On Chesil Beach

[rukia888]

Ever since I saw and read Atonement recently, I got excited about On Chesil Beach all over again. I really, really loved the book, and there’s been talk of it becoming a movie (see this link: www.themanbookerprize.com/perspective/articles/100 ). I definitely hope that it’ll be adapted into a movie. Pedro Almodovar has expressed interest in On Chesil Beach and wanting to cast Kate Winslet (see these links: www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2007/07/06/dp0601.xml#head1; vivirlatino.com/2007/07/19/almodovar-going-english.php ). He’s a good director, but I have my heart set on Joe Wright. It will be difficult definitely to portray it in movie form (it’s not straightforward storytelling), but I have faith in it – especially if Joe Wright is the director. I know Joe Wright probably doesn’t want to do yet another book to film adaptation, but he does such a good job with them! He’s so talented and has such a great eye for gorgeous film making. I know he’ll definitely do a beautiful job if On Chesil Beach is ever made into a film. I’ve also envisioned Rachel McAdams as Florence in my mind, and Cillian as Edward. I know that Florence and Edward are 22/23 year old virgins and that Rachel and Cillian are certainly past that age range, but they don’t look too old yet, right? I've also considered other British actresses and actors, too. Here's my list.

Potential Florences:
• Rachel McAdams- 31

• She’s the definite Florence in my mind. I know many people believe she’s being type casted into roles of romantic novel characters, but I think she has the emotional range to play Florence. I’m not judging from her role in the Notebook either. I didn’t even really particularly like the Notebook – it was a bit too melodramatic and cheesy for me. I’m looking more at her role in Red Eye – what she does with her eyes is amazing. So much emotion in just one look. She brought a lot of complexity to the role of Lisa in Red Eye. The only drawback with her though is that she’s not British, and that I’ve never heard her do a British accent. She can learn, right?

• Kelly Macdonald -31

• I loved her in Intermission and Gosford Park. I don’t know why; something about her look and her demeanor makes me see her as Florence.

• Keira Knightley- 22

• I loved her in Pride & Prejudice and Atonement! She says her lines so simply, so naturally, yet so beautifully. She’s definitely in the age range of the characters, but my only problem with her is that she just looks so innately sexy.

• Natalie Portman- 26

• She’s an excellent actress and has such a young, fresh look. I’ve liked most of her movies and her performances, but sometimes I feel that she’s too forced in her emotions??

• Kate Winslet -32

• She was great in Titanic and other movies, but she really stood out to me in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. She was incredible in it. I’ve listed her because Pedro Almodovar is considering her and because I absolutely love her, but she looks a bit too womanly in my opinion to be Florence.

• Emily Mortimer- 36

• I thought she was great in Match Point. She strikes me as very genuine in her performance, but I think she’s definitely a bit too old to be Florence.

• Rosamund Pike- 28

• She was perfect as Jane in Pride and Prejudice. She was okay in Fracture, not too great but not too bad either. She’s beautiful all right and maybe a bit too beautiful to be Florence.

• Emily Blunt- 24

• She was hilarious in The Devil Wears Prada. I loved her caustic personality in that role. I haven’t seen any of her other films, so I’m not sure if she has enough emotional range to play Florence. She definitely fits into the age range though.

• Sienna Miller- 26

• I’ve only seen her in Alfie. She definitely fits into the age range, but I think she exudes a bit too much sexiness and not enough innocence to be Florence.

• Kate Beckinsale- 34

• She’s gorgeous and talented, but I definitely don’t see her as Florence. She’s a bit too exotic looking.

• Rachel Weisz- 36

• I love her! She's so charismatic. Can’t see her as Florence though.

Potential Edwards:
• Cillian Murphy- 31

• He’s the definite Edward in my mind. I’ve only seen bits and parts of Disco Pigs, but Cillian was awesome in it from what I’ve seen. Edward is a volatile and emotional character – a little bit reminiscent of Pig to me (not to the insanity extent though). Cillian was pretty much who I pictured as I was reading the book – especially during the confrontational scene between Edward and Florence. It was an incredible scene in the book, and Cillian would bring it alive perfectly. The only drawback with him is his age. He still looks young to me but not as much as in his Disco Pigs era – sigh.

• James McAvoy- 28

• From his performance in Atonement, James comes in close for me. I’m really set on Cillian, but I would be satisfied with James, too.

