Whatever happened to that damn Jeff Buckley biopic that was announced years ago that seems to have gone nowhere?
It’s hard to keep track of the time-line, but a second attempt to pull off a film was announced in the trades in 2006 if that gives you any indication.
Back then, Brian Jun, whose “Steel City” was nominated for the grand jury prize at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, was set to direct and it was called, “Mystery White Boy.”
His mother, Mary Guibert, has been flogging, shepherding and protecting his biopic from the wrong hands since day one.
Attempt #1 at the biopic was actually made by Buckley fan, Brad Pitt, who once achieved Guibert’s blessing, and then hired Emma Forrest, a British novelist and journalist, to write a screenplay in the vein of the 1979 Bette Midler film “The Rose,” according to the New York Times article from ’06. Both of her “too fantastic” drafts were rejected (Buckley met the ghost of Judy Garland in one ill-conceived scene) and that version fizzled fast and Pitt gave up (Guibert has been notoriously hands on, which has perhaps persuaded other filmmakers, but it’s obviously a legacy she feels she must protect, and rightly so). But Brad Pitt was apparently never set to star in the actual film, according to Guibert’s rigorously noted Jeff Buckley Biopic Fact-Check FAQ (which now seems to be out of date since it seems last updated in 2008, “All he wanted to do was help produce a project that would have been close to his heart. Brad is still on a list of people we would love to have work with us,” she once wrote).
David Browne’s 2001 biography, “Dream Brother: The Lives and Music of Jeff and Tim Buckley” was optioned in 2005 by Train Houston, an L.A. writer who briefly interested Tobey Maguire’s production company in the project, but Guibert disliked his version of the script as well and the project halted.
Guibert and Michelle Sy, who executive-produced “Finding Neverland,” then tried for the aforementioned take #2 that apparently went nowhere either. At the time she wrote on the Jeff Buckley site, “Brian [Jun] is not the sort of fellow to sugar-coat or manipulate the facts. I’ve looked into his eyes and I know that he’s a straight shooter.”
Finally some new news via the Australian press, which we can confirm we’ve known about for some time. Orian Williams, who produced the well-received Joy Division, Ian Curtis biopic, “Control,” in onboard, and a new screenwriter has been hired, Ryan Jaffe, who wrote “The Rocker” (please hold your comments on that one). Jun seems to be entirely out of the picture now and or at least, the Aussie article doesn’t mention him.
IMDB pro lists the film as a 2010 film, but it’s still early days as the project is still in development. The Aussie Courier Mail says that Jared Leto, James Franco, Robert Pattinson and James Marsden are all interested in the part and we can confirm producers are interested in them as well.
“Whoever gets the part will need a lot of self-discipline because they won’t be able to fake it,” Guibert said in the Oz interview. “It’s going to take a phenomenal set of skills.”But no script is complete so no one’s officially attached, just interest from many parties (another well-named young actor is apparently really hot to see some pages, but we’re not at liberty to say his name, plus again, very early days).
The timing of this news and or Guibert talking again, maybe somewhat calculated, This month, she releases Grace Around The World, a collection of live versions from various Buckley shows. She’s a pretty fierce woman and even mock’s Buckley’s father, the estimable experimental folkie Tim Buckley who died of a drug overdose in 1975 (honestly, we prefer Buckey’s acid-fried music better).
So anyhow, yes take three on the Jeff Buckley biopic is currently underway. When it hits the screen? These things take a while. One point of contention: every report about Buckley says he is known for recording the “definitive” version of “Hallelujah,” and while we like his celestial-voiced falsetto, the definitive version of that song will always be the one made by its creator, Leonard Cohen. Sorry, Buckley fans. That said, bring on the biopic, we’d be interested to see how it pans out.
Thanks for the scoop Playlist!! Crazy Mary is right, the role will be intense and require discipline of the actor involved. I think that Franco is the man for this role. Twilight guy is defiantly the wrong direction IMO
Easy does it Anon. Pattinson may be a twit, but he is a "singer" as well as a poster boy on a tween's wall. Despite that, i too would like to see Franco, but something tells me Twilight has an edge with the musical background. Franco just collects Criterion DVD's and writes/directs shitty movies.
oh come on – james franco HANDS DOWN. the mere mention of james marsden is ridiculous. franco is totally the man for the job. no question.
Pattinson is the only one with the skillset to pull it off. He's proficient in guitar, as was Buckley, and he sings.
Has no one mentioned Michael Wincott for the role?
And Brad Pitt should play Nick Drake in a movie!
This role would require strong musicianship, acting skills, and a particular look. Anyone who has heard Pattinson sing with a guitar in his hands would vote for him, hands down. He has incredible range, soul and musicality.
