Friday, 22 October 2010

If I Stay Movie - Casting and Director News

Variety has reported that the If I Stay (Gayle Forman) film adaptation has steamed ahead with the news that both a star and director are currently in talks for the film.

Dakota Fanning, one of the greatest child (now a young lady) actors of cinematic history is circling the role of cello prodigy, Mia.

The director, Heitor Dhalia, has signed on the dotted line.  The Brazilian director replaces one of the initial driving forces (the other being screenwriter Shauna Cross) behind Summit's push to bring this story to the screen, Twilight director Catherine Hardwicke.

Dhalia has a few film credits to his name in his native country, including newest release Adrift.  What struck me about the footage encapsulated into the trailer for this movie is 1) the almost magical use of natural life and 2) framing of the camera - he clearly has an eye and works with a talented team.  I believe both of these aspects will be essential in depicting the other worldliness of Mia's predicament.

As for Dakota...is there any doubt she'll knock this out of the park?

Who would you like to see cast as Adam?  A recognisable face or an unknown?

17 comments:

Caitie F said...

That is awesome! When I was reading it I actually thought "if they make a movie, Dakota Fanning would be AMAZING in it!".

Vee said...

This is so awesome! Loved IF I STAY. I think I'd like Adam to be an unknown, but I'm really pleased with the choice of Dakota Fanning for Mia.

Robby said...

Dakota Fanning really would be great. Whichever way this goes, it will be brilliant.

Amy said...

I have to admit Dakota is not really what I pictured for Mia, but when I read this, I felt pretty good about it. You're right...she definitely has the acting ability.

La Coccinelle said...

I can't see how this is going to work as a movie. They're going to have to either change a lot of Mia's out of body experience or have way more flashbacks. Either way, if it's as boring as I found the book, I probably won't bother seeing it.

Khy said...

nooooooo I wanted to see this movie but if Dakota Fanning is in it I can't.

Michelle said...

I think Dakota Fanning is a fine choice. I hope they do the book justice!

Charlie said...

I've never seen a Dakota Fanning movie so can't comment there, but I'm glad to hear the Twilight director isn't working on it in the end.

Pens said...

Not thrilled about this actually, loved the book so much, and I don't really see Dakota as being that skilled at detailed character work. idk, I hope I'm wrong as she'll probably get it.

little_stranger said...

I've seen one of Heitor Dhalia's earlier films (Nina) at a film festival, and quite agree that he's a talented director. I remember how he weaved the manga-like animations into the film.

Ali said...

I think Dakota Fanning would be pretty good, but i imagined Mia a bit older and quieter looking (i guess to me that means dark hair and crisp blue eyes, for some unknown reason). adam should be unknown though, or at least not well heard of.

Paige said...

Mia IS supposed to have dark hair, and I pictured her looking older too (Dakota still looks like she's 14 to me). I do think it will make an excellent movie, though, because the whole time while reading the book I was picturing it as a movie... even though I didn't know the film rights had already been sold! I've actually thought to myself "wow, it would be awesome to write the screenplay for this," haha.

Unknown said...

Mia SHOULD have dark hair and be older like 18/19 looking at least and Dakota doesn't look that old. The whole time I read the book I was hoping two really unknown actors for Mia and Adam would be perfect as long as they can act.

Ms. Yao said...

When I read If I Stay, I pictured Nina Dobrev from Vampire Diaries as Mia. She fits the profile: dark hair, looks 17-20, cute and can play an innocent girl that just lost her parents. I like Dakota but not for this film. They should reconsider.

Anonymous said...

I've read both If i stay and Where she went. I saw the cover of where she went and now i picture someone like the girl on the cover as Mia. Dakota just doesn't seem to really fit in as Mia. She doesn't have the look of a musician. She has more of a graceful dancer look. I agree with everyone about Her looking too young. Yes Mia is a high school student but she's in her last year and she's a pretty mature person. Dakota is a great actor this is just not the one for her.

Unknown said...

I truly loved the book if I stay couldnt put it down but the 2nd one where she went omg I cried I laughed it was the best. And as for adam I think zach efron would be great

Mishi said...

I loved both books! When she described Adam I immediately pictured M. Shadow lead singer for Avenged Sevenfold. He plays guitar, piano, sings and writes the music for the band. I am not sure if he can act but at least he is a musician. Adam should be played by someone who can do everything the character can, not faked by an actor. The music in the story is a character in the book an important character, they need to do it justice!