Seeing Red Could Be Golden

One positive aspect of the comic book to film projects explosion is the brief focus on comic book novels. The success of Watchmen has certainly solidified decisions to bring these types of art into the fold. It is nice to see optional titles being captured on film along with individual titles.

The latest project that has my attention is Warren Ellis’ Red. Why? Well, it was a wicked smart mini-series with a very sharp edge. It had an old school cloak and dagger feel to it. I remember thinking to myself this title is a mixture of 1940s spy novels with a swift kick to the groin added for fun.

A lot of people have mixed feelings about this project. Talking with my fellow comic book geeks I have learned some are in favor of the current cast and some think they need to be younger and fresher. I can see both sides, but I think I’m going to side with the old school guys on this one.

So far the cast consists of Bruce Willis, Morgan Freeman, John C. Reilly, and Mary Louise Parker. Even the younger folks agree Freeman is a great choice. I mean, the man’s a legend of the silver screen. He gives 110% to every role. In fact, I can’t think of a movie he is in that sucked because of him. Sometimes they suck due to other circumstances, but never because of Freeman.

Willis is by far the most controversial pick. Let’s face it, Bruce hasn’t done very well at the box office as of late. The Surrogates was a mess and the last two things of any relevance was 16 Blocks and Live Free or Die Harder; both questionable at best. However, we all know Willis can be great. I will never forget him in 12 Monkeys holding his own in Terry Gilliam’s crazy mind. (Trust me, that’s no small task). I think Willis is what Red needs. An old school, knock ‘em dead, kick ass, charmer. Nobody does it better.

The additions of Reilly and Parker raise questions with me. I don’t doubt Reilly’s acting ability. The man has impressed me many times. I do wonder if he can hold his own as a tough guy on the run. His body of work for such things is limited to…well…comedy. Yet, I will give him the benefit of the doubt. He is a tremendous actor. He will find a way to make this role genuine.

Parker is a bit of a surprise to me. I was watching Bullets Over Broadway the other day and I asked myself, “Whatever happened to Mary Louis Parker?” Then, BOOM, there she was making headlines for her upcoming part in Red.

She is a very interesting choice. I think she fits the age schematic very well. She needs to add an innocent allure with a touch of toughness to pull off the role. She has done such things in the past (like 15 years ago). The one thing I know for absolute certainty about Parker is she is very well rested from acting! She went from the silver screen to TV, which usually means we don’t see them back on the big screen again.

What this cast has in common is a bit of the old spy novel themselves. In an age of in your face action, my hope is that this cast will add more intelligence, more intrigue, and a better sense of purpose for the film. I think Ellis is one of the best writers going today. This cast has the potential of being one of the best ones assembled. If I were Parker’s agent, I would tell her this is a chance to get back on top at the box office. If I were Willis’s agent I would tell him this is his last shot to be remembered for something of substance to a younger audience. Well, until Die Even Harder: Beating A Dead Horse comes out.