Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Janis in the Movies

I have loved Janis Joplin and her music since I was a young teen dressing like her and running around thinking I exuded blues and soul. Perhaps I did.


I had long unruly hair and I wore all sorts of flowing vests and long stands of beads and feathers. How the hell I ever transcended into disco I will never know.

I never gave up the music. Lord that woman could belt out a song.



She also had the most delightful laugh; something that folks didn't hear too often.


I was heartbroken when she died.


A movie is now in the works examining the last 6 months of Janis Joplin's life.


Nina Arianda, a Broadway actress, has been chosen to portray Janis.


I don't know much about Nina beyond her role in the recent Broadway hit 'Venus in Fur'



So it's difficult to have an opinion about the casting. I read that Pink was being considered and that I could see.

I'm looking forward to the movie and I hope it brings Janis Joplin's music to a new generation.


Who do you think could play Janis?

24 comments:

DJan said...

Janis, Jimi and I were all born within a month of each other, so they are precious to me. I am the only one who got a chance to get old. Playing Janis? I have no idea who might be able to capture her, but I look forward to the attempt.

Daryl said...

if Tracy Ullman was younger and could sing I'd go with her but she isnt so I am at a loss ..

Anonymous said...

Janis Joplin was certainly a one-off. Incredible singer. I am always full of trepidation when they make films about rock stars - Oliver Stone's 'The Doors' being a good example of all I fear and 'The Rose', although not about Janis as such, was quite crappy too, IMO. Let's hope they do her story justice.

Jeni said...

Definitely do agree with your assessment of Ms. Joplin as one of the greatest female singers! One of my all-time favorite songs -Mercedes Benz! Used to have it memorized. As to who could best portray her? I have nary a clue!

Ron said...

I don't know much about Nina either.

But if I had to choose someone myself, I think Amanda Marshall would be an excellent choice because of her vocal quality.

I'm so anxious to see how Nina does in the role!

X ya, dear lady!

Akelamalu said...

I don't think anyone could do Janis justice to be honest.

Lowell said...

I was never into Ms. Joplin or her music. Which means absolutely nothing except that I'm fairly ignorant as to what she was all about. Those were crazy times and I was very busy ... with getting an education and raising a family.

But now you piqued my curiosity. I think I'll have to see the movie!

Mike said...

Looking back now she was just a kid when she died.

Ivanhoe said...

Sounds good to me, too. Not sold out on the lead role either. Will just have to wait and see :)
Hugs from Ohio,
I.

P.S.: I can totally see you dressed like that, my lil' hippie :)

Reb said...

I don't really have much in the way of direct knowledge of Janis or Jimi. I know a few of their songs from listening to my brother & his friends singing them and playing around. Nina sort of looks like her, so if she can sing, it may not be too bad.

CrystalChick said...

I don't know too much about JJ, only a few of her songs, but if Nina can get close enough with the voice, I think it'll be a hit. I'd watch it.

Fireblossom said...

I have no idea who could play her, cos I am not familiar enough with younger singers, but Janis was and is a great favorite of mine.

gabrielle said...

I'm glad to hear about the movie, although I can't imagine who could play her. She always has been and remains one of my favorites.
Have you seen Janis, The Way She Was?( http://www.amazon.com/Janis-The-Way-She-Was/dp/6300183505)
Wonderful documentary footage-- including Janis returning to her high school reunion in small town Texas decked out in feathers and beads.

HermanTurnip said...

I'm not sure who should play Janis, but Pink?! What were the casting directors thinking? Ain't no way she could be all that Janis was back in the day. I hadn't heard that they were making a movie about Janis Joplin, but after reading your post I'm now find myself anxiously awaiting its release!

OldLady Of The Hills said...

My friend JVP says that Nina is an incredibly talented actress...so, hopefully she will be magnificent!

Janis Joplin died just down the hill from me, at what was then a Hotel/Motel...now an apartment building, I believe. A very sad day.

Remember Bette Midler in "THE ROSE"? She could have done Joplin then---in fact people always said that film was a kind of veiled story of Janis Joplin.

I'm With Stupid said...

I always hoped that Pink would be the one doing a Janis Joplin biopic. But, it could still be great. Janis was awesome.

Jay

Ellen Whyte said...

She was certainly something - that yelping was awesome. Wouldn't it be fun to be so uninhibited?

Hilary said...

I could see Pink in the role.. no idea if she can act though. Ditto for an American Idol girl I really liked a few years back.. Crystal Bowersox. She reminded me of a young (forever young) Janis.

Jo said...

I have such a love for Janis. She's my all-time favorite female voice, and you're right about the laugh--it had an impish quality to it. Every so often I have to listen to "Work Me Lord", and it always does the job.

I think Chan Marshall from Cat Power would do a good job of playing Janis...she has the gritty soul for it.

Rambling Woods said...

when I need to feel some kick-ass in my step, I put her CD in..Love her.. I don't know who could play her... (Please check out my exciting butterfly find today..I am so excited about it)..hugs to you and Hope...Michelle

nitebyrd said...

Janis and Grace were my idols growing up. Janis was just so amazing - her voice, her style. I too, dressed like here. Couldn't sing like her but I could listen to her for hours and hours.

I remember when they were going to use Melissa Ethridge - she'd be great and then Joss Stone - possible.

I don't know anything about Nina. I hope she will do Janis justice.

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Linda Reeder said...

I sort of missed that whole era. I was in college and then working hard at keeping my head above water as a new teacher. I was still in to folk music, I guess.

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