MovieChat Forums > The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001) Discussion > Fantasy Recasting

Fantasy Recasting

posted 21 years ago by mpruithelsem
10 replies | jump to latest

I very much liked Allen's script for Jade Scorpion. It wasn't especially brilliant, but the premise was fun, and Allen told a complex story in a very economical fashion. Unfortunately, however, I thought Helen Hunt's performance was cringe-inducing. Besides not suggesting the period on almost any level, she was horribly photographed (a shame in such an otherwise good looking film). Worse, she just couldn't get her lips around some of the lines, those lengthy putdowns dreamed up for her character by Allen. Anyway, almost the whole time I watched the movie (when it was first released), I got distracted trying to imagine what it would be like with someone else, someone better suited to the role. Susan Sarandon came to mind, as did Elizabeth Perkins, but the best choice of all might've been Lisa Kudrow. I think it's a shame we haven't seen Kudrow, with her unique comedic skills, go head to head with Allen in one of his films. I think it would've been a blast, and I hope we get to see them in a movie together someday soon. Agree or disagree?

[–] 21 years ago

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[–] chrisjamesbenson 20 years ago

I totally agree, I really loved the idea and story of this film, but found the script so clumsy that everyone was tripping over their lines. It was like it was the first draft or something, it was nowhere near flowing enough (it wasnt helped by the direction or editing either). I think this movie could have been really great, but was seriously let down, shame

[–] nordiqueboy77 20 years ago

I had my doubts how Helen Hunt would have chemistry with Woody, but she did a fine job. Possibly only Dianne Keaton would've been better in the role.

[–] 20 years ago

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[–] sawsan59 19 years ago

I agree with you about Helen Hunt. She's a good actress. But for some reason she looked too "modern". Compare this to the charming Charleze Theron, who really shines in a send-up of the noir "femme fatal".

[–] hurricanepictures426 19 years ago

tea leoni should be left out of all woody's movies. Hollywood ending was the weakest of his films.

Helen hunt was decent, but i know what you mean by saying someone better could of been picked.

As crazy as this recasting sounds, i can see Mia Farrow great in this part

[–] piperian396 17 years ago

Mia Farrow, Woody would get a bullet in his head. Some reshoot.

"Stupidity has a certain charm, ignorance does not."-FZ

[–] filmmekker 15 years ago

If we're doing some fantasy recasting, I'd vote for Bob Hope in Woody's role and Rosalind Russell in Helen Hunt's role. In the 1940's that is. The movie strikes me as Woody's tribute to the Bob Hope comedies he loved as a child.

Open the door for Mr. Muckle!!

[–] paganize 15 years ago

Dead on about hope; he would have made this script sit up and beg.
I also can see Phil Hartman... in the less living-impaired department, Kelsy Grammer

[–] yesanything 8 years ago

I have to disagree, I thoroughly enjoyed Helen Hunt's performance - outstanding.

I did however find Akroyd's performance lacking (and I am an Akroyd fan)!

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