Robert Pattison can play the guitar and sing, and when he does it you can feel it deep in his soul like Jeff Buckley, I wouldn't want to see someone fake it and don't take me wroung James Franco and James Marsden are good actors but I don't think either one of them can pull it off
Looks like a bunch of Pattinson fangirls found your page…. My vote is for Franco. Hands down. Although I don't dislike Pattinson or Marsden as much as some other options. And I would have to disagree–Buckley's version is the diffinitive. And this is coming from someone who is a bigger Cohen fan than a Buckley fan.
No, seriously… why do we need this movie?
I don't want to be the man-jerk here, but I'm going to request that the most recent anonymous commenter/troll take back that shit about Robert Pattinson being as soulful as Jeff Buckley.
GIVE ME A FUCKING BREAK, LADY (or man…however unlikely). You just outed yourself as having never listened to "Live at the Sin-E" as much as some self-aware dumbass actor's bootlegged mp3s of some paltry guitar noodling and sham poetry.
Jeff Buckley was one of the very few white boys to hold a candle to honest-to-god soul artists. I can assure you that Mr. Pattinson, in kind, holds no candle anywhere near the galaxy within which Buckley's musical sense of soul resides. Ya heard?
That said, I hope Ernie Hudson kills it.
Robert Pattison is a talentless hack and has no business being considered here. Even Jared Leto has more cause to be mentioned here and he's a walking abortion.
The mere thought of Pattinson is a joke.
If any actor can pull it off it's Franco and Franco alone. He's not only a dead ringer for Buckley but he has the chops to pull it off.
But frankly, I agree that there is absolutely no need for a Buckley biopic and I think any writer is going to be taking a lot of liberties to get any sort of worthwhile narrative.
Robert Pattinson shouldn't even be allowed play one of the Jonas Brothers in a biopic.
There is no need for one, but clearly the mother has worked for about 5+ years to make one so it'll eventually happen (despite all her, "i finally relented to the idea of a biopic should be made" smokescreen stuff). She wants one to be made, but it has to be made on her terms.
james franco is the only actor in the bunch that has the skills to be able to truly become buckley. has anyone ever seen him as James Dean? Case and Point. not to mention…they could be twin brothers.
I would like something made maybe, i don't know why (because there's some glimmer of hope somewhere inside me), but it will probably never live up to expectations.
Leonard Cohen's version.. I mean, he's an incredible writer and I love him, but it sounds almost sarcastic. Buckley took it and sang it so honestly that it broke my heart.
Listen to I Want You Badly by him… Oh damn.
It's so obvious that the biopic should be set in Memphis in the final year of his life. He was playing nearly every week at a place called Barristers, *Grace* had been out and he was trying to cope with success and a follow-up. And then there was the Mississippi.
as much as i hate to say this, pattinson is the only one who can match anywhere near close vocally. I wanted franco at first, but he can't sing as well. i just don't want 13 year old screaming girls in the theatre. listen to this though
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlQvmoO9_Yk
nah, pattinson sucks. not gonna happen.
if only ledger were alive. absolutley perfect for it.
a singer's POV on this,
plus: sound examples of them both for you to judge:
http://bettimusictwilight.blogspot.com/2009/06/rob-pattinson-jeff-buckley.html
If they are gonna do this movie how can the consider anyone else but James Franco. Did anyone see him play James Dean and win a Golden Globe for it? The man can tap into how a person was.
Twilight was very over rated. It doesn't take that much skills to act like a melodramatic vampire. I mean really!
Who is James Marsden…?
James Franco Please!!! 🙂
Krista, I totally agree that Twilight wasn't demanding at all for an actor. But did you ever hear Pattinson sing? (if not check the comment above yours) The producers say there would be no faking. I think Franco would be a absolutely perfect choice if he were allow to just do lipsyncing.
No one wants to hear Pattinson's voice over Jeff Buckley's. Everyone would have to lip synch, his voice is angelic and not imitatable by your average singer, let alone actor who thinks he can sing. That's a weak excuse for Pattinson's participation. Plus his voice is really underwhelming.
Jeff Buckley didn't sparkle, like a certain Rpattz, while I think James Marsden and Jared Leto can sing, I believe James Franco has the acting chops (Milk anyone?) and who knows maybe he can sing, won't hurt to find out.
Pattinson? Pls God No! An unknown perhaps? Like British Actor/Musician Peter Pawan who I have seen a few times in London. If you want to debate it, have a look at http://www.ppawan.com. Not only an incredible actor, who plays a couple of instruments and sings, but he's the right age around 30, and looks scarily like him. Just mixing it up a bit…
James Franco has immense depth and character, and in my opinion is the only actor who could display the mental turmoil Buckley was going through from bipolar disorder, the highs and lows, the elation and despair. Franco is an amazing actor and vastly underrated.
