The Real-istic Joseph Smith Please Stand UP
Posted by jettboy on November 15th, 2006
Not too long ago Richard Dutcher planned on making a movie about Joseph Smith Jr. with rumors of Val Kilmer as the lead. It didn’t take long for those rumors to be unfounded. There was news that he rejected the part for other movie roles. It seems that Bro. Dutcher has also gone a different direction and made other films. His personal homepage doesn’t offer any new information that he still has a biopic in the works. Other films have, more or less, taken up the slack.
There is an abundance of Joseph Smith roles to look at if interested in how he has been portrayed, both in and outside of LDS Church circles. The first major inclusion of Joseph Smith Jr was the Brigham Young movie of 1940, with Vincent Price taking up the part. Of all the ones I have seen so far, he seemed to represent him the best. It was too bad he played such a small role in that one. On the other hand, the book it was partly based on, “Children of God” by Vardis Fisher, was not a flattering portrait. There was another movie called Brigham with Richard Moll (of Night Court fame) playing Joseph Smith when he was tarred and feathered. Not sure if there was a martyrdom scene. He was problematic because the acting was stiff and he wasn’t the “hunk” that the historical records indicate for the real person. At least one other semi-portrayal was in “Angels in America,” originally a stage play, and negative. Films done by Latter-day Saints have not fared better.
Three most recent LDS centric films, two of them done by the Church itself, include “Legacy,” “American Prophet: the story of Joseph Smith,” and “Work and the Glory.” Each one had flaws that might be considered part of trying to act as a person whose life can be seen as larger than life. After all, it took someone like George C. Scott to play Patton and Peter O’Tool directed by legendary David Lean to play T.E. Lawrence, of Arabia fame. Neither historical figure accomplished or went through all the Joseph Smith did in his short life. Perhaps there are too many expectations. Nathan of Tachyon City made these personal critical opinions:
Nathan Mitchell, the actor who played Joseph was… pretty good. I’ve almost come to believe that actors who can successfully portray the passionate, gifted, flawed charisma of Joseph Smith must be almost as rare as men like him in real life. This Joseph was very believable as Joseph in his private moments, relating to his wife and family, playing with the children and adults of his community. He was a little less successful in portraying the expansive, captivating presence he reportedly had when preaching and teaching larger groups of people. A little soft, is how he appeared. I cringed in anticipation when it became apparent that the movie was gearing up to the “majesty in chains” scene, in which a shackled Joseph rebuked his jailors who had been boasting of their exploits against the defenseless Mormons fleeing Missouri. For this story, that scene would be equivalent to the high note which caps “O Holy Night” — the song lives or dies by that note. This Joseph was… not bad in that scene. But it’s a scene for which “good enough” isn’t good enough.
Of course, in context, this good Brother Mitchell was probably the best Joseph I’ve ever seen on film. Certainly better than the disastrously bad one in Legacy, who looked like a psychopath who wanted to eat your children. (Necessary disclaimer: I’ve yet to see either of the two The Work and the Glory movies released so far, so I can’t compare that Joseph, Jonathan Scarfe, to this one.)
I haven’t seen the most recent church produced movie, but I have seen the “Work and the Glory” with Jonathan Scarfe. If Tachyon City’s observation is correct, than it seems the public aspect of Joseph Smith is very hard to copy, compared to what we would imagine. There isn’t very many actors that could pull it off without overdoing it or underplaying the charisma. Assuming for the moment that a professional movie was to be made, what current actors would be best to play the part? Val Kilmer is out, although he would defiantly be eccentric enough to do a fine job. Another actor that might be a nice fit is Jonny Depp, who has both the flair and the personality, but perhaps not the look. Most of all, it is a question of what expectations do exist and who can best portray those qualities of personality missing in other presentations.
Well, we know Jospeh was incredibly strong and master of the stick-pull game.. Arnold Schwarzenegger?
But seriously…
James Franco makes my little sisters heart go all a-flutter and I’ve liked him in the few movies I’ve seen him in. I’m also a fan of Jake Gyllenhall.
Comment # 1 left by Ryan on November 15th, 2006
Was American Prophet was made by the Church?
