Randall Silvis is the internationally acclaimed author of over a dozen novels, one story collection, and one book of narrative nonfiction. Also a prize-winning playwright, a produced screenwriter, and a prolific essayist, he has been published and produced in virtually every field and genre of creative writing.Here Silvis dreamcasts an adaptation of his new novel, Walking the Bones:
Walking the Bones is a sequel to the bestselling Two Days Gone and a recipient of a starred review from Publishers Weekly; its cast includes a male and female protagonist, and no fewer than four potential serial murderers, all of whom get a lot of screen time.Learn more about the book and author at Randall Silvis's website.
The role of Sergeant Ryan DeMarco, the troubled Pennsylvania State Trooper with a noble heart and a haunted past, requires a young Tommy Lee Jones type, such as Josh Brolin. Brolin’s understated portrayal of Frank Chambers in Labor Day could easily be grafted onto Ryan DeMarco. Add a badge and a healthy measure of laconic sarcasm, and you have Ryan DeMarco 2.0.
DeMarco’s partner, Trooper Jayme Matson, displays great strength, intelligence, and beauty: either Claire Danes or Anna Paquin could do the role justice, but for my money Kate Beckinsale would get the nod because of the ferocity behind those stunning hazel eyes. In this second novel of the Ryan DeMarco series, Matson has not only infiltrated DeMarco’s defenses to become his lover and spiritual nurse, but she displays her chops as an investigator, proving that she can be just as savvy and tenacious as her man. Kate Beckinsale would be more than credible in any of those roles.
As for the four suspects: Rev. Royce, played by Forest Whitaker; Todd Burl, played by Seth Green with a few extra pounds and a bad toupee; Dr. William Friedl, played by Frank Langella; and Virgil Helm/Emery Summerville, played by David Dean Bottrell.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t single out another of my favorite characters from Walking the Bones: mountain mama Cat. She’s nasty and tender, tough and soft—part Florence Nightingale, part Nurse Ratched. She drives a four-wheeler, loads her shotgun with slugs, and makes a mean pot of soup. But underneath those dirty jeans and flannel shirt, a raw sexuality seethes. Who could pull off such a role? Paula Malcomson, that’s who.
And there they are, my dream cast for Walking the Bones. From my keyboard to David Fincher’s ears….
My Book, The Movie: The Boy Who Shoots Crows.
My Book, The Movie: Only the Rain.
--Marshal Zeringue