Dreamcasting (7): From books to film

I am a very visual person and when I read a book I like to envision in my head what each book character would look like in actuality and who could play their roles if they ever adapted that particular book into a film.

What is a dreamcast? Well, it's the cast of actors that you think would be perfect to interpret a character on screen. Today I will dreamcast a popular book character and explain why I think the actor I chose for this dreamcast would be perfect for the role of said character.

Dreamcast for Sophie Collins, Warner & Adam Kent

Astrid Berges-Frisbey as Sophie Collins from Clockwork Angel

I originally learned of Astrid because she is an Spanish/French actress who appeared in the last Pirates of the Caribbean film (On Stranger Tides) as a mermaid named Syrena. Her character in that film really stood out to me because on the surface, she was part of a group of very vicious mermaids who attacked men at sea, but when you got to know more of her, she showed that she was not as violent as the rest of the mermaids. Astrid was incredibly fierce yet gentle in Pirates of the Caribbean and also caring and full of character. 

Sophie Collins who is a secondary character in the historical urban fantasy novel named Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, holds all of the qualities that Astrid displayed so well in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. Sophie is a very strong character who carries a scar on her face because when she was a parlor maid (a maid chosen for her beauty in the Victorian era) - she refused the advances of the younger man who was her boss and he later proceeded to cut her face to 'ruin' her physical beauty. Sophie definitely is insecure about her scar but she is described as being incredibly beautiful, loyal, shy but determined to do the right thing and smart. I definitely feel like Astrid could portray the beauty, vulnerability & fierce strength that characterizes Sophie to the T.

Sebastian Sauve as Warner from Shatter Me

Warner is the resident villain in the incredibly poetic and powerful dystopian novel named Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. He is a unique villain in that he is incredibly young, he is not the older Voldemort-esque villain that tends to be prevalent in young adult literature. He is described as being very fit, handsome, perfectionistic and obsessed with power. He runs an army on behalf of the reestablishment which is lead by his father and controls the society at large in Shatter Me. Warner is a very cold villain, who will shoot and kill anyone on the spot to inspire terror and fear at large with his soldiers. He also, as evil as he is, has a certain charm and hidden vulnerability that makes him all the more dangerous because here is this young man who is incredibly physically beautiful, who at first glance people would not suspect to be so murderous and dangerous, who nevertheless is incredibly corrupted and murderous.

I decided to pick Sebastian Sauve as my Warner because he is an incredibly popular male model in the fashion world, who has the build, height and look for Warner - blond hair, height, angular face, strength to his presence. Also Sebastian seems to be in his personality, very light hearted and charming and Warner - though incredibly cold and calculating- is a charmer, despite his psychopathic tendencies and I think Sebastian could embody that on screen and as a model, he can bring that silent/strong energy that he uses on the runway to Warner's calculating & villainous personality as the head of an army for his dad.

Michael Fjordbak as Adam Kent from Shatter Me 


Adam Kent is the male lead in the dystopian novel Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi. He is a soldier in the army of the Reestablishment (that is the government and system in place that controls society in Shatter Me). The only reason why Adam joined the army was to learn of Juliette (the female lead in Shatter Me who has been locked up for years because she can't touch people due to having special powers). Adam is incredibly caring, strong, and an amazing support system to Juliette and his little brother, and he is a character that tugs on the heartstrings because of how ill he was treated by his father. Adam is described as being tall, with incredibly piercing blue eyes and dark hair. So, when I saw Michael Fjordbak on Teen Wolf one day, I was, like, "that is so Adam Kent" - since Michael has the height and physical appearance of Adam and also because I feel like he could portray the goodness, determination, strength that so defines Adam in Shatter Me from what I saw from his character on Teen Wolf (the young Peter Hale).






