In this world, there is nothing more refreshing than someone saying “no” to the misguided and highly-confused Hollywood machine.
The New York Post is reporting that Phil Carlo, author of The Ice Man: Confessions of a Mafia Contract Killer, has pulled out of his deal with producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura to turn his book into a movie. The reason: di Bonaventura wanted to cast questionable budding superstar Channing Tatum (G.I. Joe, Step Up) in the lead role of the Ice Man, Richard Kuklinski. If you’re not familiar with Kuklinski, then this doesn’t really affect you either way. Believe me when I say that would have been one of the most disgusting casting choices in the history of cinema.
In case you’re not familiar with him, Richard Kuklinski was a man who claimed to have killed 100 to 200 people, and this being true would not surprise me in the least. At first, he was just a purely cold-blooded killer who told stories of murdering people with no remorse for every-day things that simply piss you and I off, like road rage. When the mafia caught wind of his…ability…to kill without a second thought, they went out and hired him as their hitman. He obtained his nickname, Ice Man, due to the fact that he threw the bodies of his victims in a giant freezer to make determining the time of death nearly impossible. He died in prison in 2006.
Click over to see a video featuring one of history’s most dangerous men ever to exist.
Apparently, the option that di Bonaventura owned was about to expire, and he was asking for more time from Carlo so he could get financing and get the project moving. Carlo had heard that the actor he had in mind was Tatum, so he smartly said no.
Here’s a quote on the matter from Carlo:
I had to turn him down. I really hated the idea of Channing Tatum. I told di Bonaventura that this is not the guy to play one of the most feared killers of the 20th Century. I think Mickey Rourke would really be good. He’s got that sense of danger, and there’s a similarity between the two. But it’s not Channing Tatum.
Honestly, I don’t even think Mickey Rourke is a good choice for this role, at all.
It’s hard for me to even describe this man to you if you haven’t seen him with your own eyes. MSNBC has two specials that feature him sitting down with an interviewer, ready and willing to answer every single question in detail. Late one night, I caught one of these specials by chance, and I’ve never been the same. I couldn’t change the channel because the man was frightfully fascinating — he was diabolically infatuating. The way he spoke about these incredibly unspeakable acts…was almost hard to watch. He spoke of them with no remorse, no regret, not a care in the world, like he would and could do every single one of them again in a heartbeat. The man was literally ice cold, and I always thought his nickname fit him much better in this regard.
The reason a name like Channing Tatum makes me so angry, is because of how unique this man was, not only in his personality, but in his mannerisms. He had a very distinct voice complete with an accent. His eyes and his mouth had very obvious and natural ticks to their movements while he spoke of his acts. This man wasn’t born, he was undeviatingly molded of the fires of Hell. Then when you didn’t think a man could be harder to portray as an actor, he throws another layer into the cake: sadness. At one point in one of the specials, Kuklinski’s family becomes the topic of discussion, and in one of the more chilling scenes of the whole thing, you see the slightest of slight signs of emotion. This man with no emotion whatsoever — no problem with killing another human being — truly and honestly loved his family. You witness a man with no regrets bare his one regret, and it can almost be a touching moment. If there is an actor out there who could portray this man with perfection, there is no doubt in my mind that they would win an Oscar — it would be one thousand times more impressive than Charlize Theron’s similar job on Monster.
When I first saw these specials, I immediately wished I could write the script, because the character was just that amazing. Unfortunately, I’m not that talented. I literally spent hours thinking about it as a movie and who could possibly play Richard Kuklinski, and I could not think of one. James Gandolfini is probably the closest one out there, but because he played Tony Soprano, he’s already typecast and it wouldn’t work. I think someone like Paul Giamatti could do it, but he’s too small — Kuklinski was a giant of a man. I think someone like Michael Parks (Bill’s gentleman of leisure father-figure in Kill Bill Volume 2) could do well, but again, too small, too skinny.
The reason why I think it’s impossible to play Kuklinski? Because that man has seen things more horrible than any of us could ever imagine, and you can see it in his eyes. Whether someone can play him or not is yet-to-be-seen, but I promise you one thing: Channing Tatum is so far from talented enough to do the job, it’s sickening.
As you can tell, I’ve had a large amount of thoughts about this man and his story as a movie. With no one else ever having seen it that I could discuss it with, you guys get to hear it all. Thanks for sticking in there!