• Matthew Goode- 29

• I just basically stacked him on this list because I thought he was good looking. He’s British, too. I’ve only seen him in Chasing Liberty and Match Point. They were both not really major roles, so I have yet to see if he’s really good or not.

[kaatopp]

Still haven't gotten a chance to read this book yet as I have far too much reading for university right now but I reaaallllyy want to!! Because Ian McEwan seems to be a really great storyteller I think it would be cool to see another of his books in film but of course if you don't have a proper director it could just flop horribly.

As I haven't read the book I don't know what Florence is like but as you said she was about 21 and a virgin I cannot imagine a director seriously thinking about casting Kate Winslet. I love her to death but that would be so remarkably unbelievable. Just as long as someone like Evan Rachel Wood ISNT casted though, I would be happy. There is just something about her that I do not like .... ahem, but anyhow .... its an interesting possible movie to keep track of!

[rukia888]

When I saw that you responded, I was excited thinking that you've read it already! That's okay. Take your time. Daily life keeps us on our toes, I know. I haven't had time to read for enjoyment at all since the holidays were over. Oh well. Let me know when you've read it though, kaatopp! I would still love to discuss it.

[kaatopp]

Okay, sorry to potentially get your hopes up again Rukia, I still have not read it, BUT, I am OFFICIALLY DONE WITH COLLEGE and I just placed the book on hold at my local library! I am moving into a new apartment on Saturday so on Monday, when the library by my new place is open and I am settled in, I am going to pick up On Chesil Beach and start READING IT!!!!

Finalllllllly months later we will be able to discuss it. I am sorry it has taken me so long because I really did mean it, when I said I wanted to read it and discuss it with you, its just so hard to read for pleasure when you have hundreds of pages of reading for classes! BUT I am done with classes, glory be to God!

I will probably read the book pretty quickly since you said it is fairly short and I'll be on summer break (sort of looking for a job, eek, now that I'm a college grad). I cannot wait to read it though! Only a few more days to wait before the gushing over Ian McEwan can resume!

[rukia888]

I know what you mean about not having time for leisure reading... life just gets so crazy sometimes with all of its pressures and responsibilities. My must read list just gets longer and longer because I simply don't have time to read! Good to know that you'll finally be able to read it soon, kaatopp! I do hope you'll like it. Happy reading!

[kaatopp]

OKAY! I read the book and finished it!!!

I liked it a lot, the beginning-middle especially, as the book was written really well. McEwan really tells a history and a story of two people so well and so beautifully. The very very ending when Edward was left recapping his life was not quite to my taste, but everything up to the moment when Florence left him on the beach was really good.


I wonder why McEwan decided to write this story since it is such a strange love story. The lives of the two characters and their meeting and falling in love is very interesting and enjoyable to read. I liked how McEwan painted that part of the story but I almost don't understand the point of him writing the book because of the way it ends. Edward and Florence speak so much of how they love the other so much and then at the end, after one strange mishap, everything can just fall apart? I guess that is what upsets me, not because it is not believable, but because it makes me question their love to begin with, as well as their maturity, but I guess that is the point in many ways ... they aren't very mature, they were probably too young to be marrying.

Overall I liked it a lot. The shortness of the book kept the story fast, concise, well written, interesting, dragging out the story to have the ending end the way it did could have harmed the book, in my opinion. But at the same time, because I was enjoying the story of their individual lives, how they were in school, and how they met, I wanted something else to happen, I wanted the story to go on.

The book sort of puzzles me I guess because I really did love it a lot, I read it sooooo fast on a bus ride to Ohio (which was enjoyable, starting and finishing a book really quick like that)! The ending was missing something for me, but I think the ending was much better than the written ending of Atonement, when it is London 1999.

Great recommendation though Rukia, it really makes me appreciate McEwan as an author even more. He can write a BEAUTIFUL, real (love) story.

I want to read his book Saturday eventually too. I have no idea what it is about, I just know that James McAvoy said that was the only book of McEwan's he had read before he filmed Atonement so I thought I would just give that book a try, lol!!

