I see that Martin Scorsese is planning to do a film of Frank Sinatra’s life story. Still apparently undecided is who will play Old Blue Eyes himself. A few years back, I would have bet on Harry Connick Jr., but I’m not certain he would be a good choice today.
Scorsese’s plan got me thinking: Who would I want to portray me in a film about my life? The cheesy choice would be someone like Brad Pitt, of course, but I actually think Philip Seymour Hoffman is the better pick. He would bring the versatility and subtle nuance necessary to capture my full character.
But what about the rest of my family?
I would probably go with Robert Duvall as my father. He has the proper mix of gravitas and sensibility to make it work. My mother is a more difficult choice but I think I’d go with Jean Stapleton. She’s about the right age and, while my mother didn’t carry the burden of a bigoted husband like Stapleton’s Edith Bunker did, they were similarly blue collar, stay-at-home wives who fought fiercely for their families and all else they believed in.
Brad Garrett (of Everybody Loves Raymond) can play my brother Ron. They’re both quite tall with sweet dispositions that belie their physical appearances. I’m torn between Nick Nolte and Gary Busey to play my brother Dave. Both actors have had their rough spots in recent years, but they’re also great on the screen and would be up to portraying my baby brother.
My kids are easy. Greg Kinnear bears a strong physical resemblance to my oldest, Aaron, and his quirky roles are a nice match for Aaron’s real life. Anne Hathaway is dead-solid perfect as my daughter, Meghan, and you could say the same for Jim Carrey as my youngest, Bret, whose Fire Marshall Bill is a party-stopper.
And my wife? How about Catherine Keener? She has a similarly perfect mix of hotness and smarts that any man would be drawn to.
But, enough about me …
Writing prompt of the day: Who would you pick to play you in a movie about your life? What about the rest of your family?
Larry Lehmer is a personal historian who helps people writer their family histories. To learn more, visit his web site, send him an e-mail or follow him on Twitter.
Flickr photo of Frank Sinatra in Las Vegas in 1954 courtesy of danperry.com.
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