The Joseph in the newest Church film was hands down my favorite actor who has played that role. I didn’t like the Joseph in Legacy - at all. (My friend can’t even watch the movie because she dislikes him so much.)
I would be very uncomfortable with a popular, secular actor playing this role. I would prefer that he be someone who has a spiritual sensitivity at least, and really that he be a member of the Church. I don’t think it’s possible to really do the role justice as an actor who doesn’t have a conviction about the person Joseph was, and the role he played. My $o.02.
Comment # 2 left by Michelle on November 15th, 2006
I just double-checked the website cuz I didn’t think American Prophet was made by the Church, and I think that is correct. The only one that I know of your list that the Church did is Legacy. Not that it’s a big deal, but just to clarify.
Has anyone else seen the new JS movie the Church did last year?
Comment # 3 left by Michelle on November 15th, 2006
I LOVE the new Joseph Smith movie that the Church put out. I’ve seen it three times and it keeps getting better. It is amazing quality, excellent acting, and a great storyline. If you cried during “Testaments”, you’ll be sobbing like a little schoolgirl during this one.
Seriously, next time you’re in SLC (or an LDS visitors center) go see it. I love it. Love love love. Love. Okay, I’m done now.
As an aside, Deseret Book just released Praise to the Man which features some of the clips from the Church’s official Joseph Smith movie, as well as several other clips, all featuring the same actor as Smith himself. I enjoyed the movie, but not nearly as much as the Church’s one.
Comment # 4 left by Connor Boyack on November 16th, 2006
Nice post JB.
I don’t know actors as well as others do. I don’t keep that close track.
I try to think of the over popular ones and they just don’t fit. Kevin Costner? - ick. Mel Gibson? - not so much. Tom Cruise? - hmmm.
Never happen.
Comment # 5 left by Eric Nielson on November 16th, 2006
I’m with Michelle. If an actor were to be able to play Joseph ‘right,’ he’d have to understand not just Joseph’s moral/personal charcter, but, really he’d have to know how it feels to revere a prophet in order to project a reverable presentation of him.
A mainstream (ok, full-on cream of the crop) actor, who, though not LDS, I think would be up to the task, Ralph Fiennes. Excuse my stray heart flutter or two, but this guy’s amazing, and he has that captivating/charming yet slightly eccentric, undoubtedly charismatic flash to his eyes. Ralph could do not just Joseph’s memory justice, but even his legend.
Comment # 6 left by Naiah Earhart on November 16th, 2006
Michelle, you are correct. It was produced by a member, but not the Church. That one was a documentary. What I meant was “Joseph Smith The Prophet of the Restoration” that is playing at the Legacy theater. I was talking about dramatic presentations.
Comment # 7 left by Jettboy on November 16th, 2006
I don’t think it’s possible to really do the role justice as an actor who doesn’t have a conviction about the person Joseph was
I don’t buy that… There are actors who have played many roles that are far outside their personal experience and have nailed it. Yes, Joseph’s experience is exceptional among all mankind but he isn’t deity. I understand that Jim Caviezel did a phenomenal job in Passion of the Christ (although I am speaking only on hearsay as I haven’t seen the movie) . If a secular actor can play the Savior convincingly, including the most pivotal moment of his mortal life, Joseph shouldn’t be anywhere near as difficult.
Comment # 8 left by Ryan on November 16th, 2006
Unsurprisingly, I completely disagree with Connor. The new Joseph Smith movie playing in the Legacy Theater is terrible. Pretty much everything about the movie is terrible. The directing is terrible. The acting is terrible. The script is terrible. The supposed historicity is terrible. It’s way over-dramatized. I feel like I’m watching some B-movie horror film one moment, and then suddenly I’m being bombarded with bright lights and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
And to top it off, Joseph Smith flies into space at the end! WTF!?!?!
Comment # 9 left by the narrator on November 16th, 2006
It’s way over-dramatized.
How do you over-dramatize a gunsmoke martyrdom? That’s like saying.. “ehh the (insert movie here) version of D-Day was way over the top.. the real thing wasn’t that bad.
