busey -- it's huge bad. But the newest update on Beyonce's planned remake could be a step towards an even worse production: Leonardo DiCaprio is rumored to be discussing the Kris Kristofferson role with new director Clint Eastwood. Is this a good or groan-inducing idea?
If the new A Star is Born is to be executed correctly, all casting news should be hilarious. Remember the rumor about Russell Crowe signing on? That was a great rumor in film history. Can't you picture Russell Crowe grumbling at Beyonce with whiskey-soaked brio, keeling over in the recording studio, and ripping his manly bellbottoms? And poor little Solange, wearing a janitor's jumpsuit, dusting him off? I support that fantasy.
Leo DiCaprio is just not very fun. Catch Me If You Can was a special case, with the swift editing and cocky dialogue eking out a fun time from Leo's super-scrunchy face acting. I picture him seizing the Kristofferson role and going all Crazy Heart with it, adding poetic pauses and meaningful stares where there could be chest-pumping hilarity. We all want this to be a pseudo-sequel to Beyonce's campy Carmen: A Hip Hopera and not the odiously self-serious Dreamgirls, right? Leo's not the man for that work. Bring me Mekhi Phifer and some beats.
What do you think? Does Leo have the goods?
· Leo DiCaprio opposite Beyonce in 'A Star is Born'? [Deadline]
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No, I don't think it is a good idea because putting Beyonce in a movie with good actors might confuse people into continuing to proliferate this misconception that she can actually act. Which she can't. In fact, it isn't so much that she can't act, is that her presence on screen and her delivery of lines is so groan-inducing and skin-crawling that it is an actual punishment to watch films with her in them.
Is the rebooted version supposed to make DiCaprio play a washed up child star hooked on the hormone treatments he used in a desperate attempt to stave off puberty and extend his career?
Anyway, I fear this might be a challenge beyond even Clint Eastwood's ability as a filmmaker.
Clint Eastwood encourages every actor he directs to act so incredibly actor-like that the audience will never forget that these are actors giving an incredible actor-like performance, for fear that his actors will pass for anything remotely human. Leo DiCaprio is still desperately trying to pull off a Boston accent for some strange reason, and he's one of the best actors that impress audiences with his incredible actor-like performances.
And then you have Beyonce? There is no possible way this wouldn't be one of the worst movies of all time. Pretentious director, pretentious actor, and Beyonce, who is almost as talented an actress as Britney Spears. Yeah, let's do it.
Can't disagree. I was astounded by her cluelessness in Dreamgirls and enraged when she picked up a Golden Globe nod alongside Meryl. Not that the HFPA's word means anything, but still! Awards! They shouldn't go to the un-award-able!
Leo and Beyonce? The worst casting in the history of movies. Why does Beyonce have to play opposite a white man? How about a Latino like Marc Anthony? Or a black man like Michael Ealy? If Leo does this movie he will be laughed out of Hollywood.