So yeah… 26 comments… why do we need this movie?
Robert Pattinson has the voice, the soul and the depth to play Jeff Buckley. If you ever actually listened to Robert Pattinson's music you would get that. It is incredibly soulful. Robert Pattinson's acting skills are so far beyond Twilight. Check out his other films How to Be and Little Ashes. I think for anyone to pull this off they have to have the musical abilty and they have to be truly comfortable with a guitar in their hands. Robert Pattinson is really more a musician at heart then an actor which is why he is perfect. Before you freak out about Pattinson not being able to sing as Buckley, you should think back to how well Joaquin Phoenix stood up to the task in "Walk the Line". I really hope they make this biopic because I think it even more tragic that the rest of the world doesn't get to know Buckly and become fans of his music. Not sharing the beauty of Buckley is a damn shame. I have introduced all my friends to his work. Just my opinion.
i dont want the whole wrld to get th chance ton balize jeff's music. anyway it's that easy. it is so spcial that you have to be READY to listen to his music to evn get th chance to really FEEL it and be touched by the Grace…u cant listen to it as a vulgar cd and th crowd is dumb so…
And stop ur bullshit about twilite guy. he can't do this movie pliiiiiz, its shame to mention himm. anyway he may sing but his voice is too harsh and broken…james franco with strong reharsals in guitar is the mn. im worried about this movie…do we really need it?…
(soory for my english^^)
my keybord sucks
banalize jeff's music
its not tha easy
james is the man
Wouldn't Heath Ledger have been perfect? Such a horrible loss
I am a girl (and sure twilight was a cute story but any normal person can see that the acting was beyond stiff and well just bad most of the time from both leads), and has admired Jeff Buckleys work for years.
Pattinson may play the guitar like many people, that does NOT qualify him to play the part! His acting skills are far from great in my book. He seems flat and a bit fake, and with no real depth what so ever.
He is obviously the wrong pick for the part.
It feels like an utterly disgrace to Jeff Buckley in my honest opinion, with the cinemas crowded with twilight-fangirls with absolutley no interest in Buckley and his work.
If a biopic is made, hopefully not, but if.. I beg you Mary, wholeheartedly, do NOT pick Pattinson! Please choose an UNfamous talented singer-songwriter or such.
If you don't find anyone, then maybe James Franco as a last resort, just because I like some of his work and he does resemble Jeff a bit…
That's all I have to say.
agree
I agree with the above, absolutely no Pattinson should be even considered to get the privilege to portray Buckley.
It is outrageous to even think he should do it, makes me sick to my tummy!!…
The same when it comes to Leto and Marsden, they can't do it either. And Franco is too famous.
Anywho, if a biopic is made, then I know someone that could portray Buckley. (If they don't find a talented unfamous singer-songwriter, that has the soulfullness and sensitivity like Buckleys, and looks. But thats like a needle in the hay…)
I think of Ben Wishaw, a pure and very talented actor and he has the sensitivity, depth and soul that reminds me of Buckley. He has an awesome chill and soulfull talkingvoice too!
And he also has the looks to pull it off, not a clone at all but who is?
The dude is anyway a chameleon! Just watch I'm Not There, Bright Star, Brideshead revisited, and Perfume. Wouldn't think it's the same guy first.
You can read about him hehe: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/tvandradio/3554896/Ben-Whishaw-man-of-mystery.html
I vote for James Franco. We still have the image of Pattinson in Twilight and that is not good for these kind of movies.
James would be a perfect option!
