Vera Farmiga is Christine McVie

[HejiraNYC]

From nickslive (the definitive source!):

Vera Farmiga at some elle magazine-related thingamajig:

"Aaron Eckhart is going to play Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and I’ll be playing one of the great loves of Dennis’ life—Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, so that will be really fun!”

http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Weinstein+Company+Premieres+Breaking+Entering+3RByLLxHly-l.jpghttp://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/b/0/b01sa2ylq5ft10af.jpg

I approve. Brilliant casting!

[louielouie2000]

GAHH!! BRILLIANT CHOICE!! She's such an amazing actress! :nod: I don't give a hoot about the Beach Boys, but I'll absolutely have to see this. The thought of Christine being portrayed on the silver screen is just so incredibly exciting. :woohoo:

[sleepless child]

Very interesting. We will get a look at the private world of Christine. I'm really looking forward to seeing this when it comes out.

[PenguinHead]

If the movie is going to be about the Beach Boys, I can't imagine Dennis's short time with Christine will be anything more than a side note to a larger storyline. But absolutely great, dead-on casting!

[WildHearted]

Wow, great casting!

[mylittledemon]

That is awesome... I really hope she nails it.

[michelej1]

Whoa. This is exciting. Also, you guys don't like to have Christine harassed, but I don't mind so much. If reporters try to get comments from her about the portrayal, I'm all for it.

I don't want Harvey Levin to send people after our girl, but I would like to hear from her. It's been so long.

Michele

[Villavic]

Any chance to hear "Hold Me"?

"Hold Me," reflected her bittersweet reflections on her relationship with Dennis Wilson, which had almost resulted in marriage but had ended instead the previous December, when Dennis had moved out of Chris's house and her life. Christine had loved Dennis with all her heart (we all did), and he was a fascinating if exhausting episode in her life. I felt some responsibility, because I had introduced them. Dennis was -an utter loon, and Chris was like my sister. I watched in trepidation as Chris almost went mad trying to keep up with Dennis, who was already like a man with twenty thyroid glands, not counting the gargantuan amounts of coke and booze and pills he was always shoving into himself. I was very torn, because Dennis was a friend, and I'd see him ****ing up and chasing skirts and didn't know whether it was my role to say anything to Chris. In the end I didn't have to. She got tired of spending a fortune and her health on maintaining Dennis on the road to his eventual destiny. In any case, "Hold Me" was a great song, and became the first hit single of the new album.

Mick Fleetwood

[GoldDustBoy]

This is SO exciting. :blob1: The casting is brilliant, and I can't wait to see it. Isn't it ironic that after trying to stay out of the spotlight with or without the band, Chris will be first Mac member to be portrayed on the silver screen.

[TrueFaith77]

Only a slight step up from Cate Blanchett on the vomit scale. I wonder what it is about Christine that makes people want to cast such hateful women to play her (I wanted Katrin Cartlidge (rip) or Sally Hawkins--two of the most humane figures in modern film history).

[mezzoforte]

If the movie is going to be about the Beach Boys, I can't imagine Dennis's short time with Christine will be anything more than a side note to a larger storyline. But absolutely great, dead-on casting!

The film is about Dennis Wilson, and focuses on the last six years of his life. Christine was not an insignificant part of those last years. We'll see how much they choose to focus on her, but it might be quite a large role.

Spot on casting! I'm thrilled.

[HejiraNYC]

Only a slight step up from Cate Blanchett on the vomit scale. I wonder what it is about Christine that makes people want to cast such hateful women to play her (I wanted Katrin Cartlidge (rip) or Sally Hawkins--two of the most humane figures in modern film history).

Um... it's called acting. They recite dialogue that they memorized from a script. Okay, some are better than others. But you can hardly extrapolate what they do on screen onto their personal attributes off-camera. Accordingly I'm puzzled by your use of the word humane figure. Are you saying that Cate Blanchett is a bad person, and therefore unfit to work in her chosen career? :shrug:

[HejiraNYC]

If the movie is going to be about the Beach Boys, I can't imagine Dennis's short time with Christine will be anything more than a side note to a larger storyline. But absolutely great, dead-on casting!