[rukia888]

SPOILER ALERT SPOILER ALERT TO THOSE WHO HAVEN'T READ IT

Since this book got a lot of mixed reviews, I was not really sure how you would react to it, but I'm glad you liked it, kaatopp! I loved Ian McEwan's writing in this; his words and imagery are so simple yet so poignant. It really stays with you. I loved it - from beginning, middle, to end. I especially loved the ending. I know you mentioned why would McEwan write such an ending when his two main characters were so much in love with each other. McEwan's not really much for happy endings is he? For example, look at Atonement. I believe McEwan likes to shock readers and go against how readers want his books to end. In On Chesil Beach, the shock is more subtle, but in his earlier works, the shock was more apparent and even disturbing. I haven't read his earlier works, but I have heard about them. I heard that they are much, much different from Atonement and On Chesil Beach, especially his short stories. I still would like to read them one day though... when I have time. It'll be interesting to compare and contrast his current style with his older style.

Anyway, the point is that I really liked the ending despite it being not very happy. It really enlightens upon this particular (and my favorite) line from the book: "This is how the entire course of a life can be changed -- by doing nothing." Both Edward and Florence were too stubborn to admit their wrongdoings, so they didn't do anything at all. They just left it as it is. Who knows? Maybe if they had tried to work things out, they would've restored their relationship and found lasting love with each other. That's what I love about this book; it ends with a lot of "What ifs?" and "Maybes." That really applies to real life in a way because I'm sure many of us can't help but wonder sometimes about certain events that occurred in our life and wonder if it would be any different if we had done something about it or done something differently with it.

The ending really brings up the question if Edward and Florence really loved each other or not? If they really loved each other, they would've tried to do something to redeem their relationship, right? In the beginning and middle parts, it seems as if Edward was really just looking to get laid, to put it quite frankly. Florence, on the other hand, appears to be pressuring herself to get married. It's quite obvious that she has issues with sex. It's not so clear why she's so disturbed about sex. It seems to extend further beyond first night jitters. I strongly believe it has something to do with her father. There were some glimpses in her past that make me think that she was sexually abused by her father. That would really explain it.

Personally, I think that Edward and Florence really did love each other. They just didn't know how to express it -- especially Florence. She's just so closed off emotionally; it's quite unfortunate. Edward, on other hand, was just too angry, and I think his realization of his love for Florence came a bit too late. It took a decade of 1960's free love and sex up to the point where he's a lonely, dried up prune for him to realize it. Sigh, men. The only thing I didn't like about the ending was that we didn't really get to see Florence's perspective of things. I think we only saw from Florence's point of view once when after her big musical debut, she was looking out at the audience, searching for Edward, remembering that he had promised to be there if she ever did debut. Urgh, sooo heartbreaking.

Oh, one more thing, kaatopp, do you ever see it having potential in being made into a film? It would be quite difficult, huh? Since there's a lot of switching of perspectives and going inside their heads kind of thing...

Let me know how Saturday goes if you ever read it! Amsterdam also sounds really intriguing, too.

[kaatopp]

Rukia!

There is a lot to comment on about what you said but I am so glad you mentioned Florence's father, I was just so sure that he had sexually abused her in her earlier years. There was a brief scene of her remembering being on the boat with her father and she could hear his belt buckle (i think) hit the floor when he took of his pants .... McEwan definitely does not answer the question before, but even before that scene, when Florence was first describing her strange relationship with her father I just instantly had this feeling that he abused her somehow.

I am not opposed to unhappy endings, I don't want to be too typical or too girly but lately it seems everything I've seen or watched that has me emotionally wrapped up in an love story ends badly! Atonement, Becoming Jane, Jude the Obscure, On Chesil Beach ... I am just waiting for a real happy ending I guess!

I said something about the story being believable, in my previous post, when Edward and Florence leave each other, but now that I think about it more I do not think that is believable and that really makes me unsure of this story .... I mean, I guess McEwan is just saying, well this is how it is, this is how the story ends, but to me, you do not throw away a marriage or a love after one awkward night. To throw that away so easily indicates that they didn't really love each other, that they were foolish and naive. I guess I am starting to think that in that moment on the beach, even though they had to have loved each other in some way, they saw this fight as an escape, a way out of a marriage neither were ready for for different reasons. I do think they loved each other in some small or big way, but I think they also were terrified and not ready and maybe not in love with each other for the right reasons.

