Setting the Scene for Murder

Curryong · Post by **Curryong** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 6:27 pm

I'm sure we'd all love to see a proper all-inclusive documentary on the Borden killings on TV., including some examination of forensic work in such circumstances today. There could also be some experiments conducted in the original home. What would you like to see included, if it was done in a serious way?
Also, TV movies are fun (the Elizabeth Montgomery one years ago comes to mind) and I'm sure Christine Ricci's performance will be just as enjoyable. But, suppose a producer decided to bring the Borden story to the big screen. How do you think that should be handled if it ever happened, story-wise what angle should be taken, what actresses would make a perfect Lizzie, Abby, Emma, and let's not forget Andrew? How should he be portrayed and who could play him? Any locations you know that would be perfect? Let's put our imaginations to work for a bit....

Mara · Post by **Mara** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 7:43 pm

Ooh! Fun thread. Let me start. Donald Sutherland as Andrew. Meryl Streep as Abby (because why the hell not, she could probably do it). Nicole Kidman as Emma (she has the necessary uprightness and ice). Alexis Bledel (or I'd settle for Scarlett Johansson) as our Lizzie -- gray eyes and a roundish face are essential, as is a reasonably substantial overall body type. I really think Johansson has the acting chops for it. In all cases, no one has to look as pretty on screen as they do at the Oscars. Everybody can do wigs. After all, Abby did.

Curryong · Post by **Curryong** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 8:41 pm

I think Donald Sutherland would be perfect too. Scarlett (with grey contact lenses) for star power and would probably enjoy the part. I actually think its a pity Meryl Streep isn't 20 years younger as I can imagine her playing a marvellous multi-complex Lizzie. Location-wise, I suppose Fall River would be no longer suitable?

Mara · Post by **Mara** » Fri Jan 24, 2014 9:08 pm

I always think of Streep first for every juicy part. I love her work. You're right, if any actor could do justice to the many layers of Lizzie, she'd be the one. I think she's too chiseled looking, if we're expecting the actors to resemble the real people they'd be portraying, but I wouldn't put it past her to make us not notice.

Okay, yes, I'm a total fangirl. Don't judge. ;)

Aamartin · Post by **Aamartin** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:23 am

A younger Sissy Spacek would have made an excellent Lizzie.... Has anyone but me seen the movie 'Night Mother' staring her and Anne Bancroft? Very intense performances.

PossumPie · Post by **PossumPie** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:50 am

Aamartin wrote:A younger Sissy Spacek would have made an excellent Lizzie.... Has anyone but me seen the movie 'Night Mother' staring her and Anne Bancroft? Very intense performances.

'Night Mother with Ann Bancroft is a powerful Existential movie. I worked psyc for 26 years and sometime I just had no response to "I want to kill myself" after hearing their story and struggle I just wanted to say, "go for it" Sissy Spacek is way way under-rated. She was excellent in Coal Miner's Daughter, that was really her singing! She was good as a newbie in "Carrie" as well. She and her hubby live in Charlottesville Virginia on a ranch. Really down to earth, walks around town in Jeans and a over-sized plaid shirt. Never got caught up in that Hollywood drug, sex, wild life, and is all the happier than the rest of them. She's 62 so a bit old for Lizzie.

Aamartin · Post by **Aamartin** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 9:19 am

That's why I said a young Sissy-- Night Mother is one of my top ten fave movies

PossumPie · Post by **PossumPie** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 1:06 pm

Aamartin wrote:That's why I said a young Sissy-- Night Mother is one of my top ten fave movies

Mine too...and it is relatively unknown. First time I saw it I was moved to tears...

Curryong · Post by **Curryong** » Sat Jan 25, 2014 5:19 pm

I actually watched the Elizabeth Montgomery TV version last night, in lieu of being unable to watch Christine Ricci's new performance due to my location. Hadn't watched it for many years and found the absence of Uncle John in the story a bit irritating though understandable dramatically. However, Elizabeth Montgomery didn't do a bad job, given what she had to work with (a naked Lizzie, really!) However, I did like the way the movie began with the immediate aftermath of Andrew's murder. No mucking around!
In a big screen version I would like a dramatic start, no thinking back as an old lady or anything like that. Also some authentic trial scenes and a bit on the jury deliberating, showing perhaps some male prejudices of the time. And some ambiguity with Lizzie. I'm wondering whether the Christine Ricci version will leave an open ending or make Lizzie a villain

Aamartin · Post by **Aamartin** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 9:31 am

PossumPie wrote:
Aamartin wrote:That's why I said a young Sissy-- Night Mother is one of my top ten fave movies
Mine too...and it is relatively unknown. First time I saw it I was moved to tears...

Refreshing to be reminded in these days of some of the worst bipartisan I have ever witnessed that I can spray on some patchouli, part my peace sign door beads and find something in common with you!

annmarz · Post by **annmarz** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 8:39 pm

After her excellent performance as Mary Todd Lincoln, I think Sally Field Would be a convincing Abby, with some padding of course.

Curryong · Post by **Curryong** » Sun Jan 26, 2014 8:52 pm

Great, I think she would be good. Perhaps she would be convinced to put on a few pounds for the sake of her art!

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