It sounds like they had quite an intense relationship; I don't see how they could not include some of these episodes in the movie (from fmlegacy.com):

With Dennis, there was never a lack of excitement. Unfortunately it was not the kind of excitement one would want. One night, because Dennis left candles burning in the pool house, or perhaps because of an electrical short, their pool house burned to the ground. There were, of course, intensely romantic moments, as only Dennis could orchestrate them. On a trip to Hawaii with Fleetwood Mac, Dennis bought Christine an unset ruby as an expression of his love. He presented it to her in Rex's restaurant in Honolulu, getting down on his knees in front of the whole band and proposing to Christine in earnest. Back in Los Angeles, when Dennis was showing the stone off to her friends, he carelessly dropped it on the floor. It was recovered by Dennis's long-time assistant Chris Kable, who found it in the vacuum-cleaner bag. In another incident, on Christine's birthday, he hired a team of gardeners to construct a heart-shaped flower bed in the backyard, and even hired a string quartet to play for her. Unfortunately, the bill for the party was sent to Christine. Not a good move Dennis.

Christine McVie's personal life was nearly destroyed by the end of 1980. She had tried several times, albeit unsuccessfully, to end her relationship with Dennis. Each time she asked him to leave, he came back like a sheepish dog, and Christine forgive and forgave. Like others before her (read: John), she forgave Dennis more times than she should have, and took him back. But, by Christmas of that year, her neighbors were up in arms over the loud arguing and public scenes taking place in the street, and her own lawyers advised Christine to end the relationship. Dennis moved out and rented his own house on Wavecrest Avenue in Venice Beach with a friend. Sadly though, Dennis' life ended tragically in a drowning accident a few years later.


However, that being said, it does seem like the focus will be on his subsequent (and final) relationship with Mike Love's daughter. Mucho scandalo!

Since he spent a good chunk of time following FM around on the Tusk tour, maybe there's a chance that some of this era may make it into the movie, which means they will have to cast actors to play Lindsey, Stevie, John and Mick as well.

[michelej1]

And they'll heighten everything for the sense of drama anyway. So, even if she was a small part of his last downward spiral, they might make their relationship more pivotal in his life than it actually was, to enhance the script appeal.

Michele

[Sanne2]

If the movie is going to be about the Beach Boys, I can't imagine Dennis's short time with Christine will be anything more than a side note to a larger storyline. But absolutely great, dead-on casting!

She's too "big" of an actress for it to be only a very small role, I won't be surprised if there was quite a lot of Christine in the screenplay and possibly an appereance from other FM bandmembers as well....

[Sanne2]

Only a slight step up from Cate Blanchett on the vomit scale. I wonder what it is about Christine that makes people want to cast such hateful women to play her (I wanted Katrin Cartlidge (rip) or Sally Hawkins--two of the most humane figures in modern film history).

This whole comment => WTF

[ButterCookie]

When I saw this thread this morning just as I'd woken up I was thinking WHAT THE HELL?!?!?

Now I'm over the moooooooon. She is perfekt.

[mylittledemon]

Only a slight step up from Cate Blanchett on the vomit scale. I wonder what it is about Christine that makes people want to cast such hateful women to play her (I wanted Katrin Cartlidge (rip) or Sally Hawkins--two of the most humane figures in modern film history).

LOL... Sally Hawkins is awesome. I'm surprised they didn't cast a Brit... but then I guess Vera looks a bit more like Christine. Who knows why the hell they cast who they cast in some of these movies.

[HomerMcvie]

I can't wait to see it!

[ButterCookie]

I can't wait to see it!

I can't wait to rent it. I couldn't go to the cinema and watch all the way through, I'm only interested in the parts that Chris is in. :p

(I typed "Christine's bits" and "Christine's parts" before I finally settled on that last sentence so as not to sound pervy...)

[HomerMcvie]

I can't wait to rent it. I couldn't go to the cinema and watch all the way through, I'm only interested in the parts that Chris is in. :p

(I typed "Christine's bits" and "Christine's parts" before I finally settled on that last sentence so as not to sound pervy...)

