MovieChat Forums > Bend It Like Beckham (2003) Discussion > Curious about the Beckhams in the Movie

Curious about the Beckhams in the Movie

posted 10 years ago by tomtac
6 replies | jump to latest

Trying a reality check here.

The full cast list indicates that David Beckham appears uncredited in this film by means of "archive footage". Then also that David and Victoria Beckham characters were played, uncredited, by Andy Harmer and Gil Penny.

Certainly, the picture over Jesminder's bed appears to be a real poster of David Beckham. That might be some of the 'archive footage', with more in the different game footage shown on the televisions.

Then there is scene at Heathrow in which we are shown Beckham's entourage walking on an upstairs passage, with a good number of paparazzi and reporters. I think I am assuming that this was done with actors and actresses, particularly since the dialog only suggests that it is the Beckham entourage and never confirms it. (As if, for some reason, David Beckham would not be allowed to appear in this movie, for contract reasons.)

So, it looks to me that neither of the Beckhams actually acted in this film. This sound right to everyone?

[–] India_Ana 10 years ago

I don't think the archive reference would include posters. It would be any clips of him on screen . . . such as playing football/soccer, etc. I believe they show them watching him on the 'telly?' That would be where the archive footage would come from.

And then the actors playing them in the airport scene.

Them not being personally in the movie could be due to scheduling. Or how much it might have cost to 'hire' them for the day.

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http://bthetwilightsaga.runboard.com/

[–] tomtac 10 years ago

[]

Good emoticon; me, too. Only an insider would know for sure, because we folks don't live on that level and would only guess.

[–] India_Ana 10 years ago

Yes. I use that one a lot.

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http://bthetwilightsaga.runboard.com/

[–] Hippo9 10 years ago

Director Commentary says they weren't in the movie. I think there was a scheduling conflict or something with the Real Beckhams so they just used doubles in the airport scene at the end.

[–] Prismark10 10 years ago

I think he Beckhams were in two minds whether to appear in the film.

Its that man again!!

[–] hppg 9 years ago

The archive footage was the very opening scene where it shows him playing in a match, which she is dreaming/watching on TV. I don't think it's referring to the poster as a credit wouldn't be needed for that. That's also him in the poster, not a fake.

Body doubles/lookalikes were used at the end. This is shown in the making of, which I recall seeing several years ago, it showed the faces of the doubles. I can't remember the reason why they used doubles, if they even went into it. No idea of scheduling conflicts or if the Beckhams just didn't agree to be part of it (not knowing what a success it would be). I doubt there would be contract issues.