Here’s one part of one of the specials on MSNBC. It’s an interview from 1995, and you can see for yourself what I mean. I believe you can watch the rest on YouTube if you want to. I’m not sure how often they’re replayed on TV. Video has some graphic topics and images, so watch with caution.
I want to hear what you all think. Who could possibly play Richard Kuklinski in a movie, and do it well?
The book is incredible!!! THis would be an extremely tough role to cast. However,I think Rourke would actually work. Tatum would have been a terrible, TERRIBLE decision! glad that didn’t happen. Hope it all works out! Would love to see this be made into a movie. Thanks for this article!
He’s too old and I don’t know how he matches up size wise, but the first person that came to my head to play this guy was Tom Wilkinson. I think he could come closest.
I don’t understand what exactly di Bonaventura was thinking when he decided on Tatum — how exactly is he supposed to turn him into someone who looks like Kuklinski? Its like sexy G.I Joe boy meet horrid and old cold-blooded killer… I don’t think people would want to develop a fantasy about Kaklinski in that way. NO WAY! haha.
I read the book and it was so good. This man actually fed live people to rats and filmed their deaths (by being eaten by the rats)! I’ll have to give some thought as to who should play Kuklinski. But Tatum is certainly wouldn’t work.
Here’s the deal; Carlo is right, Tatum is a terrible choice. But he was picked because he’s being groomed to be the next big thing and has nothing to do with accuracy. Brian Dennehy would have been perfect, but he’s too old now. Gandolfini is another great choice, but he’s too concerned about shedding Tony Soprano. David Morse would also be excellent, but he’s not a box office star… do I hear TV movie? Ron Perlman? Tom Noonan? John Ashton? Hmmm… how about John Lithgow? He certainly has the acting chops.
Michael Madsen might work. The infamous scene in Reservoir Dogs is typical of Richard K.’s work. Not a perfect fit but he definitely has the size and intensity.
I don’t know why..but I think Nicholas Cage might be a good choice. I think he has a good cold stare, good height, and has the acting chops to pull it off.
I’ve just come across this article, and I couldn’t agree more with the author’s decision. Mr. Tatum is a very good actor for certain roles; this isn’t one. I read with interest other suggestions — “studiodude” had, I think, some very good casting ideas as well as good reads on one or two of them; Ben (from Aug. 11) also had a terrific choice in Tom Wilkinson. I’ve seen the interviews before MSNBC aired them; they were initially shown on HBO. Just as the article’s writer stated, I had to watch these interviews. I had seen the promos for them on HBO and was looking forward to it. After the first one aired, I remained seated for a few seconds. Then I looked on the schedule for the next airing. Chilling.
Back to the casting debate. I don’t know how closely the director will follow the book, nor do I know how much the interviews will influence him. But after reading the other suggestions I’ll throw in Frank Langella to play Kuklinski in the “interview” years. As to whom to pick for the “early” Kuklinski – physical characteristics can almost be compromised if you have the right actor for this part. I can’t come up with anyone for that role. Joey (Oct. 27) may have the guy in Nicholas Cage.
My choice would be either Gandolfini or John Lithgow. Funnily enough, the latter played a serial killer on Dexter, which seemed to be based on Richard Kuklinski.
i think an unknown should play kuklinski, i think i! could do it, people tell me i look like him,im not an actor but iv’e been acting all my life,so to speak every body is an actor to some degree
Mickey Rourke is the only actor I truly believe could pull this off. Looks aside (they can always do the makeup in order to get Kuklinski’s appearance down), Rourke has the acting ability to portray this guy. I just can’t think of anyone else as good. Besides, he now has the rights to the book and has a rapport with the author which will help a great deal. Carlo is going to give Rourke access to Kuklinski’s family, etc., which will make the interpretation much more authentic.
I am a sociology major and psychology minor and I did my final term paper on Richard Kuklinski and I ended up disturbing my teacher with the story of Richard. The actor I believe could portray this man would be David Morse because he has already played a psychopath perfectly in Disturbia. And for the idea of Danny Devito playing Roy De Meo that would be almost as bad as a decision as wanting Channing Tatum to play Richard.
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read the book…it’s F*CKING insane!
The book is incredible!!! THis would be an extremely tough role to cast. However,I think Rourke would actually work. Tatum would have been a terrible, TERRIBLE decision! glad that didn’t happen. Hope it all works out! Would love to see this be made into a movie. Thanks for this article!
