In an interview with Collider, designer-turned-director Tom Ford has coyly discussed how an unnamed actor quietly abandoned the production of his stunning debut feature film, “A Single Man” on its first day — events which led to the inspired casting of young British actor Nicholas Hoult.
While it wasn’t the first time the issue was brought up, Ford continues to refuse to name the actor, presumably out of respect. Unfortunately for Ford, and the actor in question, early announcements of the film’s development and production reveal that the aforementioned actor was very likely fellow Brit, Jamie Bell.
“He didn’t show up the first day that he was due and he’s a well known actor,” Ford recounts. “I’m not going to say his name. He was attached for six months and we’d made his costumes. Yes. But again it was so lucky and I cannot imagine anyone else in that role but Nicholas Hoult. I had seen Nicholas’s tape a few weeks earlier and similar to running into Colin at that premiere in London I was kind of thinking to myself, I had a sick feeling inside that this guy was perfect for it and that I was working with another actor. It just came together.”
Hoult ended up giving a great performance, so the events that transpired probably turned out all the better for the parties involved, with Bell presumably dropping out of the acclaimed film to take on the motion-captured title role in Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson’s “The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn” (on which the actor himself was a replacement for Thomas Sangster).
Interestingly, Ford also addresses the rumor that Colin Firth, whose performance in “A Single Man” is rightfully garnering award season talk, was only cast after another unnamed and truly unknown actor dropped out. Ford swears Firth was his first choice, though recounted that he “jumped on a plane and flew from New Mexico where I was to London” for a “handshake deal” when the opportunity arose. Nevertheless, how Ford, Firth and Hoult must be counting their lucky stars now.
Oops. When I was looking up actors that were the same age as Hoult who was stupid enough to turn this movie down, I first thought Harry Potter. Your guess is miles better, though.
well Bell went to work with speilberg and jackson. it sounds plausible to me but surely he didn't turn up during the first rehearsal or something not the first day . i didn't think movies work like that -u just show up on the day of filming. i mean it wasnt filmed outside everyones house was it!you haveto commute in!either way i think it streses the importance of keeping in touch with your cast and crew members.I mean how good would the performance have been anyway if Jamie had been preparing the role on his own for months without any contact with those on the movie.it woulda been poo-day.
"Stunning"?
Yeah, stunningly bad. This movie was amateur hour, and I do hope I'm not the only sane voice about it. Also, Nicolas Hoult couldn't out-act balsa wood.
Pretty sure you're outnumbered 4/1 so far here Gabe in terms of Playlist writers. And Colin Firth is incredible.
I will give Firth this, he really sold what was there of the role. But man, what a dumb sad bastard movie. Hey, can any of you four explain to me the significance of the goofy slow motion shot of the little kid being hit with the water gun?
You really didn't get that scene? Earlier in the film, in a flashback, Jim tells George how their dog had pissed in that annoying kid's face and they thought it was hilarious, as this kid was a nuisance to them. When George sees the kid later he imagines a stream of urine hitting him in the face, because he wishes he could see that happen.