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By George, I think Keira Knightley's got "My Fair Lady"

Dorothy Snarker

We all already know that Keira Knightley is a fair lady, but now she is the Fair Lady. The 24-year-old English actress has landed the role of Eliza Doolittle in the new remake of the Academy Award-winning 1964 musical, My Fair Lady.

The original film, based on the Broadways smash, starred Audrey Hepburn as Cockney flower girl Eliza and Rex Harrison as the prickly, precise professor Henry Higgins. Keira reportedly beat out Scarlett Johansson for the iconic role. Other than Natalie Portman, it’s hard to think of another young actress who could possibly attempt to take Audrey’s place.

And this news just keeps getting better. The script is being written by — get this — Oscar-winner Emma Thompson. Yes, that Emma Thompson. Directing will be Joe Wright, who grew accustomed to Keira’s face when he directed her in 2005 adaptation of Pride & Prejudice. And James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, is being considered for the role of Professor Higgins. Wow, that’s some lineup.

Keira has reportedly been taking voice lessons in anticipation of the role, but it’s not confirmed yet whether the remake will also be a musical. Considering Keira has already played a bounty hunter, duchess, pagan warrior and pirate, I think a draggle-tailed guttersnipe who transforms into a regal lady should be no problem.

We can also hope that in the hands of Emma, the new script will have a somewhat less misogynistic take on the classic Pygmalion story than the original. So, what do you think? Wouldn’t it be lovely to see Keira sing about the rain in Spain?

Dorothy Snarker's blog

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker

on October 27, 2009 - 11:00am.

TAGS ::

Emma Thompson

Submitted by

katemc39 (148 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:03am.

Cool. Keira's alright, but I'm really excited by the Emma Thompson news. I absolutely loved her adaptation of Sense and Sensibility and I'm sure she'll do right by GB Shaw as well.

I dig

Submitted by

Looski (7 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:13am.

I have seen the orignal way to many times at this point. So I'm a little skeptic, but I'm also a little excited as well. As long as it not like Fame where we high school musical it to death. I have faith in Emma Thompson, love her. And Kiera hasn't really disappointed me yet. I shall wait and wonder.

I must say this news made me want to watch Domino though, hmmmm. AFK for 2 hours :p

Sigh

Submitted by

Jay (29 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:22am.

I love Emma Thompson and I think she is a very talented writer. BUT is it even possible to make My Fair Lady/Pygmalion not misogynistic, patronizing, and paternalistic? We can talk all we want about the male gaze and the patriarchy forcing women into convential roles and make them into objects of male desire and female-perfection-as-defined-by-men, but Pygmalion-the-myth is, quite literally, about a man sculpting his perfect woman, breathing life into her, and then having sex with her. My Fair Lady is about a man who takes a low-class woman and turns her into his ideal upper-class woman, except that she'll actually give him the time of day. Pygmalion-the-play is somewhat less terrible in that she doesn't end up marrying him, she marries someone else. Still, the entire storyline is so very problematic.

I trust Emma Thompson, but I don't think I trust anyone that much. I'm going to be giving this a pass, unless she can manage to really twist this into something feminist. I would like it if she could, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

yeah.

Submitted by

miss chatelaine (467 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:27am.

a couple things.

My Fair Lady is a CLASSIC! I love Emma Thompson and she's brilliant and all that, but seriously? It's My Fair Lady. And yes, as Jay above mentions, it is sort of a terribly un-feminist movie. I loved the songs, but the patriarchal Stockholm-Syndrome sort of undertones of it always niggled me, even as a kid. Henry Higgins is definitely old enough to be Eliza's father.

Secondly, please don't ever let Natalie Portman have an English accent on screen ever again. She's great and gorgeous and smart, but V for Vendetta made me want to cry and cover my ears. Occasionally you have great English accents by non-English folk, but in general they're awful. Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Anne Hathaway. Ugh. The idea of an American accent doing a Cockney accent morphing into a posh Queen's English accent is not something I want to sit through.

Casting Choices

Submitted by

chicker (48 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:49am.

Although I'm not crazy about the prospect of Keira Knightley singing, I'm glad that they're going with a British actress, at least. And she definitely fits the whole Audrey Hepburn-esque waif thing.

Since Emma Thompson is involved anyway, I can't get the idea of her in the Professor Higgins role out of my head. That would be so much better than a flat-out remake. Especially since I can't think of an actor who could come close to matching Rex Harrison's original performance.

