For Our Finnish Friends ..

Don Eddins · Post by **Don Eddins** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 6:26 pm

... and everyone else interested in Marshal Mannerhiem.

There are plans afoot for a film biography of Mannerheim. Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role. Finnish film stars Peter Franzen and Irina Bjorklund are also mentioned for the cast.

See www.darkhorizons.com for more. Go to "rumours and news" for September 16th.

Arto · Post by **Arto** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 7:07 pm

Originally posted by Xeno:
... and everyone else interested in Marshal Mannerhiem.

There are plans afoot for a film biography of Mannerheim. Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role. Finnish film stars Peter Franzen and Irina Bjorklund are also mentioned for the cast.

See www.darkhorizons.com for more. Go to "rumours and news" for September 16th.

But Renny Harlin (a Finn too) is going to direct it! Harlin has never made a movie like this, only action movies so I´m very affraid of this thing. Hope it will not be a typical Hollywood film.

In Finland there is also coming another Mannerheim movie, but it should be in Finnish.

Arto · Post by **Arto** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 7:20 pm

...continues...

In Finland people have reacted in two different ways (was it 3rd or 10th of August when this was in newspapers...?): Someone has been terrified and someone thinks this is a good idea.

But because this will be done in Hollywood way, it perhaps won´t be 100 % realistic and at least I don´t like that idea. There is also a chance that there will be some kind love stories in the movie and others not so important things just for to get more money. I am also hoping it wouldn´t be too patriotic or something like that.

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: Arto ]</p>

Belisarius · Post by **Belisarius** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 8:37 pm

Also saw this in a notice in a Swedish newspaper this week. Don't remember the name of the script writer, but he has not written anything like this before.

Expect an action drama set in WWII Finland. Don't expect accuracy. <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Gen. Maczek · Post by **Gen. Maczek** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 10:01 pm

Originally posted by Xeno:
Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role.

Im praying that rumor is wrong...Why do they insist on casting a frankly, gay looking Englishman with a voice straight from the aristocracy, to play Eastern peasant, war hero roles? I couldnt sit through Enemy at the Gates without thinking why I was listening to a voice that sounded straight out of 'pride and prejudice' instead of Stalingrad <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> .
Please, anyone else but him!
Regards.
Gen. Maczek

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: Gen. Maczek ]</p>

Belisarius · Post by **Belisarius** » Fri Aug 17, 2001 10:11 pm

Originally posted by Gen. Maczek:
Originally posted by Xeno:
Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role.

Im praying that rumor is wrong...Why do they insist on casting a frankly, gay looking Englishman with a voice straight from the aristocracy, to play Eastern peasant, war hero roles? I couldnt sit through Enemy at the Gates without thinking why I was listening to a voice that sounded straight out of 'pride and prejudice' instead of Stalingrad <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> .
Please, anyone else but him!
Regards.
Gen. Maczek

[ August 17, 2001: Message edited by: Gen. Maczek ]

<rant>

True. Very true. When they spend so much money and effort into making it look like Stalingrad! And I think they did a pretty good job. All that effort spoiled by a cast speaking Oxford English (or whatever..). Maybe with the exception of Ed Harris and Ron Perlman.

You think that when they have such an ambitious production, the actors could AT LEAST learn the lines in russian/german?? Or maybe Annaud didn't feel like consulting someone for translation of the script...?

</rant>

Grumble · Post by **Grumble** » Sat Aug 18, 2001 12:32 am

My view is, "Enemy at the Gates" introduced US and Brit audiences to an aspect of WW2 that is almost NEVER studied, let alone discussed. I've gotten A LOT of email questions on the Eastern Front from kids wanting to know more about it, thanks to this film (I answer history questions and tutor on the net).
If the Mannerheim pic needs a Hollywood "name" to get produced, and bring folks in,great. Hopefully it will spark an interest in the Winter War (which I've tried unsuccessfully to get the History Channel interested in. Even using the US volunteer aspect didn't help.) It'll be interesting to see who plays Ryti, Talvela, and Hagglund among others. Also, their spiel on Mannerheim's actions during the Civil War.

Sami · Post by **Sami** » Sat Aug 18, 2001 1:09 am

Hello all,

I saw the interview of the man who wrote the manuscript. He's an old timer, and an ex-General (IIRC), and at least he said that the purpose is that it would be historically accurate.

But I'm a bit skeptical, as it wouldn't be the first time when a director changes something, for reasons of entertainment.

sami heimola · Post by **sami heimola** » Sun Aug 19, 2001 1:03 am

Originally posted by Sami:
Hello all,

I saw the interview of the man who wrote the manuscript. He's an old timer, and an ex-General (IIRC), and at least he said that the purpose is that it would be historically accurate.

But I'm a bit skeptical, as it wouldn't be the first time when a director changes something, for reasons of entertainment.

Sami (hehheh, we have same name <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ), do you mean general Ermei Kanninen, ex-Finnish Army commander? I'm quite sure that Harlin will follow very accurately Mannerheim's career (only WW2 era I suppose?). He is from patriotic family. His father was Medical LtC and mother worked as "lotta" (sorry, I don't know better english phrase for this...)during Continuation War. So, with this background, I believe that Renny will make good movie about Marshall with all respect and taste. He must feel all pressures about historical accuracy because most Finnish (and why not foreigners too?) want it.