What really makes me upset (sorry, I keep saying upset!) is Florence's ignorance about sex, and it is not really her fault, but she saw the "mishap" on their wedding night as some sort of deformity on her new husbands part, like he was grotesque and broken and degraded her by being so. It was really infuriating that she had no understanding of basic sexual functions and why and how Edward would have, ahem, reacted the way he did! If she was abused by her father then I obviously feel bad for Florence and understand why she would be scared, confused, ignorant, unwilling, etc .... I just think there are about a million different ways they could have worked through that little hiccup in the night, even if they did not consummate the marriage that night! I suppose it may have been harder for the two of them to have a frank talk about sex, considering the year and their British upbringing (I think McEwan mentioned that having something to do with their reservations and "properness") than it may be now, but regardless, I really feel they could have worked through their problems and loved each other for a long time.

At the same time, if they really did need and want an excuse to escape a marriage they weren't ready for then I think it is good that they had a way to get out. We don't know about Florence's happiness at the end of the book, but it seems Edward is somewhat unhappy and to me that is incredibly annoying, that after this strange breakup, this young man could not find love and happiness with another woman, that breaks my heart for him!

I do like the book more and more, the more I talk about it, I guess having qualms with the plot does not mean it is a bad book or that I don't like it! It means that I reacted to it! It was really a terrific book just not a typical one I suppose.


I definitely think this could be a movie, and a great one at that. I am sure it would be very hard, but I could see someone like the director of Closer (and The Graduate) doing this film really well since the story is so broken up. I actually think the movie would play very well on screen if scenes from the wedding night are folded into scenes of the past, just like in the book, I think that would add to the depth of the story, especially if the cinematography is beautiful. I think Joe Wright could get perfect lighting, and music and shots of the couple together in a way that would make every scene really powerful, allowing it to build up together into this insane ending. I think Joe could take a somewhat disconnected story (when it isn't being read as a book) and making it incredibly beautiful and bold on screen.

I would also really like it, if it were a film, if they just ended it on the beach, with Florence walking away (or was it Edward? lol I don't remember who walks away now). And then just end on like a scene of the water and the beach, or something. I think a lot of people may hate that, especially if they haven't read the book, because then it is just a story that just ends and ends unhappily, but I HATE 10, 20 or any number of years later endings. If they had to do some-odd years later then I would want it to be VERY short, a scene of Florence debuting, looking at the empty chair where Edward said he would sit, and then either before of after that scene, Edward reading of her debut in the newspaper. Really short with Florence's music playing over the whole scene, just so you know they are both still alive, so you know what they look like, but you know they aren't together. No dragging it out, I do not want to see Edward's house or work or girlfriends, nothing like that ..... I just want the ending to be short and bittersweet and to the point.


Who would play the characters is a different story entirely. There are so many great actors and actresses but I think it is really important that the couple look as young as they really are. I would LOVE it if James were Edward, or Cillian, but I think the actors need to actually be about 22 years old!

It just occurred to me that Jamie Bell would be AWESOME as Edward .... for some reason it is really hard for me to find a decent, current picture of Jamie, but here are my best efforts. He is British, very handsome and sexy, and I think tall and mature enough looking to play Edward, he is also 22 years old.





I also think Jamie would play Edward best if they kept his hair short. His hair is often shaggy in films or in photos that I can find on line and I do not think it fits with Edward, although that is just based on my opinion of whatever image I have formulated in my head.


I think Rachel McAdams would actually play a great Florence but I think next to Jamie Bell should would look really old even though she looks very young for her age! If they had a different Edward then I think Rachel would be great! I cannot think of any one else who could play Florence, I just do not know of that many young British actresses and I think it is really important to keep the actors young and British!

Although a James McAvoy and Rachel McAdams pairing could be REALLY fantastic and spicy!

[rukia888]

SPOILERS SPOILERS (if anybody cares)

Can you believe how this short, little book gave us so much to discuss? I guess that is just the magic of Ian McEwan's writing!

I know you're not opposed to sad endings or anything, but I completely understand your feelings about happy endings when it comes to love stories. I suppose it's just a natural feeling for us girls to have hope that there are happy endings when it comes to love. I love happy endings, too, but somehow depressing conclusions tend to linger in my mind more and make me think more. That's why I like them.