Right, same here. I really have no interest in The Beach Boys, or Dennis, outside of his time with Chris.

[poetinmyheart]

I'm definitely intrigued by this film.

[jbrownsjr]

From nickslive (the definitive source!):

Vera Farmiga at some elle magazine-related thingamajig:

"Aaron Eckhart is going to play Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and I’ll be playing one of the great loves of Dennis’ life—Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, so that will be really fun!”

http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Weinstein+Company+Premieres+Breaking+Entering+3RByLLxHly-l.jpghttp://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/b/0/b01sa2ylq5ft10af.jpg

I approve. Brilliant casting!

THANKS FOR POSTING!! This makes me happy!!

[ironman_01701]

I think she must have been happy by the news, she's must be going crazy seeing too many polytunnels near her backyard. She's got to be lonely in that little town in Kent, gets cold/gray and depression must be getting to her.

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_gazette/community/cnstory.aspx?sid=70618

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/debate_over_polytunnels_rages_on_1_977752

[fringed n fab]

From nickslive (the definitive source!):

Vera Farmiga at some elle magazine-related thingamajig:

"Aaron Eckhart is going to play Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys and I’ll be playing one of the great loves of Dennis’ life—Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, so that will be really fun!”

http://www2.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/Weinstein+Company+Premieres+Breaking+Entering+3RByLLxHly-l.jpghttp://s11.allstarpics.net/images/orig/b/0/b01sa2ylq5ft10af.jpg

I approve. Brilliant casting!

What a great actress! I could see her pulling this off well.

[fringed n fab]

I think she must have been happy by the news, she's must be going crazy seeing too many polytunnels near her backyard. She's got to be lonely in that little town in Kent, gets cold/gray and depression must be getting to her.

http://www.kentonline.co.uk/kentish_gazette/community/cnstory.aspx?sid=70618

http://www.kentnews.co.uk/news/debate_over_polytunnels_rages_on_1_977752I could never live in England.

[michelej1]

She's got to be lonely in that little town in Kent, gets cold/gray and depression must be getting to her.



She "don't care for sunny weather." That's why she left Hollywood for some other kind of town. She loves the feel of rain upon her face. No, she don't care if the snow comes down.

I don't think she finds the cold and gray depressing. Plus, she's got her brother and his kids and their kids, in addition to whatever friends she has. I doubt she's lonely. Probably less lonely than she was in the states, after she split from Eddie.

Michele

[jbrownsjr]

She "don't care for sunny weather." That's why she left Hollywood for some other kind of town. She loves the feel of rain upon her face. No, she don't care if the snow comes down.

I don't think she finds the cold and gray depressing. Plus, she's got her brother and his kids and their kids, in addition to whatever friends she has. I doubt she's lonely. Probably less lonely than she was in the states, after she split from Eddie.

Michele

My brother moved from LA back to Cleveland and he loves the snow, grey, "bare trees" etc... Some people love the roots of where they grew up.. no matter what the weather...

[fringed n fab]

My brother moved from LA back to Cleveland and he loves the snow, grey, "bare trees" etc... Some people love the roots of where they grew up.. no matter what the weather...

You know, this is true. I don't think one ever forgets where they came from no matter where they move off to in life. Unless of course it was a terrible experience but for most, I believe our growings up is what made us and we wouldn't change that for anything. :)

[HomerMcvie]

You know, this is true. I don't think one ever forgets where they came from no matter where they move off to in life. Unless of course it was a terrible experience but for most, I believe our growings up is what made us and we wouldn't change that for anything. :)

It's also untrue!

I grew up with bitter, cold, winters, and I GUARANTEE, that I could be happy, the rest of my life, without ever seeing a temperature below 60F.

Ideal for me, would be 92 and sunny, 365 days a year, and about 75 at night.

[Meowi]

Oh, this should be good! Just makes me wish there was a Mac movie.

