It would have been much better if an actual guitarist had played the part of Ray. Especially one well versed in Django's style of Gypsy Swing. And it's sad that there was available a very well known, very good actor who actually plays this style of guitar very well: Johnny Depp. Has anyone seen him playing Gypsy Swing in the movie, Chocolat? According to the ending credits, that was actually he playing that guitar. Oh well.
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Actually Woody Allen considered Johnny Depp for the part of Emmet.
While Depp would have been good to actually play the guitar I think Depp would have played Emmet a bit too quirky for my liking as he does with most characters in my eyes. I think Penn was really superb in this so find it hard to imagine anyone different doing the part.
shareI think that Sean Penn was definitely right for the part.I think he created a great character. i just wish someone would have given the man a few guitar lessons before the shoot began!
shareThe lead character is decidedly NOT a gypsy--that's the whole point of the movie! He talks about not wanting to record his music (so others can't steal his ideas) --while he himself is merely copying Django -- and playing a Euro-brand of style of jazz (i.e., not American) called "tea-house jazz."
Why would you cast Depp as Ray? Maybe as Django ... but NOT Ray!
The lead character is decidedly NOT a gypsy--that's the whole point of the movie!
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Quite a good point, although while I think Depp would have done a fine job, I'm perfectly satisfies with Penn's performance. Perhaps Depp would have played the character too nice or likeable.
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