My opinion is that a cinematized version of being shot from a second story window, falling to the ground, being dragged to an upright position and then being executed at point-blank range by a seething black-faced mob in front of your brother and closest associates will always be, by default, under-dramatized
Comment # 10 left by Ryan on November 16th, 2006
Ryan:
When I said it was over-dramatized, I was referring to the overuse of spooky sound and video effects, slow motion, abundant emotion-provoking MoTab singing, and ponderous gazes - all done in an effort to create artificial emotional reactions.
Some of my very conservative Mormon friends found it cinematically pathetic.
Historians of Joseph Smith (ex. Bushman) found the movie extremely fanciful.
It was just a terrible movie.
Comment # 11 left by the narrator on November 16th, 2006
I have read over a dozen biographies of Joseph Smith. I cried during the final paragraphs of Rough Stone Rolling. Joseph’s story is amazing in itself. His greatness despite his humanity makes him admirable. The movie in Salt Lake tries to hide his humanity and earn admiration with emotional gags and aesthetic treats.
Comment # 12 left by the narrator on November 16th, 2006
I would actually like to read what Bushman said about that movie. Sources please. As for your criticisms, to each their own. I know tons of movies that people just loved that have exactly what you have said the Joseph Smith movie has as far as criticism.
Now, I haven’t seen the new Legacy Theater movie on JS. There isn’t any room for me to make a comment. However, I have seen the other two movies made for that theater. Those same criticisms have been lodged about them as well. To be honest, I agree with all you have said about them except the directing and cinematography. Those have been consistantly wonderful; and I see no reason this one will be different in that aspect. I’ll just have to wait and see for myself.
Comment # 13 left by Jettboy on November 16th, 2006
Ralph Fiennes–nope. James Franco, yes.
But if anyone ever makes one with Orlando Bloom, I will line up to be one of the plural wives.
Comment # 14 left by Bored in Vernal on November 16th, 2006
Bored In vernal, you just made the BoJ hall of fame… congrats.
Comment # 15 left by Ryan on November 16th, 2006
Christian Bale (Batman Begins, The Prestiege) would be the perfect Joseph Smith. He looks like him, and I think he would do a good job potrarying him. He’s a great actor.
Comment # 16 left by Brett on November 16th, 2006
yeah I like Bale as well, I just have a hard time getting over his speech impediment.. He would make a better Moses in that regard eh?
Comment # 17 left by Ryan on November 17th, 2006
If a secular actor can play the Savior convincingly, including the most pivotal moment of his mortal life, Joseph shouldn’t be anywhere near as difficult.
Well, in order for me to consider this hypothesis, I would have to know that the actor who played Christ didn’t believe in Him. For now, I am going to stick by what I said. It isn’t that I don’t think an actor could play Joseph Smith, but I personally feel more of a connection with someone who plays him with a testimony of who he was. Those kinds of actors do more than just read and study and try to be good actors. They pray and rely on God to portray a person whom they know is a pivotal person in the Lord’s latter-day work. After reading a little of the experience of the man who played the Savior in Testaments, I feel that much more strongly about my opinion on this. It was clear that he was prepared for that role, and he did much to prepare himself for it. My personal preference for a role that has sacred meaning to me is someone who has walked that kind of road, not someone whose life is glimmer and glitz and fame and fortune first. (Besides, it’s often hard to forget about the person in real life, as well as the past roles that person has played, when they play a role. For me, if they have played offensive roles or live offensive lives, I would feel uncomfortable with them stepping into a role such as Joseph. Major cognitive dissonance.
)
Comment # 18 left by Michelle on November 17th, 2006
BoV–You are so wrong about Ralph (seriously, people, go look at his IMDB headshot!), and ‘Orli’ is just a skinny kid.
Regardless, that was brilliant.
Comment # 19 left by Naiah Earhart on November 17th, 2006
I’m with Naiah–I’ll up the ante, though, if Dutcher directed the JS movie with Fiennes in the starring role it would be phenomenal. I hope Dutcher is merely biding his time, building up some economic backing, before he returns to the JS project. States of Grace was, for my money, a work of near-genius. Dutcher is gritty, but he “gets” a lot of very important things, not least of which is how to make movies.
Comment # 20 left by tyler on November 17th, 2006