Kidman, Pacino Bear Witness
Filed under: Classics, Drama, Casting, Mystery & Suspense, Newsstand, Remakes and Sequels
Two years ago, The Hollywood Reporter published the news that Al Pacino was interested in starring in a remake (cringe) of birthday boy Billy Wilder's Witness for the Prosecution. At the time, David E. Kelley was in line to write the screenplay, and Robert Benton (Kramer vs. Kramer, Places in the Heart, Nobody's Fool) had just begun talks to direct the film. Since then, however, we've heard nary a peep about the film, and it was possible to assume that Pacino had come to his senses and decided to move on to things that, while not necessarily original, didn't involving trying to improve upon Wilder.It turns out, though, that the remake isn't actually dead. In fact, Michael Radford recently told an Italian paper that he'll be directing the film, and that Nicole Kidman is in talks to play its title character, a woman who agrees to testify against her husband in a murder trial. (Nothing so simply as stepping into Marlene Dietrich's shoes, huh, Nic?) There are precious little other details available about the film; questions range from whether Kelley's screenplay is being used to which role (the lawyer or the husband) will be taken by Pacino.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
7-17-2006 @ 11:35AM
Matt said...
I'm sure Pacino wants the Charles Laughton lawyer role. It's perfectly suited for his hyperventilating style of overacting. You know he's been waiting to play another screaming lawyer ever since he was yelling at Keanu about absentee landlords.
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7-19-2006 @ 6:34AM
Karen Seymour said...
Anything with Al Pacino is a must see. The man is phenominal. He is truly one of the last true actors.
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7-19-2006 @ 6:55AM
karen said...
Can't wait to see Pacino. I have been wondering what was next for him. Just love him!
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7-19-2006 @ 7:02AM
T. Falvey said...
Al Pacino...that's all one needs to say. What an actor, there is no one and hasn't been anyone that has been able to beat this man. He is an incredible actor! If these so called "stars" of today put as much feeling into their acting as this man does, then there wouldbe a movie worth going to see. What an icon he is!
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7-19-2006 @ 8:41AM
Heather C. said...
We love Al so much, we built our rec-room bar at our house and named it the "Pacino" bar flanked with framed pics of him from Scarface, Heat, Scent of A woman, - the man is fabulous and the most intense actor alive today. His charisma is intoxicating.
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7-19-2006 @ 9:01AM
Paul Plumeri said...
Al is the man! Anything he's in I'm there!
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7-19-2006 @ 9:01AM
chuck said...
"I'm sure Pacino wants the Charles Laughton lawyer role. It's perfectly suited for his hyperventilating style of overacting. You know he's been waiting to play another screaming lawyer ever since he was yelling at Keanu about absentee landlords"
hahahaha....quoted for truth!
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7-19-2006 @ 9:09AM
Linda M said...
I love Al Pacino...I will see ANYTHING that he is in!!!!
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7-19-2006 @ 9:12AM
Pam said...
Va Va Va Voom!
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7-19-2006 @ 9:26AM
jun said...
Al Pacino is what "versatile actor" means. This guy is simply awesome no matter what role he may play.
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7-19-2006 @ 9:47AM
Hopkins fan said...
I personally think he sucks. Why all the praise for this guy? If we are talking real actors...Anthony Hopkins is the man!!!
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10-16-2006 @ 10:04AM
Maria Young said...
I love Al Pacino!! I would like for him to play the Lawyer. I believe he is the perfect actor to play the roles of a Lawyer. I loved how he scolded Keanu and I thought he was AWESOME!! in And Justice for All.
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7-19-2006 @ 10:25AM
mike said...
The man can't act without screaming. Name one movie he was in that he wasen't yelling most of the time.
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7-19-2006 @ 10:47AM
Chuck Powers said...
Al Pacino is a very fine actor. He is in a class with Anthony Hopkins and Robert DeNiro.
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7-19-2006 @ 11:08AM
David said...
Name one movie that Pacino didnt scream in ... ok heres one " Heat " The Godfather" Shall I continue, or are u done ... Pacino's roles call for the passion and power of spoken words, Pacino hasnt made one bad movie
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7-19-2006 @ 11:11AM
jolynda said...
I think Al Pacino is the best actor of my generation, Nicole Kidman is one of the best actress's, she is reminiscent of old hollywood glamour. With all these fly by night young actress's most of which are type casted for roles, they are going to be a great team! Pleaase Hollywood give us some real Drama.
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7-19-2006 @ 11:15AM
Dave said...
"The man can't act without screaming. Name one movie he was in that he wasen't yelling most of the time."
Oh, I don't know, how about "The Godfather". He was subdued and understated the entire movie. Same with GF2.
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7-19-2006 @ 11:19AM
Tannwitz said...
I think he would want the Tyrone Power role for the range. Hopkins would be great for Laughton's role. Too bad if they're really going to venture into this. There's no way they could possibly improve upon this masterpiece. Even Hopkins would fall short of Laughton's magnificent performance. Sounds like a big waste of time and money.
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7-19-2006 @ 11:33AM
Gretchen Young said...
I would like to see, Al Pacino get the part of the lawyer. He is such a fighter.
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7-19-2006 @ 11:35AM
Jo Ann Kickirillo said...
oh my there could be no one else to play the attorney. Al Pacino. I saw him on tv the other day and he was going up the stairs. He looked just great. I couldn't believe it. And he smile. Of course he doesn't stop and talk but did smile.
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