[MacShadowsBall]

I'm really excited about this movie. Though I'm not really a Beach Boys fan, it will be great to see a member of Fleetwood Mac portrayed on screen.

I wonder what Christine herself thinks of this? Has she had any input into this movie? :shrug:

[michelej1]

I wonder what Christine herself thinks of this? Has she had any input into this movie? :shrug:

Don't know, but even if they reached out to her, but if I had to bet, I'd be absolutely flabbergasted if she even returned the call. It doesn't seem like the type of thing she'd want to be involved in.

Michele

[ironman_01701]

Photo has Christine words: volgens mijheb ik teveel gedronken - In Dutch it means "too much to drink I drank too much". Dennis has photo with words in French phrase C'es la vie - It means "Such is life"

The second photo is on a sail boat with both Dennis and Chris hugging.

The 3rd photo is a happy Chris.

Funny, Dennis is not happy (troubled person?)

[bombaysaffires]

Photo has Christine words: volgens mijheb ik teveel gedronken - In Dutch it means "too much to drink I drank too much". Dennis has photo with words in French phrase C'es la vie - It means "Such is life"

The second photo is on a sail boat with both Dennis and Chris hugging.

The 3rd photo is a happy Chris.

Funny, Dennis is not happy (troubled person?)
That last photo seems like it might be from the photo shoot at her house, and there was a picture of her and Dennis in her back garden, the one he had dug up into the shape of a heart and planted with roses....

[vivfox]

Photo has Christine words


I've never seen these first two pics before. Thank you for posting them!

[vivfox]

This girl looks a bit like this actress, no?

[jbrownsjr]

It's also untrue!

I grew up with bitter, cold, winters, and I GUARANTEE, that I could be happy, the rest of my life, without ever seeing a temperature below 60F.

Ideal for me, would be 92 and sunny, 365 days a year, and about 75 at night.

Los Angeles here you come!

[HomerMcvie]

Los Angeles here you come!

~Like button~!

I've never been west of Colorado...but CA, FL,....anywhere that is doesn't hit single digits(or even freezing, for that matter!).

[ironman_01701]

Aaron Eckhart Will Be The movie "The Drummer", a movie about Dennis Wilson and will tackle the last six years of Wilson’s life when the singer-songwriter released his acclaimed solo album Pacific Ocean Blue:

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/aaron-eckhart-the-drummer-beach-boys-249314

Eckhart is going to play Dennis Wilson of The Beach Boys, however Vera Farmiga let a juicy little detail slip on January 23, 2012 at ELLE dinner. Vera said I’ll be playing one of the great loves of Dennis’ life—Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac, so that will be really fun!”

http://fashion.elle.com/culture/2012/01/24/vera-farmiga-to-play-fleetwood-macs-christine-mcvie/

The film is scheduled to shoot in the spring/summer of this year to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of The Beach Boys. The film will be shot in California and at Meddin Studios in Georgia.

Christine left FM in 1998 and went into near isolation since (short of 2004 "In The Meantime" and her contribution to Lindsey album in the early 2000's).

Dennis Wilson loved life, and loved booze and drugs a lot too. He knew Charlie Manson and that part of the movie I suspect will be exposed (albeit pre-1977).

We all know Dennis also had a significant relationship with Chris from 1979 to 1981. Christine ended the relationship after she could no longer cope with his alcohol addiction, and her being played as a "Sugar Daddy" by Dennis.

Something like this film (The Drummer) is almost an autobiography of Dennis Willson. Christine had to sign off on this, because its a near autobiography of Chris during that short time. However, if Vera Farmiga let a juicy little detail slip on her roll without Chris blessing, there maybe legal issues. From reports the Willson family will be acting as co-producers.

That being said, a film/book autobiography should be swept clean to avoid legal actions based on slander, liable or defamation of character. Are those the only basis?? Can someone get an injuction against the book or film?