On second thought...maybe Hugh Laurie.

Yay, Hugh Laurie!

Submitted by

Sam.Mule (71 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:48pm.

I totally agree; Hugh would make a wonderful Sexy Rexy; if he was cast (which he won't be, no chance), I would die with happiness. Well, I would faint, and live to see the movie, and then die with happiness.

(Damn, that sounded a little straight. I can't help it. I love House more than life.)

Can't wait...

Submitted by

lesbian scales (1451 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:52am.

seems like a great cast, I plan to watch it.

...eh

Submitted by

peewee (114 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 12:28pm.

Not yet confirmed if it's going to be a musical? Huh, that would be...odd. So, just another rendition of pygmalion for the umpteenth time? (yes, I know My Fair Lady is pygmalion set to song)...so, because Emma Thompson is set to write the script, is there an expectation that it will be severely different from My Fair Lady/Bernard Shaw's pygmalion play? i.e. not mysogonistic? Doubt it.

Meh, I wasn't to excited about this when news first broke out about possible remake w/ Kiera Knightley a couple years ago on here. We'll see, I guess.

Ummm...

Submitted by

Catelynn (60 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 12:46am.

Stop saying that George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion is misogynistic. 1) Shaw was a feminist and 2) if anything Pygmalion is commentary on how bad misogyny is. It is made obvious that Henry Higgins is a not a nice person. He is rude and unapologetic. His mother doesn't even like him. Yes, he does make a bet with Colonel Pickering that he can pass Eliza off as a duchess and yes, he does succeed and treats Eliza badly in his effort. Henry Higgins' shortcomings and the flaws of his plan are addressed on multiple occasions throughout the play. In the end Eliza does not marry Henry Higgins, she marries Freddy and supports him. I think that we should re-read Pygmalion and look at it from different perspective.

Wright/Knightly/Thompson

Submitted by

StuntDouble (1259 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 12:39pm.

Emma Thompson was the uncredited writer for all the non-Austen dialogue in the Joe Wright/Keira Knightly adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.

"And those are the words of a gentleman? From the first moment I met you, your arrogance and conceit, your selfish disdain for the feelings of others made me realize you were the last man in the world that I could ever be prevailed upon to marry!"

::swoon::

It's my favorite movie in the world times infinity, so yes: I am so on board for a My Fair Lady remake with these three!

Oh, and P.S.: Daniel Craig, you can stay, but that mustcahe has GOT to go.

if i was a casting agent....

Submitted by

Gaby (19 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 12:45pm.

for this film..KEIRA would be my number one pic as Eliza...:) cant wait to see it...

Seriously? I wish

Submitted by

scully01082 (19 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 12:52pm.

Seriously?

I wish filmmakers would stop casting Kiera Knightley in these classic roles that she just. keeps. butchering.

Elizabeth Bennet, anyone? That was just an affront to Jane Austen.

Gotta go with you on this one

Submitted by

dbackfan22 (18 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:10pm.

The Kiera Knightley P & P was a travesty. They should have left well enough alone after the Jennifer Ehle/Colin Firth A & E version, which I don't think can ever be matched.

But is anyone going to mention that the Audrey-Hepburn-with-Marnie-Nixon-Signing My Fair Lady was also something of a travesty? I have so often regretted that they passed up Julie Andrews, with her gorgeous crystal pure voice, just because she was a Braodway star and not (yet) a movie star. What a great My Fair Lady THAT would have -- and should have -- been.

Dbackfan22

But is anyone going to

Submitted by

peewee (114 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:59pm.

But is anyone going to mention that the Audrey-Hepburn-with-Marnie-Nixon-Signing My Fair Lady was also something of a travesty? I have so often regretted that they passed up Julie Andrews

They made it up to her, clearly. Snubbing Hepburn for a nomination and giving Andrews the Oscar. Not defending the casting decision I thought Hepburn was out of place as well, just saying. It was well made up for, for Julie.

Marnie Nixon should have gotten an honorary Oscar or something for all the work she did making lots of actresses sound good.

Marni Nixon's still around

Submitted by

ElusiveJ (30 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 1:52pm.

Marni Nixon's still around and could still get an honorary award. Now that's a petition I'd support people signing, no question!

other casting possibilities

Submitted by

collins (35 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 12:57pm.

i have two words for you:

ANNE FREAKIN' HATHAWAY!

that is all....

--
otalia happens here!

