MovieChat Forums > (500) Days of Summer (2009) Discussion > Miscasting with Summer?

Miscasting with Summer?

posted 12 years ago by shaneuk-1
30 replies | jump to latest

Although I do like Zoey Deschanel, I cannot help but think she was a miscast for this role. The reason being is that 'Summer' was depicted in this film as being beautiful to the point where she stood out from the rest (one example being on the bus when everyone turned their head to stare) or the mention of here being far too good for Tom.
With that being said I don't think Zoey is good looking to the point where this is the case. Sure, she certainly has an appeal to her which I would more associate with the 'girl next door' look as opposed to being conventionally beautiful.

What are your thoughts on this?

[–] kovic-407-761511 11 years ago

I totally agree with you, in fact, I came on this message board to see if anyone else wrote about this. I do not think Zooey fit the role of Summer very well. Acting-wise, she killed it. But her "look" seemed incongruous with the way she's described in the Script. The script makes Summer out to be one of these uber-beautiful women that men obsess over, and I do not think Zooey has that "look." I don't think Zooey's unattractive by any means, but I do think her beauty is more a "quirky-cuteness" whereas Summer Finn was supposed to have goddess-like beauty.

[–] samixsaysxhi 11 years ago

Did you watch the movie? Nowhere does it say she has goddess like beauty! It even goes into detail how Summer is your average type of girl, sort of like girl next door. It's however her "presence" that captures the attention of men. The entire package of personality and presence as well as her looks. Have you never seen a cute guy or girl who were not the best looking, but coupled with personality and charisma it makes them standout to others?

you are not a beautiful and unique snowflake.

[–] ntsci 11 years ago

I totally disagree, I think she's very hot, but the film doesn't say she particularly beautiful, but that she has an effect on people that is inexplicable. Note that each person has their own preference about what they find most attractive. It doesn't require that everyman falls for her only that some men fall for her... namely for the purpose of the story, Tom.

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RIGOLETTO: I'm denied that common human right, to weep.

[–] dmsesquire 11 years ago

It doesn't matter whether we think she's beautiful, only that Tom does.

I don't like sticky.

[–] evant299 11 years ago

i think she was perfect as summer

[–] MissWatusi 10 years ago

I think the actress is pretty but has no charisma in this movie. Now, the lead actor has tons of charisma.

[–] FrouFrouFoxes 10 years ago

I though the narrator in the story was Tom's imagination, so all the stuff about her having that great effect on men, affecting sales of B&S records, was Tom building up his fantasy of her. To him, she was a "manic pixie dream girl" and so he would imagine she'd have a charismatic affect on others.

Most of the movie is from his perspective, with only small glimpses of the wider reality, and so it has to be interpreted that way.

I think her casting was fine, then. She is the "dream girl" for a guy like him. He's a shy, brooding, arty guy looking to be understood and share references to semi-obscure films and records, not one who'd be into blond bimbos.

[–] jenn4394 10 years ago

I agree totally. I thought about exactly the same thing throughout the movie. I believe that a girl like Blake Lively would have been absolutely PERFECT for the role, because she is not extremely beautiful, but she has something that makes you love her

[–] zee944 10 years ago

I perfectly agree with you. Zoey Deschanel is an above average, nice girl, but she's not "hot" and doesn't have that "vibe". She doesn't make heads turn, or at least not often.

Just a side note, even the movie said she was more of a "girl next door"-type, but claimed at the same time that her "vibe" made her extremely attracting. Except I don't see that, but it was probably because of Zoey Deschanel.

[–] HeroinePea 9 years ago

No, I think she captured that coldheartedness well, without trying, just look at those dead eyes, lol.