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tMF CONTROVERSIAL: A matter of principle or professionalism? Jamie Bell's "no show" in A Single Man's filming

Written by Jed Medina

Wednesday, 09 December 2009 14:08

There is a small controversy regarding one of the supporting roles in Tom Ford's A Single Man. The said role of 'Kenny' who was portrayed in the film by Nicholas Hoult to good reviews was first offered to another young actor. The said actor who remained 'unnamed' by Ford was actually Jamie Bell.

The Playlist took notice and said:

While it wasn't the first time the issue was brought up, Ford continues to refuse to name the actor, presumably out of respect. Unfortunately for Ford, and the actor in question, early announcements of the film's development and production reveal that the aforementioned actor was very likely fellow Brit, Jamie Bell. [ read more ]

We first took note of this way back during the filming of A Single Man and mentioned it once again in our interview with Mr. Hoult...
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Says Ford about Hoult getting the role:

The (one who was originally cast) actor didn't show up the first day he was due. He was attached for six months and we had made his costumes. O was so lucky and I cannot imagine anyone but Nicholas Hoult in that role. I had seen Nicholas' tape a few weeks earlier and I was kind of kicking myself. I had a sick feeling inside that this guy was perfect for it and that I was working with another actor. But it just came together.

Ford refused to name the said actor, but we noticed Jamie Bell's name attached to the movie way way back. "I don't think Bell could have delivered the kind of performance Hoult did in the movie... [ read more ]

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If Jamie Bell did not dropped out, I'm not too sure he could have performed the role as good as Nicholas Hoult. While I admire both young actors, I just think Hoult fits the role better than Jamie Bell. Hoult has the stature and the looks to really give justice to the character.

The Playlist article also mentioned the reason why Bell did not show up:

Bell presumably dropping out of the acclaimed film to take on the motion-captured title role in Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson's "The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn" (on which the actor himself was a replacement for Thomas Sangster). [ read more ]

I think Tom Ford, being the consumate professional that he is, wanted to downplay the issue. After all, it turned out for the better - the reception of the movie, that is.

But one question remains...

Did Bell acted with professionalism and made sure the production team is aware of his decision not to play the part? From what is known from the various articles written about this story, it is quite apparent that he failed to act accordingly...

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What's on your mind? What is your reaction to this story? Do you think Jamie Bell could play a better Kenny than Nicholas Hoult? Let us know what you think!
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If you Like this article, we have more :

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» HALLAM FOE: McKenzie's Best & Jamie Bells' most important role after Billy Elliot!

» UPDATES ON THREE BRITISH FILMS and JUMPER!

» JAMIE JUMPS HAYDEN: More on the new film Jumper!

» Nicholas Hoult wows his captured audience once more!

» Top 50 Hottest Young Actors- TOP 30

» Channing Tatum and Jamie Bell in historical 'The Eagle of the Ninth'!

» tMF Blog-a-thon: Best Performances from Young Actors: Jamie Bell in Hallam Foe

» tMF LAUNCH PAD: Another Nicholas Hoult post... and why do tMF fancy the young actor?

» tMF OSCAR WATCH: Will 'A Single Man' gather an audience?

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