 Have you ever dreamcasted your favorite book characters? If you have, let me know about it. Also, if any of you have a different dreamcasting idea for the character I mentioned in this post, I would love to hear about it, as well. Thanks for reading :) 

 

Dreamcasting (5): From books to film

I am a very visual person and when I read a book I like to envision in my head what each book character would look like in actuality and who could play their roles if they ever adapted that particular book into a film.

What is a dreamcast? Well, it's the cast of actors that you think would be perfect to interpret a character on screen. Today I will dreamcast a popular book character and explain why I think the actor I chose for this dreamcast would be perfect for the role of said character.

Dreamcast for Adrian Ivashkov & Will Herondale

 Mathias Lauridsen as Adrian Ivashkov from The Golden Lily

 

So, I actually have dreamcasted Adrian before but reading The Golden Lily (book #2 in the Bloodlines series) really changed my whole view of him. And this time, with the help of a friend, ladies and gents, I have found my new Adrian. Adrian Ivashkov is a character who originally appeared in The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. In Bloodlines (the spin off series to Vampire Academy) Adrian becomes the male lead. Adrian is a stylish and witty vampire royal, a moroi, and in his twenties. The Moroi have distinct features amongst the different types of vampires in the Vampire Academy world. They usually are very tall and lean and often described as resembling human models. Hence, why Mathias Lauridsen, a Danish male model, would make an amazing Adrian Ivashkov. 

 

There is even a quote in the Golden Lily that describes Adrian as looking like a "pensive European model" at some point and Mathias is European and a top male model in the fashion world. Adrian also has always been described as being quite handsome and in my head, I've always felt like Adrian probably had a certain mystique to him, in his look. And Mathias is, like, the epitome of that. This man could be wearing pastels and still look intriguing and pensive. There is just something about the structure of his face and his look, that screams that. And Mathias has that height and lean structure. The precise height and lean look that characterizes moroi, especially Adrian. Also, Mathias on camera, has this natural charisma to him. So, yes, Mathias Lauridsen = Adrian Ivashkov for me!

Nicholas Hoult as Will Herondale from Clocwork Angel & Clockwork Prince

Nicholas Hoult made quite the impression on me in the films A Single Man and Xmen: First Class. I thought he was highly compelling with a very powerful glance. In Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare, Will Herondale, is an English young man that lives in Victorian England as a shadowhunter (a warrior of angel blood who fights demons). He is described as being tall, handsome, with extremely striking blue eyes and black hair. Nicholas is tall, handsome, with very beautiful blue eyes, black hair and he has an English accent. I don't know about you guys, but I think he would be a perfect Will Herondale. Will in Clockwork Angel comes off as sarcastic, determined, and a fighter and in Clockwork Prince we get to know the softer side of him and get to uncover some of the layers to his character. I think Nicholas could portray those array of emotions perfectly and he just looks like Will. He really does match the Will I pictured in my head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Have you ever dreamcasted your favorite book characters? If you have, let me know about it. Also, if any of you have a different dreamcasting idea for the character I mentioned in this post, I would love to hear about it, as well. Thanks for reading :)

 

Dreamcasting: From books to film!

I am a very visual person and when I read a book I like to envision in my head what each book character would look like in actuality and who could play their roles if they ever adapted that particular book into a film.

What is a dreamcast? Well, it's the cast of actors that you think would be perfect to interpret a character on screen. Today I will dreamcast four of my favorite book characters and explain why I think each actor would be perfect for the role of said character.

Dreamcast for Adrian Ivashkov; Lenah Beaudonte; Jem Carstairs; & Cricket Bell:

Douglas Booth as Adrian Ivashkov from Bloodlines

Currently Douglas Booth can be seen in the BBC One adaptation of Great Expectations as Pip. I think that Douglas would be perfect to play Adrian Ivashkov -the charming/bad boy with a secret heart of gold who comes from a Royal  vampire bloodline in the book series, Bloodlines by Richelle Mead- because Douglas definitely exudes charm onscreen and has a lot of sensibility but mischievous eyes when you pay close attention to him. Adrian is nothing but a charming character and on the outside he seems like a careless guy who only wants to have fun but inwardly he actually is quite conflicted and a little lost. Douglas definitely would be a perfect Adrian for me, he even looks quite regal, in my opinion. And for those who have read Vampire Academy and Bloodlines can assure you, for a Moroi vampire, you definitely need an actor who has charms but the looks to encompass what a Moroi vampire is and Douglas has both. 