Re Anne Hathaway

Submitted by

Andi Torak (60 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 7:15pm.

Interesting, but I don't think she'd want to do another 'transformation movie' in the style of Princess Diaries and Devil Wears Prada. I reckon she's trying to break that casting.

But she's be REALLY HOT IN THAT ROLE.

my fair lady

Submitted by

StarFire (212 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 1:09pm.

I can't wait! I hope they make it a musical. I think I'll be watching My Fair Lady tonight! :) Keira Knightley and Daniel Craig is different but I think I'll wait until the end product to decide whether I like it or not.

Why does this remind me of Sabrina 1995?

Submitted by

Wendy (78 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 1:19pm.

Deja vu? Star cast, star director? The remake of Sabrina in 1995 featured: Julia Ormond, Greg Kinnear, Angie Dickinson, Lauren Holly, Fanny Ardant and directed by Sydney Pollack.

What a FLOP that film was. Horrible. Which is why I don't have any expectations for this My Fair Lady remake. I think it is a bad bad bad idea, and if you are going to do this, then just make it for TV, then you can expect it to be a flop.
I have nothing else to say.

Why must Broadway continually be sent to the gallows of Film!?

Submitted by

Karen-Elizabeth (4 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 1:22pm.

Why are major film companies continually stealing broadway masterpieces and butchering them into pop-culter-phenom films that, typically, suck? Phantom of the Opera, while certainly easy on the eyes in all respects, was HORRIFIC in terms of musicality. Michael Crawford probably felt physical pain while listening to it. Hairspray, as well, was a crappy and awful movie in comparison to the vibrancy of the actual musical on stage. Rent was a very clean and pretty portrayal onscreen of what is, offscreen, a very gritty, set-less and minimalist show. Chicago stands alone as a show that does well as a movie - but the dancing is more fun live. I suppose business is business, and that those who are unfamiliar with the live versions tend to really love the suped-up movie versions, but... are there any other broadway fans out there who hear my cries? Does anyone else wish that theatre wasn't used and abused to make terrible films starring talentless persons like ZAC EFRON?

Wow - wait, okay - back to the topic at hand: They're considering making My Fair Lady... AND NOT MAKING IT A MUSICAL?

Next, they're going to make Les Mis into a Gossip-Girls-esque TV mini-series, with no music, everyone living in America, and nobody dying. Except maybe the ugly people.

Sigh.

"In the depths of winter, I finally realized that deep within me, there lay an invincible summer." - Camus

Um, actually

Submitted by

Viorica (36 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:43pm.

Les Mis was a book first. An adaptation with no music wouldn't be a departure; it would be going back to the source material.

______________________________________________________

"The state does not belong in the bedrooms of the nation"- Pierre Trudeau

No need to be defensive -

Submitted by

Karen-Elizabeth (4 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 3:13pm.

No need to be defensive - I'm well aware Les Mis is a book. It's a favorite of mine, and has been for nearly a decade. However, my post had little - if anything - to do with dealing with the shift of mediums prior to any theatrical productions actual theatrical production. Les Mis, as an iconic musical production, may be viewed by both literary and theatre gurus, as remaining almost entirely separate from the novel it takes its name and general plot from. Indeed, much changes from the novel to the musical, and if one tried to compare the two, one would end up outraged and annoyed. My post had nothing to do with THAT shift. I mentioned nothing about the nature of switching mediums - rather, I take issue with changing the production of the musicals to suit popular taste; what the films are aiming to represent is a filmed, Hollywood version of the MUSICAL versions of these pieces. Therefore, I am not omitting any knowledge, and don't appreciate being condescended upon. The MUSICAL PRODUCTIONS of these shows tend to strip away the integrity of their theatrical embodiments - this includes casting untalented (musically) yet popular or goodlooking actors/actresses, recreating sets or restructuring thematic takes on the material, or adding/subtracting material.

"In the depths of winter, I finally realized that deep within me, there lay an invincible summer." - Camus

Lol.

Submitted by

Scroll Lock (32 posts)

on October 29, 2009 - 12:13am.

Why do you feel "condescended upon" when that person was stating a simple fact? Their tone was just frank, not defensive (unlike your own, I might add).

No idea why you take such obvious offense to that.

I also don't really why you think it's perfectly okay to compare adapted movies to theater material, but comparing theater adaptations to the written source material....god forbid.

1964?

Submitted by

Aya (794 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:27pm.