Mixed feelings about a Buckley Biopic…It seems he would have hated the idea! Unfortunately, his Mother has control…We all know it is very difficult to capture such an extraordinary person's essence and do them justice…We can only hope if they decide to go with it that someone does…I want to take a closer look at Ben Winshaw or perhaps there is some relatively unkown out there…for me, the names mentioned out there so far are not my choice…
I'm torn on this one…Firstly, I really don't think the movie will EVER happen. There are too many incidentals to consider (ie:Liz Fraiser for one) Yes James Franco does look the part. I think it might work, but Pattinson & Marsden are a little to goo-goo for a portrayal of someone like Jeff. I knew Jeff from 1992 to 1996 when I was out in NYC, he frequented our record store and used to hand out invites all the time, I had the luxury of seeing him well over 50 times. You could never really get a handle of what kind of Jeff you'd get at anytime. He had a knowledge of music that far surpasses any actors ability to even achieve (save for, dare I say it..Brad Pitt, who as well as Jeff has a knowledge of music that is astounding, too bad his acting abilities always seem to fall a bit short)and i just don't think it would work correctly. Buckley was a true enigma, a deeply passionate person who could not be the subject of a study, especially by some forth-rate hack actor who was most probably in diapers when Jeff was my friend. IDK, It seems like more of an insult to his REAL fans like me. There are people out there who should be considered for that role, fans mostly like Jimmy Gnecco from the band "Ours" who, not only can act, actually started out as a Buckley cover band after his passing. Franco could work, but I just don't think it's fair to just give that role away to someone just because they look a little like him. But we live in that society, where people discover Buckley because somebody covered his version of "Hallelujah" on American Idol, mind you, they got the lyrics wrong..(it's "when David played and it pleased the lord"..not "The day it played and it pleased the Lord") it's just a bad foreshadow of our society of the overblown idea of someone. This role will NEVER give any of these actors and indie-cred not to mention a recording contract (listened to Scarlett Johnassen's recordings lately, no? neither has anyone else) Point being made here is Jeff music and interpretations of his influences should stand on their own, not because Robert Pattinson is a tween pin up who tools around on a guitar and writes some third rate poetry in his spare time from Twilight related crap. And I have no Idea who or what James Marsden is, That just is proof positive that this film is not for Jeff's fans, It's Mary trying to make a little bit more money off of Jeff's name. She knows me and does NOT like me at all. She made it very clear the day we all went to the ceremony for Jeff. OK, I'm done with my rant on this one. The music should speak for itself. I don't need any actor to tell me what Jeff was like, his mother barely knew him and NONE of these "actors" knew him either.
Please just let him be.
Let's just say this- MOBODY could ever sound just like Jeff Buckley. His voice was one in NONE! James Franco would be an amazing Buckley but I would want to hear Jeff's sweet voice not the actor's, no matter how good a singer that actor might be. Jeff's voice brings me to tears…it is that of an angel. I don't know if I could sit through this movie….
I just want to let it be known, Jimmy Gnecco DID NOT start his musical career in a Jeff Buckley cover band, Ours' first incarnation was formed in 1992, long before Jeff's death. I bet you also think that Jimmy was Jeff's guitar tech too, don't you? They were good friends who met a few years before Jeff died that had very similiar musical tastes and influences and that is all. I feel really awful for Jimmy Gnecco because his career has been held back immensely by all of these Buckley comparisons when i don't even think they sound ANYTHING alike. So Jimmy Gnecco sings in falsetto? Comparing Jeff and Jimmy's vocal tones and tambres not to mention style makes it horribly obvious how different these two incredbile musicians are.
Moving on, as far as the look goes I don't see how anyone could think anyone but James Franco is right for this part. Who knows whether or not he can sing? He does have a moderately high speaking voice and may actually turn out to be a wonderful singer, especially with a little bit of training.
Lastly, the person who defended Rob Pattinson's consideration by saying how great Joaquin Pheonix did in "Walk the Line" is not at all valid. Yes he did a great job, but Johnny Cash has never been and will never be known as a great or even very good vocalist. He sang in the same octave and half in basically every song he'd ever written as where jeff was pushing 5. This isn't the kind of role that a flat and uninspired actor with questionable guitar playing ability should be in the running for at all, period. Jeff deserves better than that.
Please don't let Twilight get in your way. Rob is breaking away from that crap. No one could have acted the poorly written scripts and directing very well. It makes me cringe! Franco made some bad acting choices in his early days and he has been on the scene longer. It has been proven that Twilight fans don't follow rob much outside of the twilight movies. So it would be safe to say that he wouldn't bring loads of screaming girls to the theater. They could never handle him dying. It will take him awhile to break out of the twilight movies but once he does you will be seeing and hearing much more of him. Besides, he can really sing and has the passion that Jeff had and he will do the work needed to make it perfect. It will be two years before it is released and that is if they even get started. Franco will be too old. Leto can't handle it!. Give it to Rob…It will be his breakout role and he will do it a great justice. I am a bigger Buckley fan and I would go see it no matter what. Old men in the music business are too jaded to have an unbiased opinion! His mother has the right to protect it. Leave her alone!
I almost started crying when I heard Pattison was one choise for the part. I honestly couldn't watch that film. So please don't choose him. I beg you, please. I didn't mind him before, but now I hear Jeff Buckley and Robert Pattison in the same sentence and I absolutely fuck*** hate him!!! I vote for James Franco !!!
Franco is a horrible singer as revealed by that unaired(guess why?)Oscars bit showed. Marsden is an incredible singer a great actor and the best choice of those listed with Pattinson, a good second. Franco would have to lip synch and that would suck.
It HAS to be Franko. He is just so like him. As a huge Buckley fan I'd like to see him in this role