Casting of Canterbury Tales

Casting of The Canterbury Tales

Brandon Abrams

October 31, 2012

Morrell English IV

The Pardoner- John Goodman

                John Goodman is the perfect character to play the Pardoner because of his comedic style as well as his burly appearance. Goodman has upheld this persona in previous roles, such as the critically acclaimed Argo and soon-to-be-released Flight with Denzel Washington. Goodman noted in a 2012 interview with Newsweek that he “like(s) playing characters who think they know a lot when in actuality they don’t. (Those) are the types of characters I like.” The Pardoner thinks he is the latest trend, trying to peddle fake relics and even the veil of the Virgin Mary, however, he really isn’t as cunning as he thinks he is. John Goodman would bring a comedic interpretation to the character while still portraying the Pardoner’s core traits. “I cultivate a haughty kind of speech And ring it out as loudly as a bell…”(Prologue3-4) this goes hand in hand with Goodman’s comedic style of being loud, strong, and brash and thus would be the perfect fit for the part of the Pardoner.

The Physician- Steve Buschemi

                Steve Buschemi combines a plethora of influences into his acting style. He can be cold, crazy, or cheerful all in one work. However, Buschemi has focused on darker roles in the last few years, most notably in Boardwalk Empire where he plays Enuch “Nucky” Thompson, a New Jersey bootlegger en route to becoming a “full gangster.” Buschemi has been noted in the New York Times for “liking roles where the character has an inner struggle” and “battling corruption within himself.” The same can be said for the Physician in The Canterbury Tales because while he may know all the inner workings of his medicinal practice he still battles corruption and financial greed. This would provide the perfect atmosphere for Buschemi to explore this role and portray greed. Also, Buschemi has the perfect body type for this role, portraying someone physically healthy yet morally corrupt.

The Knight- Daniel Craig

                Daniel Craig has become known in the film industry for playing a morally virtuous character fighting an inner battle within himself. This would be perfect for the role of the Knight because at the core of all knights during this time period was an inner battle to uphold chivalry. Craig, in such roles as James Bond in that franchise as well as in Defiance, upholds this inner battle while still fighting for what is right. Craig would bring a mix of ruggedness and still being a man of the church. This is most clearly seen in that “the Knight fought for what is right” (Canterbury Tales Prologue) and so would Craig. By having Craig portray the Knight it would enable the film to take a more rugged approach and thus become more of a commercial success. Furthermore, Craig has experience in roles that link closely to God, last portraying one in Defiance as a Jewish refugee during WWII. This would combine the right allocation of action and strength while still upholding covenants of the Church.