Not backing down from any stereotypes our favourite British Butler Alfred Pennyworth will be played once again by Michael Caine. But first he has to play a battle of the wits with Jude Law in Sleuth.
In January I start shooting a remake of “Sleuth” with Jude Law directed by Kenneth Branagh with a very different screen play from the original by Harold Pinter. After that in March I reprise my Butler roll in the second “Batman” again directed by Christopher Noland starring Christian Bale. This one is “The Joker” and the Joker is Heath Ledger. Great casting.
Two things I would like to note about this. First has to deal with Sleuth. In 1972, Michael Caine stared as the younger antagonist who steals the main character’s wife. And now 34 years later, he stars in a remake of the same movie but this time he is the man to lose his wife. More on that in Sharon’s post Here I can’t wait to see this movie. Caine has the wit and charm to just make this movie roll. Again.
Secondly was the Batman Dark Knight News. We all knew he was going to be in it and that he would soon have to report to the set to reprise his role. I think Caine did a wonderful Pennyworth, and better than any previous TV or movie Alfred yet. Good to see him back.
But did you catch what he said about Heath Ledger? “Great Casting”. So is this part of the publicity train where all actors are obligated to say good things about their movie? Or does Caine actually believe that Ledger will be a great pick for the Joker?
I happen to agree, and I look forward to seeing Ledger take on the role. I cast a benefit of the doubt to Caine, and tend to believe that he genuinely meant it when he said “Great Casting”.