Truth is not necessarily a defense, especially if the other person has a different memory/experience. For example, "I once loved Suzy Smith, but she left me for a nerd."
Maybe that is the way you remember it. Suzy on the other hand, might remember "I left him because he was an abusive jerk." The dead cannot claim defamation rights but the living can. The Willson family might if they are mentioned and are still alive. Sometimes a work of fiction is so thinly disguised that the target can go to court and say "This 'Suzy Smith' is really me Mary Jones, and I resent being portrayed as a cold, heartless woman."
There is always a risk in all autobiography. The best way to go is to have a lawyer review the work prior to publication. I'm sure the Willson family has clear the way with Christine on this movie.

Since no one owns history, you're theoretically free to recount actual events, but the problem is always going to be that memories are flawed and indisputably selective things, so no 2 people are likely to remember the same event the same way. If you wrote anything that's unflattering about anyone, whether you think it's a TRUE FACT or not, if you can't show hard proof of it, or it's not unquestionably your OPINION rather than FACT, you could get sued for defamation.

Fleetwood Mac Hold Me - Those awesome lyrics and music by Christine (was co-written by Robbie Patton) and lead solo guitar by Lindsey is a great love song! The fact that this was written about Christine's love affair with Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys would explain the Beach Boy's inspired back ground vocals in the song ("Come on and ..."Hold me, Hold me..."). It reminds me of the chorus of "Help me Rhonda

As a long time fan of Christine and the FM band, I really hope all goes well for Chris. The chain isn't broken, but it's true about the saying "still waters run deep". So it is true with Christine..... in that sleepy little town in Kent UK.

[Richard B]

Interesting pick for casting Christine McVie. I've only seen Vera Farmiga in one movie though, Dummy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246592/), and she was ok in it. I never got a British vibe from her...so hopefully she has the acting chops to apply that British accent and smokey voice Christine has.

[elle]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118049476#.TycwtuVJ_5A.facebook

Posted: Mon., Jan. 30, 2012, 1:02pm PT
Vera Farmiga to star in 'Drummer'
She'll play Christine McVie in Dennis Wilson biopic
By ANDREW STEWART

Vera Farmiga will join Aaron Eckhart in helmer Randall Miller's indie music biopic "The Drummer," about Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson.
Farmiga, who received an Oscar nomination for 2009's "Up in the Air" and recently made her directorial debut with "Higher Ground," will play notable Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie.

Miller is producing with scribe Jody Savin through their banner Unclaimed Freight Prods.(The pair were behind 2008's indie hit "Bottle Shock.") Music industry vet Brad Rosenberger also produces.

"The Drummer" follows six years in Wilson's life during which he and McVie sparked a passionate and tumultuous relationship before Wilson's death in 1983. Fleetwood Mac's album "Mirage," released in 1982, features the hit song "Hold Me," co-written by McVie and reportedly inspired by her love affair with Wilson.

Farmiga joins the project as a classically trained pianist. "She has a number of duets with Eckhart in the film," Miller noted. "The combination of Aaron and Vera will be pure magic."

Slated to begin lensing June 15, "The Drummer" is co-produced by Wilson's children, Carl and Jennifer. Gerry DeKlerk and Irene Nelson of Rampart Films exec produce, along with Caribou Records' Jim Guercio and Julie Sultan, prexy of international sales and distribution for W2 Media, which is co-financing and handling foreign rights for the film.

Jonathan Gardner of Cohen/Gardner negotiated the deal on behalf of the producers with CAA's Tracey Brennan and Jodi Peikoff of Peikoff Law Offices for Farmiga.

She is repped by CAA and Jon Rubinstein of Authentic Talent and Literary Management.

Contact Andrew Stewart at [email protected]

[elle]

Interesting pick for casting Christine McVie. I've only seen Vera Farmiga in one movie though, Dummy (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0246592/), and she was ok in it. I never got a British vibe from her...so hopefully she has the acting chops to apply that British accent and smokey voice Christine has.

you didn't see "Up in the air"?

[HejiraNYC]

http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118049476#.TycwtuVJ_5A.facebook

Posted: Mon., Jan. 30, 2012, 1:02pm PT
Vera Farmiga to star in 'Drummer'
She'll play Christine McVie in Dennis Wilson biopic
By ANDREW STEWART

Vera Farmiga will join Aaron Eckhart in helmer Randall Miller's indie music biopic "The Drummer," about Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson.
Farmiga, who received an Oscar nomination for 2009's "Up in the Air" and recently made her directorial debut with "Higher Ground," will play notable Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter Christine McVie.

