Here he shares his preference for the director of an adaptation of Death Most Definite, as well as ideas for actors in some of the supporting roles:
It's so hard to cast Death Most Definite. I've been asked this question before, and even as a fantasy I have an awful lot of trouble imagining it.Learn more about the book and author at Trent Jamieson's website.
But, when I try, I can't help but be parochial. The Australian accent is so hard to get right, it either gets played too broadly, or ends up sounding like a South African accent. I know, most people wouldn't notice, but it would bother me! And, anyway, there are so many great Australian actors and actresses.
For the principles - Steven de Selby and Lissa Jones, there are a good dozen or so people that could play them. And, maybe, I find it too hard to settle on just one.However, away from the leads it gets much easier. For Tim, Steven's cousin, I've always imagined a mate of mine, Lucas Stibbard, a Brisbane based stage actor with tremendous range.
Morrigan and Mr D are quite a bit older than the rest. I could imagine someone like Bryan Brown playing Morrigan. And Geoffrey Rush would make a very sinister Mr D: a character who is very theatrical.
As far as the director goes Duncan Jones would get me very excited. I loved Moon, and I think he could pull off the pace, and humour, as well as the dark longing that is at the heart of the book.
The Page 69 Test: Managing Death.
Writers Read: Trent Jamieson.
--Marshal Zeringue