Wow, why is Keira playing such a recent and modern role?

Emma Thompson

Submitted by

Viorica (36 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:41pm.

This would be the same Emma Thompson who support's Roman Polanski's release, yes? I shouldn't be too surprised that she's adapting such an offensive, misogynistic play.

______________________________________________________

"The state does not belong in the bedrooms of the nation"- Pierre Trudeau

The Petition

Submitted by

Dorothy Snarker (1747 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:55pm.

You know, I thought long and hard about whether to include Emma’s signing of the Polanski petition in this post. I ultimately decided against it because that is really its own very long, very complicated topic. But rest assured that I am incredibly disappointed in her for signing that petition. In fact, it kind of broke my heart. I am disappointed in ALL the women (and men) who essentially signed on to become rape apologists.

You can read more of my thought on the matter here, if so inclined. But just know that that was intentionally not broached here because it is such a big and sensitive topic I really didn’t think a short post like this could possibly do it justice.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Why I Don't Sleep Much: Dorothy Surrenders. Also, I'm an utter twit.

D:

Submitted by

Ms Eres (37 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 2:59pm.

I love Pygmilion. I love Emma Thompson (despite being horrified by her adding her name to The Petition). I was so hoping someone who could do the role justice would be cast. But no, it's Kiera Knightly in another period piece, which are clearly not her strength.

I AM DISAPPOINT

"If you're wondering how he eats and breathes / And other science facts / Then repeat to yourself 'It's just a show, / I should really just relax."

The ending...

Submitted by

Zillah (62 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 5:03pm.

I hope they use the ending from the book, not from the movie! I hate that they made her marry him!

I know this probably...

Submitted by

ClassicChic (59 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 5:49pm.

Gets annoying but come on! It's Audrey Hepburn...and My Fair Lady! Don't touch this...Other examples, like someone mentioned above, the remake of Sabrina was horrible. And I know their was a remake of Charade, they just gave it a different name right? it had Thandie Newton? Regardless...Don't touch the classics and/or Audrey Hepburn movies. God forbid they remake Breakfast at Tiffany's.

There is a new movie version

Submitted by

ElusiveJ (30 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 1:44pm.

There is a new movie version of Breakfast at Tiffany's in the works, but it's not a remake. The original (and BRILLIANT) film really strays from Capote's story and the way he wrote Holly. This new one is apparently going to be much closer, so I'm not as worried as I could be.

Interesting

Submitted by

peewee (114 posts)

on October 29, 2009 - 12:20pm.

When I first read that my eyes bugged out of my head. But, if they make a movie closer to the original story...that might be kind of cool. I read the story after seeing the movie...story wins hands down. I could definitely see why Capote wanted Monroe instead of Hepburn.

Emma signed the petition?!@#$#%^

Submitted by

notshane (333 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 7:21pm.

I missed this one. I know this is not the place to discuss this, but I reallyam bewildered why so many actresses that I admire support Polanski.

Joe Wright

Submitted by

Andi Torak (60 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 7:26pm.

Yes, Jo Wright was the man in charge of the genius and beauty that was Pride and Prejudice, but lets not forget about Atonement, as well! Keira teamed up with Joe leads to cinimatic brilliance!!

Aw...I was kinda hoping for

Submitted by

Rhianwyn Jones (5 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 9:28pm.

Aw...I was kinda hoping for Carey Mulligan, but Keira'll do well. She's very devoted to her job.

The original terrified my sister.

Submitted by

Sam.Mule (71 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 10:21pm.

This was when she was younger. When Audrey Hepburn was forced to take a bath, my sister screamed and ran from the room...

I'm terrified of the film now, too, but because of the misogyny.

very ambitious..

Submitted by

Keph (76 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 10:23pm.

well, I Love Emma and I love Keira's stuff too ..so I hope they can pull this off as a decent remake.cuz it's Audrey Hepburn and Julie Andrew's singing. I don't care about other classic remakes that sucked but this is my all time fav. i hope it at least will be decent.

Pagan Warrior?!?

Submitted by

californiagirl (13 posts)

on October 27, 2009 - 11:27pm.

Okay, I will be the first to admit that I do not always keep up with Hollywood, but I can't believe that there is a Kiera Knightly movie where she plays a hot pagan warrior . . . and I wasn't aware of it! Which film was that?

The Great Movie:

Submitted by

Rhyfelwr (157 posts)

on October 29, 2009 - 5:55am.