You're right, kaatopp, about Edward and Florence falling in love with each other for the wrong reasons. For Edward, it was sex, and for Florence, it was because of duty. Maybe it's just my foolish, girlish hopes here, but I really do think that Edward and Florence loved each other. Unfortunately, they were just too stubborn, prideful, and awkward. It mentioned at the end somewhere that Florence would've turned around and ran back to Edward if he would've called out to her on the beach. She definitely loved him. How heart-wrenching.

About Florence's reaction to Edward's sexual reaction, I didn't really find it infuriating. On the contrary, I felt really sorry that she felt that way. She must've been terribly abused, physically and psychologically, by her father to be so disgusted by sex. It makes me wonder if she ever did have a normal, sexual relationship. If I recall correctly, not only did she call Edward's reaction a "deformity," but she also thought that something was wrong with her, too, because she was so repulsed by sex. She thought of herself as a "deformity" in a way. Poor girl.

I don't mean to sound like I'm siding with Florence rather than Edward. I feel bad for him, too. Poor guy; he definitely has some anger issues. Initially, I was mad that he didn't call out to her on the beach, and I was thinking, "Serves him right," when he just slept around during the 60's and didn't end up with anyone at the end. Eventually though, my heart really went out to him. He became such a poor, lost soul. I'm sure he would've understood if Florence told him the whole truth and told him about the abuse. Sigh, such a pair of unlucky lovers.

I'm glad that you can picture this book as a movie because I can, too! To see their heated confrontation on the beach -- that would absolutely amazing!!! It would be a beautiful scene, that's for sure, and Joe Wright would be the man to make it right. They definitely have to include the scene of Florence's musical debut; it was such a great part.

I actually would want them to include the flash forwards into the future. It would feel a bit rushed, yeah, (that was another thing about the ending I didn't like), but if done well, it would make for such a great, heart-wrenching ending! They have to include the part at the end where Edward wonders about what his life would've been like with Florence and having a child with her... urgh, this part never fails to tug at my heart. After all of that, they should rewind back to the part on the beach where Florence walks away and doesn't turn back. Beautiful but sad.

I've never seen any of Jamie Bell's movies, but I have to say that he fits Edward pretty well. The only thing is that he's pretty short (to me), but other than that, he's young, he's the right age, and there's something about his facial expression that spells out Edward to me (innocent, longing, awkward).

Keira Knightley falls into the age bracket, too, but she looks so much older for her age. Same with Emily Blunt. I can't think of any other young, British actress, but I think Natalie Portman might do the part justice. She's older, but she always looks soo young for her age, being so short and petite. I can't recall if her British accent is good or not though.

Rachel McAdams would be pretty good as Florence, and she can play and look the part of a younger character well, but I agree, she's too old. Cillian and James would be freaking awesome, too, but yeah, they're also too old for the part. Sigh.

Anyway, it was great discussing this with you! I love to go on and on about my favorite books. Thanks.

[kaatopp]

Of course Rukia, I am glad this book has a lot to offer! I'm probably gonna grab another McEwan book at the library this week because I am kind of hankering for his story telling now.

I think I was really hard on Florence, because you are right, she did think she was deformed in some way too and I totally forgot that she wanted Edward to call for her on the beach. I keep mentioning they must not have loved each other, but I do think they did, in some way, just not enough, or in the right way. I definitely think there was great love and they could have had even better love, but something about it wasn't right, or enough. Maybe nothing was wrong with their love, it was just their age, their fears, their motives, their immaturity, etc.

I am mad at the pair of them, now that you have reminded me that Florence wanted him to call her back .... I would imagine that the next day, the next week, sometime soon after their fight there would have been at least a letter, a phone call, maybe Edward shows up at her door, something!!! But just to let it all go, after that, to just say NO! as if it never happened, that is what makes me crazy, that is what makes me question their love, their maturity, their everything, and the believability of the story.

It is strange to me that in a world in which they are both constrained by social mores and what is considered "acceptable" by society that they could "silently" divorce and nullify a marriage after one night. You would think if somethings aren't acceptable, this would maybe be one of them. Florence's parents are strange, maybe her father took care of the matter because he knew he screwed up earlier in his life with Florence, but I can imagine Florence's mother, who seemed pretty uncaring and unloving toward her daughter, saying something like "this is your duty, you are his wife now, suck it up and go be with him." I can imagine her mother thinking she is being a child and just scared and rather forcefully encouraging her to go be with Edward again, but, at the same time, maybe her parents just did not really care what she did.


