Lee Child

[baitress]

I have just finished the latest Jack Reacher novel
by the above named.
In one word brilliant.

[andy-hughes]

Me too - finished it last night.

I was lucky enough to find the first JR novel in a library, and have read them all in order.

I think I'm going to re-read them all, because i enjoyed them so much.

[Chickadee]

Agree, they are all excellent. Haven't read the latest one yet - am on the waiting list at the library - but really looking forward to it.

[andy-hughes]

Reacher is my hardback indulgence - I waited over two months at the library for one once, and I simply went and bought it as a treat for myself - and enjoyed it even more because of it.

[Chickadee]

I heard a rumor that they are going to make a film from one of the books (not sure which one) but I really hope they don't change Reacher.

[andy-hughes]

I've heard that too.

For reasons i can't explain - i always see kevin Spacey as Reacher. I know he hasn't the height or build, but he just seems right for the role - but I also think Daniel Craig would be perfect, with a little poetic licence for the height and builk issues.

[Quizmonster]

We've spoken of this before, Andy. There is a physical description of Jack Reacher in pretty well every book about him. Here's a typical one from <i>Bad Luck and Trouble</i>...
"Six-five, two-fifty, hands as big as frozen turkeys...forearms like Frankenstein's monster."
And, later in the same book...
"His arms were like a gorilla's only longer and thicker."
Elsewhere, one of his women friends describes him as being "like a six and a half foot condom stuffed with walnuts", which Lee Child actually ‘borrowed' from a book by Clive James. There is not a shred of doubt what this guy looks like in the author's mind.
Of course, film directors - and readers - are not obliged to stick to a writer's depiction of any given character...so, Kevin Spacey, if you like...but there can be only a handful of actors around who fit the bill as far as Lee Child is concerned. Arnold Schwarzeneger at one time possibly, but, for me, Kevin just ain't Jack Reacher!

[bednobs]

poetic licence means that they can get away with anything. In the morse books, lewis is an older man than morse

[andy-hughes]

We have indeed QM.

Although my mental vision of reacher is mr Spacey, i would feel most aggrieved if any casting director agreed with me!

As you say, Arnie's build would cut it, but not his acting ability - let's hope they find someone who will appeal to the massive army of reacher fans.

[Quizmonster]

Absolutely, Andy. By the way, do you know whether there are any plans afoot to MAKE a film of any of the novels?

[bednobs]

ok, so you all have me intrigued, i might download one - what's the first one please?

[andy-hughes]

Here you go bednobs -

http://www.leechild.com/books.php

[andy-hughes]

QM - last I heard, there were 'discussions', but nothing is solid yet.

I think in view of the 'Bourne' film successes, they would be sure of a good audience.

[craft1948]

I always imagine Reacher to be like Clint Walker.....

[andy-hughes]

Now there's a blast from the past!

[andy-hughes]

I just Googled Clint Walker, and as you say craft, he is perfect for the role - height-wise, looks-wise, and acting style, all tick the boxes.

Only one minor problem with Clint signing up for the role - he's eighty-three!!!

[Tizzi24]

I love Jack Reacher as well and have converted my son!

It's a shame Clint Eastwood is as old as he is, because I can just see him playing Jack.

[Quizmonster]

Thanks, Andy...let's hope the discussions bear fruit. As long as they don't involve some "little guy", such as Tom Cruise, I'm sure I'll be able to accept most potential Reachers!

[andy-hughes]

Tom Cruise is about as far from JR as I could conceive - which may make him an ideal choice for the Hollywood money-masters!

Gawd, I hope not!!!

Maybe Graham Norton? Alan Carr, Michael Barrymore? Alan Titchmarsh?


OK, I'll stop now!