Mark Ruffalo...
... Really had the Columbo thing working in the movie "Zodiac." Right down to the animal crackers.
shareFine comment Chuck ! Though I have not seen "Zodiac" I always thought the only American actor who could play Columbo (in a remake film or episode) is Mark Ruffalo. Do you agree ?
Absolutely.
And "Zodiac" is very good.
I don't think they should ever re-make Columbo with any other actor.
I'd be interested to see a new detective in a show that has the same format (show the murder at the beginning, stand alone episodes).
Mark Ruffalo could play a detective with unique mannerisms (perhaps a disdain for modern technology like cell phones) and that could be great depending on the writing and the guest stars.
I think they should ever re-make Columbo with any other actor.I love the way you think. I don't want another Columbo either. No matter how good or bad it is, it will always be held up to the original and I honestly don't believe anyone can do it better than Peter Falk! He brought that character to life. We all feel like we know him personally; it takes a lot for an actor to bring that to the table.
I'd be interested to see a new detective in a show that has the same format (show the murder at the beginning, stand alone episodes).I like this idea as well and I LOVE the idea of detective that eschews technology. That sounds like fun! share
Mark Ruffalo could play a detective with unique mannerisms (perhaps a disdain for modern technology like cell phones) and that could be great depending on the writing and the guest stars.
I think it might be good if it was a female character on the chunky side.. who dresses in loud colors.
Then you could have scenes when she shows up at the murder scene and the cops say 'Sorry Mam, no civilians allowed' before she says she's the detective.
You'd have to have a character that did not look like a typical detective, then you could pay homage to Columbo with scenes where people can barely believe she's a homicide detective.
Her name? Columbia of course!
And yes, she would not use cell phones, just an old fashioned notepad.
I'm not sure if you could make Ruffalo look 'dirty' enough.
But I do love the idea of Ruffalo as Columbo and can really see him fitting magically into the role.
He doesn't have to be THE Columbo - he can be his son or nephew and be just like the original incomparable Falk/Columbo enough that it will be a great compliment and so fun to watch.
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Recovering Mensan. Not dumb enough to pay dues.
🐉
i think a son of Columbo would be a good idea. it would be quite believable that he had adopted some of the methods and mannerisms of his father.
shareLook, I love Peter Falk as much as anybody, but the character is bigger than he is.
I am currently co-directing a stage production of "Prescription: Murder", the play that introduced Columbo, and just about every beloved character trait is there in the script. The apparent bumbling, forgetfulness, use of non-sequiturs and anecdotes about his family to frustrate suspects, and even "Just one more thing." This means that a good actor can take on the part and make it their own while still maintaining what made him special in the first place.
Peter Falk wasn't the first actor to play the part, and won't be the last. I can think of many actors who could be a great Columbo... Ruffalo, Oscar Isaac, Forrest Whitaker, etc.
I find Oscar Bait infinitely more interesting than ticket bait
If you think a new actor should be Columbo you'd have to make every show a period piece set in the late 60s to mid 80s. (Mid 70s is my preference).
IMO Columbo in the year 2016 would strip away a lot of what makes the show special.
The time when people could smoke anywhere, the 70s mansions with fully stocked bars (where people would drink in the middle of the day), the cars, the clothes.. they are all as much a part of Columbo as the central character.
No Columbo 2.0 but that would be hard to do anyway because it's not the 1970's any more. Follow the format with the murder in the beginning and watching the detective figure it out. Columbo didn't like technology and that was our gain because we got to watch him brilliantly figure it out.
I don't know if a 2016 detective could or should avoid using technology. Perhaps they could figure out a way where he uses technology but it's behind the scenes and we see him doing the legwork to solve the crime.
I'm all for a well written detective show for today but not a remake of Columbo.
Exactly. There's only one Peter Falk and his name was Lieutenant Columbo!
shareWow I saw Zodiac and thought exactly the same being a big columbo fan, even tweeted Mark Ruffalo to ask if he was channeling him in the film, but he never answered
sharePeter Falk wasn't the first, Just the Best.
shareForrest Whitaker, and Bruce Willis should Play Alex Cross and Bradly Cooper Can Play John Luther?
shareRuffalo is a great choice but I think that Mos Def would be better for Columbo movie. The way he talks such as in movies like 16 Blocks and The Italian Job, sound more like Columbo to me.
shareI think Ruffalo would do good, and for some reason his character in Shutter Island reminded me slightly of Columbo for some reason.
shareMos Def should play an Alex Cross.
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