Emily Browning as Lenah Beaudonte from Infinte Days

I think that Emily Browning would be a perfect Lenah Beaudonte from the book Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel because she has the ethereal beauty that is required of Lenah a former Vampire Queen who becomes a human again. Not only that, but Emily has a great sensibility and strength on screen that would be perfect for Lenah, a person that even though changed, still retains a sense of authority and regality from her vamp queen days but a sweet innocence all at the same time due to her newly regained humanity. I've seen Emily Browning in the films: A Series of Unfortunate Events and Sucker Punch and she is definitely an actress that can be both badass and vulnerable, all at the same time, just as Lenah is.

Harry Shum Jr. as Jem Carstairs from Clockwork Angel

Harry Shum Jr. can currently be seen as the charming and talented Mike Chang on Glee. As of Late, I have seen a new range of emotional depth from his character that has shown me that Mr. Shum is not only a great dancer but possesses a genuine vulnerability that could be perfect for Jem Carstairs from the book Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare. Jem Cartsairs is young man of British and Chinese descent that lives in Victorian England as a shadowhunter (a warrior of angel blood who fights demons). He is intelligent, charming, sweet, loving and also has a tormented past that makes his story even more compelling. I think Harry definitely has a gentlemanly air to him, he is tall and has great stature, like Jem does and as an actor I think he could definitely be very endearing and portray the quiet confidence that Jem possesses to a T. All that would be needed is for Harry to dye his hair a silverish color and to wear contacts as Jem has silver eyes and then we would be good.

Matthew Atkinson as Cricket Bell from Lola and the boy Next Door 

So I recently discovered Matthew Atkinson because he plays Nick the charming jock who makes all the girls heart go pitter patter on the ABC Family show Jane by Design. This guy oozes charm and sweetness just as the adorable character Cricket Bell does in the pages of the amazing book: Lola and the boy next Door by Stephanie Perkins. Matthew even resembles the Cricket on the Lola and the boy Next door cover. He is tall, has a great smile, kind eyes and cute pointy dark hair that sticks up just as Cricket Bell's does. When I see Jane by Design and his character Nick comes on screen all I can think about is, "OMG it's Cricket, Cricket is on my screen, he is soo Cricket"!

Have you ever dreamcasted your favorite book characters? If you have, let me know about it. Also, if any of you have different dreamcasting ideas for the characters I've mentioned in this post, I would love to hear about them, as well. Thanks for reading :)

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) by Cassandra Clare

Publisher: McElderry Books

Release Date:  August 31st 2010

Genre: YA Urban Fantasy

Source: Bought

Goodreads Summary:

When sixteen-year-old Tessa Gray crosses the ocean to find her brother, her destination is England, the time is the reign of Queen Victoria, and something terrifying is waiting for her in London's Downworld, where vampires, warlocks and other supernatural folk stalk the gaslit streets. Only the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the world of demons, keep order amidst the chaos.

Kidnapped by the mysterious Dark Sisters, members of a secret organization called The Pandemonium Club, Tessa soon learns that she herself is a Downworlder with a rare ability: the power to transform, at will, into another person. What's more, the Magister, the shadowy figure who runs the Club, will stop at nothing to claim Tessa's power for his own.

Friendless and hunted, Tessa takes refuge with the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, who swear to find her brother if she will use her power to help them. She soon finds herself fascinated by--and torn between--two best friends: James, whose fragile beauty hides a deadly secret, and blue-eyed Will, whose caustic wit and volatile moods keep everyone in his life at arm's length...everyone, that is, but Tessa. As their search draws them deep into the heart of an arcane plot that threatens to destroy the Shadowhunters, Tessa realizes that she may need to choose between saving her brother and helping her new friends save the world...and that love may be the most dangerous magic of all.