"King Arthur"

I would rather see Kiera as

Submitted by

s a r a h (211 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 12:26am.

I would rather see Kiera as a braless sexy bounty hunter than as one of my favorite classic movies roles being redone, but I am novertheless on board. They usually butcher remakes, but I will give this one benefit of the doubt and eagerly await it

To every feminist action, there is an equal and opposite beauty reaction- Naomi Wolf

Whhhaaatttt???

Submitted by

lookatthestar (108 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 7:18am.

*drooling* no matter what role she plays...she is one hot lady! so i'm not complaining.

Terrible Idea

Submitted by

ElusiveJ (30 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 1:41pm.

I heard about this a long time ago and I am not a fan of the idea. If they were making a film of Pygmalion, I'd be all for it. I'd also be all for Keira playing Eliza, because I do think she could pull it off really well. I'm a really big Keira fan and I have lots of faith in her acting ability (did anyone else see her remake of Dr. Zhivago?) but I'm also a mucial theater snob.

As much as I adore Audrey Hepburn's Eliza, it was bad enough not casting Julie Andrews in the original film version. These days we don't even have a Marni Nixon to sing the part, even if it was allowed to have movie stars lip synch. It's great that Keira's taking vocal lessons (maybe Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter will think of doing that before the next time they decide to butcher a musical), but the part is so beautifully written! Lerner and Lowe really knew how to write beautiful parts for sopranos and it takes considerable musical talent to live up to it.

I have such low hopes for this turning out well as a musical. Now if they somehow manage to get Vivienne Westwood to take over from Cecil Beaton and do the costumes, I'll be singing a different tune...

Love is free its just capturin it is the prob's picture

....

Submitted by

Love is free it... (75 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 2:01pm.

i can see her play the role but is the cast goin to be all english? i mean it was an american film no? keria has that classic old hollywood beauty and i am not sayin the scarlet has that too, but i think she is too more bombshell..idk how to say it ahah..other than that i think its goin to be awesome.

"what do u get with two cheaters date each other?"

ans: the only conclusion i have come to is one of them will screw the other over..

"bloody hell women"

www.myspace.com/mr.fish89

I think the film with

Submitted by

eve_jig_it (591 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 8:47pm.

I think the film with Audrey Hepburn was made/filmed in America ..(though am happy to be corrected).. but the story is set in England with British characters.., so if the cast was all English then it would be a pefectly authenic thing to do.. (in that sense).

As seperate, on a personal level, I'm not a huge fan of remakes.. unless the original was that bad! But I just don't know why peope are obssesed with updated versions of films when an orginal verison was pefectly good and charming! Sometimes I think it would be nice if the younger generation apprectiated films that were made before their time as I think there's something really special about 'some' of them! And even though Keira is a fine actress I just don't see there being any need to remake this film right now!?I would prefer to see more good books (that people are not too aware of the story of).. to be adapted in to films or tv period drama instead, just by way of producing something *new*.

Keira Knightley --- yawn

Submitted by

bikergrrl (13 posts)

on October 28, 2009 - 11:34pm.

First of all, why so many friggin' remakes? Write something NEW for Goddess' sake!

Amen to the sister who mentioned remaking Roman Holiday -- leave what is good already the fuck alone! If I see one more lame ass remake with Jim Carrey in it . . .

Love Thompson's writing -- she totally deserved her screenplay Oscar for Sense and Sensibility. But I am really, really disappointed at her signing the petition. Regardless of what the victim has said, he still raped her by most educated people's definition of rape and he should NOT be exonerated. So he is a great director, fine. Picasso was a great artist, but still an asshole beyond compare. One does not cancel out the other.

My Fair Lady was indeed a shameful departure from its original vision that was created for Julie Andrews, but I have to admit that I love Audrey Hepburn in that role.Marni Nixon should definitely receive an honorary Oscar for her work in this and other films. Last thing I heard, she is still active and still performs.

Anne Hathaway would have been outstanding. She can run acting circles around the wooden Ms. Knightley, who I have never really been able to take to as an actress or anything else. I am so over having her foisted on unsuspecting audiences.

DESPAIR

Submitted by

Tessel (4 posts)

on October 29, 2009 - 10:39am.

Keira Knightley is an object of veneration because..... ? Does nobody remember her comments on getting her hair cut short immediately after Pride & Prej, the ones along the lines of "and then I got this really lesbian haircut..."