MovieChat Forums > The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000) Discussion > Casting??

Casting??

posted 19 years ago by EuroTrash613
12 replies | jump to latest

Did it seem wrong to anyone else that Matt Damon was cast as Rannulph Junnah? The age was way off. If historically accurate, and the match takes place in 1931, Hagen would have been about 40 and Jones about 30. Hagen born in 1892, Jones in 1902. Based on other items from the movie, Junnah should have been around 35 by my estimation. At least older than Jones since Jones commented on Junnah playing in the 1916 Southern Open with the long drive, when Jones was 14 and Junnah was presumably older. That being accepted, Damon is 7 years younger than the actor playing Jones, Joel Grestch. This bothers me everytime I watch this movie, which I otherwise consider excellent. Although Damon clearly is no golfer with that "swing", which also irks me a bit.

I think they would have nailed it if they had used Dennis Quaid as Junnah. For one thing the age is closer to the actual ages, he being older than Grestch. Also, he is a natural athlete who holds an 8 handicap I believe. Would have made it much more realistic in my opinion.

I also thought Jones and Hagen were cast brilliantly. Grestch has that All-American look that Jones is believed to embody and Bruce McGill pulls off an excellent Hagen, swing and swagger. Both had believable swings as well.

[–] brokenkaiser 19 years ago

If i'm not mistaken...they said Junnah was only 16 when he won the Southern Open, making him only two years older than Jones, given Jones was 14 at the time.

[–] osirisforever 19 years ago

In terms of acting talent, Matt Damon outclasses Dennis Quaid in his sleep.

[–] theredsock 19 years ago

Dennis Quaid is a horrible actor. Matt Damon was great and is always great.

[–] theredsock 18 years ago

It was originally going to star Redford and Morgan Freeman but they decided to go young.

And Dennis Quaid sucks.

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[–] EuroTrash613 18 years ago

Matt Damon couldn't carry a scene if it was in a suitcase. He has only one charachter that he plays...himself. He's not alone in Hollywood with this fact, and I do like him in some roles, but in this movie I cringe everytime I see him.

What's wrong with Dennis Quaid? I think he's a pretty good actor, often taking roles other people couldn't pull off because they might require talent. Some of his roles have been less inspiring than others, but overall I think he's good. He's no Ed Norton, but who is?

[–] jason-sg 18 years ago

I think Matt Damon's a good actor. I don't like Dennis Quaid because of some of the roles i've seen...

See? I offered my opinion without saying anyone "sucks" or "can't act". try it sometime

[–] mat-hornet 18 years ago

Smith was great, but damn Morgan Freeman would have been awesome for this movie. Some people are a little harsh on it, I think to really appreciate this movie you have to be a golfer. This movie made me love golf even more.

To those who don't play golf don't really understand how some days you really just can't find your swing, you feel cursed. Then all of a sudden the next day maybe late in the current round you all of a sudden start hitting beautiful shots, it seems like magic. In other sports you have an oppent playing defense against you, but golf is really the only game you battle yourself. This movie captures that so well.

[–] wcga12 18 years ago

Well Dennis Quaid couldn't find the suitcase in a empty room. He's a poor actor and should retire. Matt Damon has the charming good looks and suave debonair that this role needed. Good call Mr Redford.

[–] mike_vegis 18 years ago

From my understanding, They were going for Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. When Pitt turned them down, they picked Damon but didn't, at the time, feel he had the box office draw to carry the movie so they brough in Smith.

[–] jim_d_grady 18 years ago

Will Smith was absolutely the worst choice for Bagger Vance. While he murdered the accent, I alternated between seeing him as the Fresh Prince and Agent J.

[–] alkaline213 18 years ago

As far as Matt Damon goes, he has said in interviews that he performed poorly in the role. \He said he :didn't bring anything to the role." He "researched all the wrong stuff." He learned to play golf rather than the chracter. He learned from the experience and has shown his growth with every performance. Maybe not everyone, he has some other poor ones as well, but it's all about the research. ----Charlie Rose interview on the Good Shephard---

These are my guns, Sir. -The Salton Sea

[–] 18 years ago

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