Sami

Sami · Post by **Sami** » Sun Aug 19, 2001 3:41 pm

Originally posted by sami heimola:
Sami (hehheh, we have same name <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ),

- Yep, a great name, isn't it? <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by sami heimola:
...do you mean general Ermei Kanninen, ex-Finnish Army commander? I'm quite sure that Harlin will follow very accurately Mannerheim's career (only WW2 era I suppose?). He is from patriotic family. His father was Medical LtC and mother worked as "lotta" (sorry, I don't know better english phrase for this...)during Continuation War. So, with this background, I believe that Renny will make good movie about Marshall with all respect and taste. He must feel all pressures about historical accuracy because most Finnish (and why not foreigners too?) want it.

- True, the same guy.
But what I meant is it's not necessarily that Renny wants to change the script, but if the script doesn't appeal producers, he may well have to change something. But I sincerely hope that I will be proven wrong on this.

SIdeslip · Post by **SIdeslip** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 2:01 am

Go Renny go,

Will Willis play Mannerheim? Can't wait to see Gustav smoking cigs, gulping whiskey and wasting Ivan with with an Uzi. "Surf's up Tovarich!"

[ August 19, 2001: Message edited by: Sideslip ]</p>

Halgary · Post by **Halgary** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 1:00 pm

Originally posted by Xeno:
There are plans afoot for a film biography of Mannerheim. Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role. Finnish film stars Peter Franzen and Irina Bjorklund are also mentioned for the cast.

I can't wait... I guess it'll be something like this: *BOOM!* "Hey, isn't that Mannerheim" *BOOM!* *car chase* *BOOM!* "Kiss your ass goodbye, Mannerheim" "Haa!" *BOOM!* *BOOM!* "This is why finns are so tough!" *BOOM!* *BOOM!*

Those lines in quotes are the "drama" -part, the rest is nothing but action. I was kind of surprised that Renny didn't hire Sylvester Stallone to play the role of Mannerheim.

I'm more afraid than eager to see that 'thing'...

JTGEN · Post by **JTGEN** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 5:11 pm

Gen. Maczek:

Originally posted by Xeno:
Rumor is that Jude Law will play the title role.

Im praying that rumor is wrong...Why do they insist on casting a frankly, gay looking Englishman with a voice straight from the aristocracy, to play Eastern peasant, war hero roles? I couldnt sit through Enemy at the Gates without thinking why I was listening to a voice that sounded straight out of 'pride and prejudice' instead of Stalingrad .
Please, anyone else but him!
Regards.
Gen. Maczek

I think that might be accurate, since Mannerheim was no peasant. He was aristocrazy, born in one of the biggest manors around here and served in Zsars bodyguards and thus accustomed to the life at the aristocratic circles.

I have all confidence in Renny, allthough this is not Cliffhanger or deep Blue Sea. He produced Rambling Rose, which definately was no action, so this is not completely new for him. Biggest problem is to get an actor who can play both young officer in russian court, and also old man. Unless several actors are used, with problems of it's own.

I just wonder what is the role Samuel L jacson will play? <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Belisarius · Post by **Belisarius** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 6:41 pm

His father was Medical LtC and mother worked as "lotta" (sorry, I don't know better english phrase for this...)

I can give it a shot, since we had "lottas" in Sweden as well. It's the women's voluntary defence force for you English-speaking out there. I guess in army terms that'd be equivalent to the British WRAC and the U.S. WAC's ...

I just wonder what is the role Samuel L jacson will play?

Wahah, that will undoubtedly be the role as the sarcastic realist-turned-involountary-sidekick. Added to balance the hero (Mannerheim) and, by weird fortune, saves his life. Go Hollywood.. <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

[ August 20, 2001: Message edited by: Belisarius ]</p>

Grumble · Post by **Grumble** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 9:56 pm

Nope, sorry guys. I sent the URL mentioned above to a friend of mine who does Production Design for Sony (no he doesn't appear in their movie ads <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> ). This is his cut:
It's going to be.....BEN AFFLECK as the Marshal (hey, even CGE couldn't speak fluent Finnish) with MATT DAMON as General Talvela. Or, possibly a fictional side-kick. "J-Lo" provides the love interest as Mrs Mannerheim (who's secretly either seeing Matt, or to lock in an "R" rating (US system) has an affair with:
Brittney Spears who has a cameo as a Lotta (this will also tie in the "Talvisota" music video).
On the Soviet side, Anya Kournikova in her first movie role might be a Young Pioneer whose ideals are smashed as she nurses the thousands of Red Army wounded.
I'm thinking T26s and Suomis for the McDonalds Happy Meal promo campaign. Maybe Pe2s as well.

sami heimola · Post by **sami heimola** » Mon Aug 20, 2001 11:49 pm

Brittney Spears who has a cameo as a Lotta (this will also tie in the "Talvisota" music video).

<img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

On the Soviet side, Anya Kournikova in her first movie role might be a Young Pioneer whose ideals are smashed as she nurses the thousands of Red Army wounded.

<img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

I'm thinking T26s and Suomis for the McDonalds Happy Meal promo campaign. Maybe Pe2s as well.

<img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

JTGEN · Post by **JTGEN** » Wed Aug 22, 2001 6:09 pm

I remember reading that Matt Damon (wery good chance of remembering the actor wrong) has finnish backround (grandmother or something like that) so that would be good. And as said Mannerheim's finnish sucked too, so no problem there.

OKW-73 · Post by **OKW-73** » Sat Sep 01, 2001 6:11 pm

Well, im not 100% sure of this info, but i just heard that there will not be this movie, family of Mannerheim have something to do with this matter...