Making a movie about this moron would only glorify this crazed maniac. He is a hero to many a little boy.
He’s too old and I don’t know how he matches up size wise, but the first person that came to my head to play this guy was Tom Wilkinson. I think he could come closest.
I don’t understand what exactly di Bonaventura was thinking when he decided on Tatum — how exactly is he supposed to turn him into someone who looks like Kuklinski? Its like sexy G.I Joe boy meet horrid and old cold-blooded killer… I don’t think people would want to develop a fantasy about Kaklinski in that way. NO WAY! haha.
I read the book and it was so good. This man actually fed live people to rats and filmed their deaths (by being eaten by the rats)! I’ll have to give some thought as to who should play Kuklinski. But Tatum is certainly wouldn’t work.
Here’s the deal; Carlo is right, Tatum is a terrible choice. But he was picked because he’s being groomed to be the next big thing and has nothing to do with accuracy. Brian Dennehy would have been perfect, but he’s too old now. Gandolfini is another great choice, but he’s too concerned about shedding Tony Soprano. David Morse would also be excellent, but he’s not a box office star… do I hear TV movie? Ron Perlman? Tom Noonan? John Ashton? Hmmm… how about John Lithgow? He certainly has the acting chops.
Busey.?
Michael Madsen might work. The infamous scene in Reservoir Dogs is typical of Richard K.’s work. Not a perfect fit but he definitely has the size and intensity.
I couldn’t imagine anyone more perfect to play Richard Kuklinski than James Gandolfini, if thats not possible then Jack Nicholsen.
Roy De Meo – Danny DeVito
Robert Pronge (Mr Softee) gotta be casted by the one and only “Billy Drago”
im thinking David Ogden Stiers just look him up, size, build, look and everything!!!!
I don’t know why..but I think Nicholas Cage might be a good choice. I think he has a good cold stare, good height, and has the acting chops to pull it off.
I’ve just come across this article, and I couldn’t agree more with the author’s decision. Mr. Tatum is a very good actor for certain roles; this isn’t one. I read with interest other suggestions — “studiodude” had, I think, some very good casting ideas as well as good reads on one or two of them; Ben (from Aug. 11) also had a terrific choice in Tom Wilkinson. I’ve seen the interviews before MSNBC aired them; they were initially shown on HBO. Just as the article’s writer stated, I had to watch these interviews. I had seen the promos for them on HBO and was looking forward to it. After the first one aired, I remained seated for a few seconds. Then I looked on the schedule for the next airing. Chilling.
Back to the casting debate. I don’t know how closely the director will follow the book, nor do I know how much the interviews will influence him. But after reading the other suggestions I’ll throw in Frank Langella to play Kuklinski in the “interview” years. As to whom to pick for the “early” Kuklinski – physical characteristics can almost be compromised if you have the right actor for this part. I can’t come up with anyone for that role. Joey (Oct. 27) may have the guy in Nicholas Cage.
My choice would be either Gandolfini or John Lithgow. Funnily enough, the latter played a serial killer on Dexter, which seemed to be based on Richard Kuklinski.
i think an unknown should play kuklinski, i think i! could do it, people tell me i look like him,im not an actor but iv’e been acting all my life,so to speak every body is an actor to some degree
Mickey Rourke is the only actor I truly believe could pull this off. Looks aside (they can always do the makeup in order to get Kuklinski’s appearance down), Rourke has the acting ability to portray this guy. I just can’t think of anyone else as good. Besides, he now has the rights to the book and has a rapport with the author which will help a great deal. Carlo is going to give Rourke access to Kuklinski’s family, etc., which will make the interpretation much more authentic.
I am a sociology major and psychology minor and I did my final term paper on Richard Kuklinski and I ended up disturbing my teacher with the story of Richard. The actor I believe could portray this man would be David Morse because he has already played a psychopath perfectly in Disturbia. And for the idea of Danny Devito playing Roy De Meo that would be almost as bad as a decision as wanting Channing Tatum to play Richard.
william hurt… you’re welcome
Gandolfini would be the best bet for Richard K,If not Michael madsden or possibly big steve winter with imperioli playing polifrone
I would cast in this order, Mickey Rourke, Mike Madson or Steven Segal.