To your first sentence: no kidding? In the case of Frankenstein, which has been the source of many bad- to- mediocre films and an iconic character that have little relation to the novel (many people no doubt still think the monster's name is Frankenstein), faithfulness to the novel is important, because there are profound ethical, social, even theological points made in the narrative which should be transferred at least to some degree to a film based on it. At least that's my opinion.

I thought the film was very good. I enjoyed it, I've watched it several times, mostly for De Niro's amazing performance, his change from innocent/benevolent character to monster. I won't argue with you about Branagh, though, since he's not the reason I like the movie so much. But, I'd take my shirt off as often as I could if I looked like him.

You don't like Spielberg's films either? Wow.

Let's see: tall, beautiful: Jim Caviezel fits the bill, but at 44 he may be too old already. And I haven't seen enough of his work to judge his acting ability, though I loved him in Gibson's Passion, despite the fact that I can't watch signigifant amounts of that film. The opening scene, in the garden, is amazing.

I'm also a fan of Jeremy ("Boris") Irons. Perhaps I shouldn't have been shocked when I read that he is not a fan of Downton Abby, despite his never having seen it, as he admits, but then most liberals show disfavor at most modern productions that are not multicultural. Had Jeremy watched the first year he would have witnessed how the show's writer, Julian Fellows, threw a bone to his constituency by having the eldest daughter of Lord Grantham be caught in flagrante delicto with the Turkish ambassador's son. Okay, he did die of a heart attack at it, but at least it was a bone thrown, however scarce the meat.
Tim, you don't suppose you could try to convince Jeremy to produce a biopic about Boris Karloff with him portraying this iconic actor of horror films?
Anyway, here's the link to the page where Jeremy mentions Downton Abby:

http://www.eonline.com/news/378923/j...to-ford-fiesta

Ah, before I forget, tonight at 9 central on PBS: Shakespeare Uncovered, with host Ethan Hawke, part of a series.

I seem to recall Irons being an anti-Stratfordian. Or am I wrong about that? It was an interview on Charlie Rose, I believe. Not that it matters.

The Beowulf is largely narrative. There are some great set speeches, Hrothgar's Homily, The Lay of the Last Survivor, The Old Man's Lament, Wiglaf's and Beowulf's own speeches. But largely the story is told in narration. My dream narrators would be Derek Jacobi or Ian McKellan. Patrick Stewart could also do fine. All classically trained actors who came up through the Old Vic, as did Mr. Irons. If I can't get them, I'd do it myself. The narrator would largely be off stage (where I belong, being neither tall nor beautiful.) But as those of you know who have listened to my recordings, I have a big instrument, and obviously, I know the rhythms and alliterations of our Beowulf better than any actor.

Nothing might come of this, but what fun if it did!

David's role has to encompass the shepherd boy annointed by Samuel and Saul's young general. Then of course Irons steps into the role. It might require three actors. David Anthony, I agree you'd be perfect if you were not mesomorphic, rather than ectomorphic like Irons, and fifty years younger. You're certainly beautiful and you'd not require my services as meter coach.

And, of course, congratulations, Tim. :D

Timmo, you'd better start designing your red carpet dress, no? This is major kudos stuff! I can just hear Alan gurgling with glee...

I could wear makeup.

It's harder to see how you would get a drama out of the Psalms (as distinct from Samuel 1 and 2) than out of Beowulf. How do you visualize it?