An Ideal Cast for the Film Adaptation of Jeannette Walls' "The Glass Castle"

An Ideal Cast for the Film Adaptation of Jeannette Walls' The Glass Castle

Just recently, I finished the 2005 memoir of the life of writer and journalist Jeannette Walls. The memoir, entitled The Glass Castle, serves as a bildungsroman, which traces Walls' life from her "dysfunctional, yet vibrant" childhood to her successful departure into the business world.

After doing some research, I have discovered that the story is rumored to be in the talks of adapting onto the big screen later this year. Thus, movie-lovers, as well as those who appreciate the book, have already begun to think of the ultimate "dream cast" to fill the roles of Jeannette, Rex, and Rose Mary Walls, who lead The Glass Castle through all its bizarre misery.

Several news articles have already reported that Jennifer Lawrence, who is currently in the midst of "Hunger Games" and "X-Men" success, has committed to producing and possibly starring in the film. Reports have claimed she will play the older version of Jeannette Walls. Ironically, before these articles were released, my number one pick to play the older Jeannette was Lawrence herself. I find Lawrence to not only have an unbelievably accelerated acting capacity, but also a knack for embodying the spirit of her character.

Even more so, Jennifer Lawrence is definitely the sort of image that comes to mind when I try to envision Jeannette's character. Her physical appearance has a certain aura that captures Walls' ruggedness, while demanding an emotional integrity that Walls carries with her throughout the novel. This sense of independence and motivational drive correlates to Lawrence's own desire to fight for roles and work her way up into the film industry.

Parallel to Lawrence's career, her breakthrough performance in the movie "Winter's Bone," a novel which was recently adapted in 2010 into an independent feature film, shares great similarities to Jeannette in "The Glass Castle."  I find Walls' character in comparison with Lawrence's portrayal of Ree Dolly to be both moving and successful journeys that end in triumph, yet still have dark edges that are difficult to grasp. Both films center around a rural, country girl who comes to realize her family's misfortune and are desperate to do anything in order to survive.

Jeannette's mother, Rose Mary Walls, has been rumored to be played by Emmy award-winner Claire Danes. Claire Danes has appeared in the television drama "Homeland" and HBO movie "Temple Grandin." In my opinion, I believe that Danes is an excellent actress with a wide range of versatility; however, my first choice would be Academy Award-winner Frances McDormand.

Frances McDormand has proved herself multiple times that she is by far capable of carrying roles that have characters with dark, complex minds. Her skills include, but are certainly not limited to, the realm of character acting. Her roles in "Fargo" and "Almost Famous" involve the theme of motherhood as well, which is crucial to the part of Rose Mary Walls. Additionally, she played Glory Dodge in the 2005 film "North Country." Her character portrays the essence of a country woman, which duly highlights the center of Rose Mary Walls.

Finally, for Rex Walls, rumors have been circulating that he will be played by Academy Award-nominee Mark Ruffalo. Ruffalo has been mainly appearing in superhero movies, such as "The Avengers;" however, his premiere acting abilities were demonstrated in the 2010 film, "The Kids Are All Right." I believe that Ruffalo does have the capacity to pull off a role as important as Rex Walls in "The Glass Castle."

My first choice to play the part would most likely be Bruce Dern. Dern has most recently proved himself to be a great fit for the role while starring in the recent independent motion picture "Nebraska." However, Rex is not present in the novel as much as Jeannette or Rose Mary, so I have not placed as much thought into the ideal fit for this role, as age is duly an important factor in casting decisions. Perhaps an older actor might have been a wiser selection for the role, although I think it is a great opportunity for someone of Ruffalo's stature and place in his career to take on Rex.

Amidst the casting decisions in Hollywood, anything may happen in response to the finished product of "The Glass Castle." What I do know, however, is that whoever fills these roles must have the determination and dedication to capture the lunacy in "The Glass Castle" in order for it to be a successful film.