Edward was maybe too prideful and stubborn to call for her the beach, and I think, acceptably, genuinely hurt, destroyed even, by what Florence had done to him because he never received an explanation .... well, actually, I am changing my mind as I write. I think he had every right to be humiliated and outraged but once he decided that she was cold and frigid and sexless he turned her into this really evil entity that had used him when he just did not understand her circumstances. Florence may not have even understood her circumstances but gosh darn it she should have said something, I do not care how taboo a topic it is!

But anyway, I think Edward was very hard on Florence just like I was hard on Florence after finishing the book. I can understand Florence not going to him after the fight since her love, her husband, did not even care enough or love her enough to fight for her or call her back on the beach. I can understand that sort of just breaking Florence, and after being called frigid I can understand her thinking she is broken, deformed, damaged and un-salvageable goods, unwanted by Edward. I can understand her just giving up on it out of embarrassment, fear and depression.

Edward on the other hand had his ego mortally wounded by someone I think her really truly loved and I think he was just too prideful and stubborn like I said, and probably too much of a jerk in some ways. But, on the other hand, who wants a woman who he thinks is sexless, devoid of passion, who wants a woman that doesn't want you? who wants a woman who walks out on you during such an intimate and exposed moment?

They both failed each other and both have big faults.

I REALLY think this would be a great movie. I guess you are right, Jamie Bell is a bit shorter than I initially thought, BUT all the same, I think he has the right innocence mixed with intensity to play Edward. I can see him playing the fumbling, sexually driven young man soooo well. Maybe just give him a really petite or short actress so he looks taller, haha!

You should definitely DEFINITELY see some Jamie Bell movies soon though Rukia, he is a truly talented actor. I recommend most severely his newer film Hallam Foe, its wonderful and he is superb in it. I think it demonstrates his ability to be creepy (haha), intense, naive, sexy and crazy all at the same time. His character has a wide range of emotion and stuff to deal with in the film, I think you would be further convinced that he would play a wonderful Edward.

You should also see Billy Elliot just because it is a classic although Jamie is SUPER YOUNG in it. He is marvelous in it though, it was his breakout role and is really a testament to how freaking awesome of an actor he naturally is!


I tried really hard to find a link to the full film of Hallam Foe but I couldn't find one! If I do I will definitely let you know, but here is a trailer for your viewing pleasure, to hopefully convince you to rent the movie asap!! ...

Hallam Foe trailer

and because I couldn't resist ...

Billy Elliot trailer
(god I am suchhh a sap, I just cried watching that trailer!)

lol, now I am like dead set on Joe Wright specifically, actually making this book into a movie AND using Jamie Bell .... !

[rukia888]

It's hard to completely side for either Edward or Florence. You are absolutely correct in saying, "They both failed each other and both have big faults." We can't help but sympathize for both of them, and at the same time, feel angered by them. Both of them said some pretty harsh and hurtful things to each other in their confrontation on the beach. Neither of them are free of any flaws.

I watched the trailers, and Jamie Bell seems like a fantastic upcoming actor. I didn't mean to diss him on his height; he'll make a fine Edward. I can't seem to think of a young, British actress to be his Florence. I can only think of Natalie Portman because she's so short, petite, and young looking.

I was also trying to think of other young British actors to play Edward, and the only one I could come up with was Robert Pattinson. He's a bit goofy looking at times and doesn't quite fit the bill. The only other ones I could think of are his Harry Potter costars, Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint, but these two are definitely way, way too young!!! (Not to mention they don't fit how I pictured Edward at all).

Jim Sturgess also crossed my mind; he's cute and has that 60's look to me. I also thought of Charlie Hunnam; I've never seen any of his movies, but I came across him when I was looking up on Jamie Bell. He's blonde though, and I didn't picture Edward blonde.

I also thought of Romola Garai since she played 18-year-old Briony in Atonement (she was fantastic in it!), but I found out she's actually 25 years old, so she's a tad bit older. I think she'd be great though; she has that intensity about her. I came across this picture of her, and she looks exactly like a "Florence" to me in it.