My Review:

If I could describe Clockwork Angel in one word it would be: Exquisite. Clockwork Angel is a rather perfect book in more ways than one. The writing contained within this book is elegant. The characterization is of a high caliber and the plot is full of the adventure one requires of an Urban Fantasy. I just found myself completely enamored with this book and it took me by surprise. Why? Well, because this book is the first book in the prequel series to The Mortal Instruments which in of itself is a rather top notch series created by Cassandra Clare. I wasn't sure if I would like Clockwork Angel as much as I loved City of Bones -1st book of The Mortal Instruments series- in all honesty, but luckily my worries were quickly put to rest when I found myself completely absorbed in the Victorian London setting presented to us in Clockwork Angel.

Clockwork Angel centers around the story of Tessa, a sixteen year old girl from New York City, who has to move to 19th Century London to meet up with her brother after her caretaker, her Aunt Harriet, dies suddenly. Upon her arrival she soon discovers that she has the power to transform into other people and finds herself immersed in the dangerous and hidden world of Downworlders (who are hybrids of humans and demons and include: werewolves, vampires, faries, warlocks etc) and the Shadowhunters (a race of warriors who hunt demons and have angel blood in their veins). To say that this book is action packed would be an understatement. Clockwork Angel is a roller coaster ride full of dangerous encounters and fights, first loves, self-discovery, and villainy. Fans of fantasy and the supernatural will never be bored with this book, the plot is fantastic and has a little bit of everything for everyone.

What I loved the most about Clockwork Angel was the character development, I have to say. Every single character in this book, from heroes to villains, have a history and are layered. Something that is not easily accomplished in Young Adult Literature. Not only did I find myself rooting for the main characters (Tessa, Jem, and Will) but for the secondary characters as well. I felt like in this book, the secondary characters didn't feel secondary at all. They all had their own little story and mystique to them that you had to peel away with every turn of the page, just like you had to do with the main characters. What a cast! I loved them all! They all had such heart and such charm. All of the female characters in this book from Tessa to Charlotte, to Jessamine to Sophie and Camille, were all so interesting, strong and self assured. I loved that. The male characters (Jem, Will, Henry, Thomas, Magnus) as well, were also men of great sensibility and bravado. Even the villains in this story were amazing. I really liked that there were several, that you never quite knew who was the evilest of them all and that there just wasn't what I call "the resident Lord Voldemort of a story" there were many and boy were they dark.

The setting of this book is quite mesmerizing. I loved that this book was set in 19th century London. Victorian London, to be exact. I definitely felt myself transported to that era through the descriptions given in this book. Victorian London felt like a character of it's own in this story and it felt very real. Cassandra Clare definitely did her research and accentuated the era in the book through her thorough knowledge of Victorian era literature and poetry. When I saw references to Charles Dickens and Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, my Victorian era loving heart, just went pitter-patter. And my favorite thing of all were the Victorian Era quotes that Cassandra Clare used at the beginning of each chapter as inspiration for her chapter titles. I love it when authors title their chapters and use quotes at the beginning of each one, it just helps you speculate about what each chapter is about prior to reading it and informs you a little of what the author was thinking about when writing each chapter. I thought it was a nice touch that added elegance to the story since each quote had a touch of either romance or nostalgia in some form or another.

My advice: Read this book. It just whisks you away on a journey of self acceptance and transports you to a time and setting, full of challenge but promise and adventure. This book is great for anyone who might feel a little lost and wonders what they should do when they feel stuck. I found this book full of inspiring characters who were bent on fighting for their beliefs and learning about themselves in their own individual way. And you really can't beat the fact that this book is set amongst such a mystifying and creative world, that is full of suspense and wonder.

Rating: 5/5