Miller is producing with scribe Jody Savin through their banner Unclaimed Freight Prods.(The pair were behind 2008's indie hit "Bottle Shock.") Music industry vet Brad Rosenberger also produces.

"The Drummer" follows six years in Wilson's life during which he and McVie sparked a passionate and tumultuous relationship before Wilson's death in 1983. Fleetwood Mac's album "Mirage," released in 1982, features the hit song "Hold Me," co-written by McVie and reportedly inspired by her love affair with Wilson.

Farmiga joins the project as a classically trained pianist. "She has a number of duets with Eckhart in the film," Miller noted. "The combination of Aaron and Vera will be pure magic."

Slated to begin lensing June 15, "The Drummer" is co-produced by Wilson's children, Carl and Jennifer. Gerry DeKlerk and Irene Nelson of Rampart Films exec produce, along with Caribou Records' Jim Guercio and Julie Sultan, prexy of international sales and distribution for W2 Media, which is co-financing and handling foreign rights for the film.

Jonathan Gardner of Cohen/Gardner negotiated the deal on behalf of the producers with CAA's Tracey Brennan and Jodi Peikoff of Peikoff Law Offices for Farmiga.

She is repped by CAA and Jon Rubinstein of Authentic Talent and Literary Management.

Contact Andrew Stewart at [email protected]

Thanks for finding this! OMG, this is going to be amazing! Nobody sounds like Christine, so I really have to wonder whether Vera will do any actual singing (like Val Kilmer supposedly did for The Doors), or whether she will be lip syncing... perhaps over new vocals from Christine?? And what songs will they sing together? Oh, the mind boggles... It would be really amazing if this is all being done with Christine's blessing and active participation.

[jbrownsjr]

Thanks for finding this! OMG, this is going to be amazing! Nobody sounds like Christine, so I really have to wonder whether Vera will do any actual singing (like Val Kilmer supposedly did for The Doors), or whether she will be lip syncing... perhaps over new vocals from Christine?? And what songs will they sing together? Oh, the mind boggles... It would be really amazing if this is all being done with Christine's blessing and active participation.

Did you say "new vocals"... you're gonna give me a heart attack!! lol :lol:

[Richard B]

you didn't see "Up in the air"?

I have not.

[michelej1]

Blackbook Magazine
http://www.blackbookmag.com/movies/dennis-wilson-biopic-scores-vera-farmiga-as-fleetwood-mac-singer-1.44491

Dennis Wilson Biopic Scores Vera Farmiga as Fleetwood Mac Singer By Jeremy Gordon
January 31, 2012

Unfortunately for your favorite Tumblr, she won't be Stevie Nicks. Instead, Vera Farmiga will play Christine McVie, Fleetwood Mac's singer-songwriter-keyboardist, in The Drummer, an upcoming biopic about troubled Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson. The movie will follow the six years of Wilson's relationship with McVie, climaxing with his untimely death in 1983. He'll be played by Aaron Eckhart, an intriguing casting decision considering he isn't typically on call for the tortured hippie genius roles, instead usually playing the WASP-y dudes you love/hate to hate/love.

The movie, co-produced by Wilson's children, will begin filming in the summer. Director Randall Miller told Variety that Farmiga, a classically trained pianist, will get a chance to rock the Mac's finest ballads. "She has a number of duets with Eckhart in the film," he said. "The combination of Aaron and Vera will be pure magic." I'm betting there will be a cathartic performance of "Hold Me," the '83 Fleetwood hit that was written by McVie about Wilson. You can watch that delightfully wacky music video below (riding white horses in the desert is categorically the most excessive thing ever).

[aleuzzi]

Nobody sounds like Christine, so I really have to wonder whether Vera will do any actual singing (like Val Kilmer supposedly did for The Doors), or whether she will be lip syncing... perhaps over new vocals from Christine??