So in conclusion, here are my choices:

To keep it young: Jamie Bell + Natalie Portman (couldn't think of anybody else)

To keep it "semi-young", and not too old:
Jim Sturgess + Romola Garai
James McAvoy + Romola Garai
Charlie Hunnam + Romola Garai
Jim Sturgess + Natalie Portman

To keep it insensible and have older actors playing youngins :
Cillian Murphy + Rachel McAdams
James McAvoy + Rachel McAdams
Actually James could be in the "semi-young" category because he's not even 30 yet.

I love how I'm going on about this when it's not even certain if there's a movie adaptation of it. Heh.

[kaatopp]

I think Romola Garai is actually a great choice for Florence but they would have to dye her hair brown. I pictured both Florence and Edward with dark-ish hair. That picture of Romola is really perfect, I would just want her to have longer hair. I pictured Florence somewhat sophisticated, whether she was or not, I had the feeling she tried to look it at least. I think Romola could play her so well.

I never thought about how old Romola might be but she looks very young to me so I do think she could play Florence but next to Jamie Bell I think she would make him look like a baby, even though he is only about 3 years younger than her. Maybe if they made Jamie's hair brown (which I actually think is a must for Edward) and gave him scruff he would look older. I never pictured Edward with any facial hair but maybe it would make Jamie look older next to Romola.

I actually thought about Emma Watson for a millisecond for Florence because I just don't know of that many young british actresses. She is actually insanely beautiful in red carpet photos, but like you said about the Harry Potter boys, she is just way waaaay to young looking. Emma might be able to make up for that with costume and acting style but Florence is more of a woman than Emma is yet and I pictured her at least a little curvy and Emma is a STICK! While I think Emma could play a very sophisticated Florence, or any character for that matter, I think despite what her age may or may not be she just has a very very young face and will for a while.

Other than Romola, I agree, I do think Natalie Portman and Rachel McAdams are great choices and young looking regardless their actual age, I just wish they were British. I don't trust them to do a good enough accent, Natalie's was not very convincing in The Other Boleyn Girl.


I think Charlie Hunnam is all wrong for Edward, I saw him in Nicholas Nickleby with Jamie Bell and to me his face is just off, I'm not sure in what way, even if he didn't have blond hair, he just isn't right. I think Jim Sturgess is better but there is something to pretty about him, I am not sure, maybe with the right hair cut and such I would be more convinced of Jim.


Sophia Myles, who is wonderful and plays opposite Jamie Bell in Hallam Foe is also a possibility for Florence, she is a bit older too, 28, but I think she has a sophistication and fullness like Romola Garai and if her Edward was casted properly she wouldn't look too old next to a younger actor. Again I would want them to dye Sophia's hair brown, but here she is ... Sophia Myles

I still think Romola might be better, maybe a bit younger looking than Sophia.

I wonder if Claire Danes is a possibility, I LOVE her, she might be too old now too though. I remember her as very young but I would really love to see her paired with James McAvoy! That would be pretty awesome! Claire

Lol, well, I really wish this movie was actually coming out stat but if it ever does, boy will we have expectations! I really like thinking about it and considering actors for it since we have such a particular vision of who the characters in the book are!

[rukia888]

I've never really pictured Florence as sophisticated because my idea of sophistication runs along the line of how Keira was portrayed as Cecilia in Atonement. Florence has to look upper-class though, I guess, since Ian McEwan made a great distinction between hers and Edward's social ranks in the book. It's important to me that Florence displays some innocence as well as sophistication. And of course, I agree, she has to have brown hair! Edward, too. I guess that throws Charlie Hunnam out of the picture... too blonde. Bleh, don't really care since I've never seen any of his movies anyway.

I actually thought of Emma Watson, too, but indeed, she really looks too young for the part. She looks even younger than her actual age. Great actress though.

I've never heard of Sophia Myles, but she is gorgeous. She might look a bit too womanly though if she were to play opposite Jamie Bell.

I definitely agree that actual British actors should play the parts. If any non-British actor were chosen (like Natalie or Rachel), they really, really have to have a flawless British accent. It's an absolute must. Claire Danes is actually a very good choice. I love her, too; she's a fantastic actress. I loved her in Stardust, and her British accent wasn't half bad. It was a good effort. I also thought Anne Hathaway's British accent wasn't that bad in Becoming Jane. Hmm, potential Florence? Maybe not; she's a bit too stunning, if that's possible.

I guess that leaves Romola and Jamie Bell, although not opposite each other.