mainly sunny, warm, temps 27
A perfect day...just wonderful. We arrived in Montreal about 9:30 last night. Had breakfast this morning at Nick's, then hopped in the car (top down) and zipped off to Hudson. What a beautiful community. All sorts of gorgeous homes, stone and clapboard...not large (though there is one dreadful eyesore - a kind of trophy home that looks, as prince charles would say, like a carbunkle on the face of Hudson.) I arrived a little early and had a chance to drive around a bit...then called Michael and told him I'd arrived, and planned to buy a home, and he was welcome to join me.
There was a pause. Then he started to laugh.
If we didn't love our home and community in Sutton so much I could definitely see us in Hudson. simply beautiful, and peaceful.
The event was sponsored by the Quebec Writer's Federation, and co-hosted by the Greenwood Centre for living, which is in the Greenwood home...the oldest home in the community - 1700's....with later additions. The volunteers and organizers for the local literary festival called Storyfest hosted a lunch before the event on the verandah of the home, overlooking the lake. It was a warm, sunny day...and the setting was magical. Then we walked the five minutes over to St. Mary's Church hall for the event. A nice turnout - the place was filled. Then after I spoke and did a reading and answered questions we all went back to Greenwood, and had a garden party...where I signed books. Then drove back to Montreal...about 45 minutes.
Nice to get home to Michael.
Poor guy has a back ache. It's been a while since his back has gone out...so when I get back we both did exercises on the floor. A whole lot of groaning, I'll tell ya. Fingers crossed it gets all better.
Now - to follow up on some conversations happening on the comments sections - I'd be curious to hear which actor, if any, come to mind for Gamache - if there was a TV series or movie.
Back to Sutton tomorrow. We've ordered pizzas for dinner tomorrow, will take them down.
23 comments:
I've always pictured Giancarlo Giannini as Gamache. He played the inspector in My House in Umbria. His picture can be found at: http://www.imdb.com/media/rm1006016768/nm0316284
Ciaran Hinds is a great choice (have your "people" gotten a copy of "Still Life" to him?) If he falls in love with it, it might help to get a project greenlighted.
If we can go a bit beyond your physical description of Gamache, some other actors I would think about would include: Michael Sheen, Stephen Fry, Billy Connolly, Paul Giamatti, Patrick Stewart, Simon Russell Beale....I could go on. But I think he has to have a strong presence, even when he isn't speaking, a strong interior life and the ability to comman a room. I think that is why I have gone heavy on the Brits.
--Marjorie from Connecticut
Well, you're stirring up a lot of ideas. Here are my offerings to the list for Armand: Pierce Brosnan, Stephen Fry, Tom Hanks
Michael Gambon IS Gamache.
Except that Gambon is 70. Gamache is in his mid-50's, right? But, he is a fine actor.
--Marjorie from CT
I always imagined Rémy Girard as Armand Gamache.
Luce, Montréal
I'm still pondering -- like Marjorie said, it has to be someone with a strong presence, charisma, and yes, sex appeal. I have an ideal pic of him in my mind and reality will always fall a little short...as long as it is only a little...back to pondering.
Can I also add Canadian actor Colm Feore to the list? He does mostly theatre, but he did do a season on "24" and has a clear inner strength and loads of talent.
--Marjorie from Connecticut
Colin Firth in anything! Stephen Fry would be good, as would Colm Feore although he is a little skinny. Ciaran Hinds, and an Irishman who might be able to do a Quebecois-Brendan Gleason. Now I will keep my eyes open for the ideal Gamache.
Loved your description of Hudson, but I don't see you two leaving your home in Sutton. Hope the back gets better.
I have to agree with Marjorie about Giancarlo Giannini. Wonderful! He's the closest I can think of for the Gamache I have in my mind. Stephen Fry has the right stature, physically and emotionally, but he's not quite right. Someone who, while still only in his fifties, has more of an air of eminence grise...Ciaran Hinds, though marvelous, is a little too "lean and hungry" looking. Brendan Gleason--wonderful actor, but too "sloppy" looking. Colin Firth--too handsome and sexy! Gamache is definitely both, but understated. Giamatti--not quite. An interesting discussion!
It is really interesting to follow everyone's ideas about who would portray Gamache. I agree Colin Firth may not be the best choice for Gamache, but somehow I still see him in it in some capacity....maybe Inspector
Beauvoir?...
Laurie, it was Margaret and not me who suggested Giancarlo (want to give credit where credit is due).
--Marjorie from CT
Daniel Auteuil
Roy Dupuis?
I spent some time online last night, googling French actors, trying to find someone to match up to my image of Gamache. Not an easy task at all - but such a fun one! Daniel Auteuil was one I came up with as well. If he were alive and a bit younger, I might suggest Yves Montand.
I love all of your ideas but have to add my own. When I'm reading the books, I often drift to a picture of Alfred Molina--tall, dark, right age, wise looking. Let's get these movies made!
Nancy, I think that Fred would be a good idea as well. Talented man. (Although I stood next to him at a NYC restaurant called Angus McIndoe's once and he wasn't all that tall! And he cut in front of me!!)
--Marjorie from Connecticut
I'm thinking Goerge Clooney. Gamache must be in his 60s, as he's a grandfather now. George is younger than that, but they can age him to look just right.
He has the right eyes for the part. And I'm sure he could learn French.
Brenda B. in Maine
Hi all,
Adore your ideas...I too have a clear idea, and a big part of me thinks it would be a shame to nail it down by doing a film...but a large part would be thrilled to see it all come alive...especially if they got the casting right. Which is why I've retrained co-approval in casting for the main characters.
We'll see what develops...meantime I'm going to check out some of the actors you've mentioned I'm not familiar with!
Thank you - what fun!!
Wait .. did I miss something about the books being filmed? Apparently so - so first - congratulations! It keeps getting more and more magical.
Second - what about Jean Reno? Maybe he's too old now ... but he's got the dashing presence down for sure.
Please avoid the "big stars". Their faces are too familiar. No credibility. Some british actors are very good at being strong and subtle at the same time. But then again, you probably need a French and probably Canadian actor. A tough, very tough, decision to make.
Hi Kyla,
No - no film deal yet...we're just playing with the idea. There's sort of perpetual interest in filming the series, but nothing is just right yet...and it's worth waiting for exactly the right package. In the meantime we all get to cast the film!
David Suchet.. natural British accent, can do French exceptionally well.. beautiful eyes, commanding prescence. I picture him as Gamache whilst reading these wonderful mysteries.
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