MovieChat Forums > The Secret Scripture (2017) Discussion > Question about characters

Question about characters

posted 9 years ago by Mortimer605
6 replies | jump to latest

I just finished reading the book and liked it very much (despite somewhat contrived, "Hollywood" ending). It's not a masterpiece but still very powerful, poignant work of fiction and excellent material for ecranisation (Jim Sheridan is perfect director for this story). As much as I love Jessica Chastain I think she is a little old to play Roseanne - especially at the beginning. On the other hand Rooney Mara is 30 but looks younger so in my opinion it was good decision to cast her for the role after Chastain drooped out. And of course - the great Vanessa Redgrave. This role is tailor-made for her.

Reading IMDb cast I noticed that some characters from the book (Tom McNulty, Roseanne's father and mother, John Lavelle and John Kane) aren't listed which is strange because they are very important for the story. Very possible that some characters were omitted from the movie or just they don't have the same names. Maybe Tom and Jack are merged into same person for dramatic purposes ? Tom Vaughan-Lawlor plays 'McCabe' (not in the book) but, basing on some stills, it seems that he is important character in movie adaptation. And also, Pauline McLynn, despite that her character doesn't have a name on IMDb yet, I'm suspecting that she plays Mrs. McNulty, Roseanne's mother-in-law.

Anyway, one of my most anticipated movies of the year.

Rooney Fassbender and Joaquin Blanchett 

[–] cmicote 9 years ago

I was thinking the exact same thing on all counts. Aidan Turner has said his role is small, so I doubt they've rolled Jack and Tom into one person, but then again Tom is a small character in the book, despite being Roseanne's husband. The only other thing that bothers me is Eric Bana as Dr. Grene. In the book it is mentioned that he is 65 and his age is significant - but Bana is not yet 50 and even with greying temples there is no way he passes for someone over 50. I'm sure he's a fine actor but he is so wrong for this.

[–] Mortimer605 9 years ago

I think Jeremy Irons was original choice to play Dr. Grene. His age (66) is ideal and he looks right for the part. Unfortunately, he drooped out when the production was postponed. As you said, Eric Bana is fine actor but I agree - he is young for the role (even with possible 65-old age make up he'll look no older than 50).

As for Turner saying that his role is small - maybe he only meant to say 'supporting'. We have three main characters (played by four actors): old Roseanne, young Roseanne, Dr. Grene and father Gaunt. Everyone else is, more or less, supporting.

Another possibility - Jack Reynor plays two characters: Roseanne's husband and his brother Eneas (his character is listed as "Michael Eneas". Maybe in the movie husband's name is Michael instead of Tom and he and Eneas are twins. But probably not. It sounds a bit corny.)

Rooney Fassbender and Joaquin Blanchett

[–] cmicote 9 years ago

I've seen a few stills of Bana and Redgrave between scenes - he looks 40, if that.

As far as the supporting characters are concerned, if the movie sticks to the book then Jack probably has the biggest of the small parts with the possible exception of John Kane. If they're smart they'll take advantage of having one of the UK's hottest actors in their movie, but then who knows what anyone behind this is thinking, since there doesn't seem to be any buzz whatsoever. As for the McNulty brothers, there's a bit in the book about Tom having a different father than Jack, and another bit where Roseanne mistakes Eneas for Jack. So the twin theory, while cool, is unlikely.

Then of course there is the fact that both Eneas and Jack have their own books about them. If this is a success there's always the possibility the powers that be might want to make one of those into a movie, so they can't stray too far from those characters or they may have issues with "sequels".

[–] Mortimer605 9 years ago

Some photos from the set:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cm63C8qxgh8 (Is that Aidan Turner with Rooney Mara at 1:41 ? It looks more like scene with Roseanne and John Lavelle from the book).

Rooney Fassbender and Joaquin Blanchett 

[–] cmicote 9 years ago

Yes, that's him. Wasn't there a part in the book where he tells her that Tom has gotten the divorce and is about to be remarried. Maybe that's the scene.

[–] Mortimer605 9 years ago

Omar Sharif Jr. is now listed as "Theo Gaunt". Who the hell is Theo Gaunt ? Brother or cousin of the priest ?

Rooney Fassbender and Joaquin Blanchett