Casting 'Atlas Shrugged': Professionalism Before Politics

I was head of the film and broadcast department for a talent agency in the Detroit Metro area. As a casting agent my job was to get the character breakdowns, hold auditions and cast roles for film, TV and radio. My staff and I cast Zebrahead, Hoffa, Renaissance Man to name a few and many award winning commercials. I left the casting biz to coach voice-over artists and produce their CD’s, along with doing free-lance talent coordination for ad-agencies, where I negotiate celebrity talent.

I recently read Apocalypse Near? Liberal Actresses Line Up to Star in ‘Atlas Shrugged’ by Pam Meister and wanted to offer the perspective of someone who has experience in casting. The post told of Julia Roberts and Angelina Jolie having an interest in the role of Dagny Taggert. It was offered up, and several commenter’s mentioned that they feared Julia Roberts might change the script to reflect her liberal viewpoint. I don’t really think that should be a concern because many times certain actors are mentioned only to create buzz for a project, or to get their name out there, or both. I believe such is the case with Julia Roberts in this story.

So, for the sake of example here, let’s use Angelina Jolie, the suspected front runner. When casting at the Hollywood level, Angelina’s political leanings, opinions, beliefs and practices would not be considered. Assuming that the writer plans to stay true to the book, and the director is on the same page, an actress will not get a say in rewrites. Some actresses can demand rewrites as part of the negotiations, but such instances are rare. Normally, if she will not “play by the rules,” she does not accept the role.

This was the case when Jodie Foster was sought to reprise her role of Clarice Starling in Hannibal. Speculation was she declined the role because she didn’t like how the character in the sequel had been written.

If Angelina accepts the role it is her job to portray the character as conceived and written by the screenwriter, and defined by the director’s point of view. Of course she and director will have discussions throughout the filming process, but it won’t be to change the “bend” of the script. Whether it’s an actress being paid scale or Angelina’s $20 million paycheck, she is a hired professional first; and is expected to do her homework, get inside the character’s world and get the job done without her political persuasions seeping through.

Case in point: Calista Flockhart is a pretty well know, out-spoken liberal, and whether you like her or not, an outstanding actress. On Brothers and Sisters she plays Kitty Walker, a prominent conservative with a lot of zeal. Drawing on her technique and expertise she portrays this character passionately, with believability and depth.

Now with that said, if I were casting the movie I might consider one of the following strategies:

#1: Since the book already a has a following and is now back on the bestseller list, the movie has a built in audience. You don’t really need to cast the Hollywood heavyweights. So, let’s forget about Angelina and mainstream Hollywood for a moment and cast it with no names. OK, maybe the talented lesser known named Hollywooders. Then let’s go to Broadway where the cream of the crop actor’s are, as well as regionally where you’d be sure to find some amazing undiscovered talent. Assuming the screenplay follows the book and the director respects the material, casting stage actors is the cherry on top of this scenario.

Mel Gibson went the way of casting the non-mainstream powerhouse actors when he cast The Passion of the Christ. The most recognizable Hollywood player was Jim Caviezel. Mel did this because he felt the story was the big star and he wanted it made true to his vision. He even started filming without outside funding or a distributor. The story and the buzz made Passion the #12 all time grossing film domestically, #3 all time grossing for the year of 2004, and #1 top grossing “R” rated film of 2004. Unfortunately it was only nominated for three Oscars: cinematography, make-up and original score. (Oh, please my nerves!) The nominations were another fatality of liberal Hollywood, much like The Dark Knight.

#2: Being a conservative and a Christian (oh yes, my friends, a double whammy against me in this business), we could do politically evangelical casting. Bring on the bitter, angry, Obama idolizing movie stars. From the table read, to rehearsals, to shooting, these liberal performer’s might start questioning their politics. Let’s take into account a movie can take between two and a half to five months to shoot, sometimes longer. That gives actors a lot of time for introspection. Furthermore, most of their time on set will be spent alone in their trailers memorizing Ayn Rand’s words and living in the world she and the director created. As the filming continues, perhaps the actors start to see the parallels between the book and the Obama agenda. At this point, with the gentle prodding by the material and its execution, the actor’s would start questioning their political beliefs and allegiance. Then once the seed of conservatism is planted, the stage is set for a sea change in the National Consciousness. Ah, one can dream!

Alas, since Hollywood is Hollywood, I think the big name, raging liberals will get the job. But fear not, whether a movie star or unknown liberal is cast, I think it’s safe to say the material will lead to a “crisis of liberal belief.” This is a good start.