Ha! We could only wish! I can hear Christine going to her default setting: ''How much are you going to pay me?"

I love her and I love her music. But she won't do anything without a hefty price tag.

[mylittledemon]

Aaron Eckhart isn't a bad casting choice either... I've enjoyed him in just about everything I've seen him in.

http://maxcdn.fooyoh.com/files/attach/images/1068/356/640/006/Dennis_Wilson_Aaron_Eckhart1_362x216.jpg

[Dr.Brown]

Nice photo of Christine and Dennis featured in this article:

http://www.aintitcool.com/node/53158

[ironman_01701]

Heroes and Villains by Steven Gaines read this book excerpt:

http://books.google.com/books?id=spwdCTYbJP4C&lpg=PP1&pg=PA8#v=onepage&q=mcvie&f=false

Excerpt from pages 398-403:

Dennis had been recording songs for a second solo album at the Village Recorders, the studio owned by George Hormel, Jr. One night in November 1978 he met Christine McVie, keyboardist and singer of the English group Fleetwood Mac, who was there recording background vocals as a favor for musician Danny Douma. McVie was a tall, husky-voiced, blonde woman with hard features - a far cry from Karen Lamm's classic American beauty. Born Christine Perfect in Birmingham, England, she joined Fleetwood Mac after a stint as a featured member of the group Chicken Shack. She later married Fleetwood Mac's bass player, John McVie, only to divorce him in February 1978. Still, the two continued to work together in the group, which would soon hit megastar proportions, owing to both Christine's exceptional talent as a songwriter and the incomparable voice of group member Stevie Nicks. Christine was a loyal, sensitive woman with strong moral convictions, but she was also lonely and vulnerable, living in a huge four-bedroom house in Coldwater Canyon.

She had been romantically involved with Curry Grant, Fleetwood Mac's lighting director, but the affair had run its course. According to Chris Kable, who was Dennis's secretary and later worked for Christine in the same capacity, "she took one look at Dennis and knew that he was somebody she wanted to be with. The night they met, she went home with him and spent the night with him on the boat. It was very romantic, and they were together ever after that night. She told Curry Grant she had met someone else, and he moved out".

The beginning of this affair contributed to Dennis's slide into a completely dissolute life-style. Just before Christmas 1978, Dennis moved into Christine's house. Like many of the women who fell in love with Dennis, she was generous to a fault, and found herself giving him money almost daily. Yet she was wealthy enough that one of their friends described Dennis's role in here live as an "expensive excuse for her to get up in the morning". At first they spent their time between the Harmony and Christine's house, but within a few months with Christine's blessings, Dennis had set up quarters in a small pool house on Christine's terraced property. He outfitted the place with a brass bed and pump organ, cushions on the floor, and an array of candles for mood lighting.

Karen was by now resigned (and a little relieved) about the impending end of her relationship with Dennis. With Dennis's enthusiastic urging, Karen began to visit him at Christine's house, where she befriended her competitor for Dennis's attention. Karen and Christine had one common bond - the misery Dennis was putting them through. Karen, a magnanimous and in some ways wise young woman, gave Christine her support. Karen's spirit helped Christine through many dark times to come.

Still the relationship between the two women was most peculiar. Dennis tried to impart many of Karen's virtues to Christine. For instance, Dennis didn't like the way Christine dressed, and asked Karen to take her shopping for clothes. (Christine dropped over $50,000 in Charles Galley in Beverly Hills under Karen's guidance.) Karen would sometimes visit Dennis when Christine wasn't home, which led to some odd situations. One day while Karen was there, a messenger arrived with a manila envelope from a lawyer's office and Dennis wasn't home to receive it. Karen was nice enough to sign for it. When Dennis arrived home later, she discovered that dennis had filed for divorce a second time without telling her and that the envelope she had so helpfully signed for contained her own divorce papers. When she saw what the envelope contained, she asked Dennis sweetly, "What's this, honey?" But Dennis had no answer. The divorce became legal in June 1980. Karen received only $2,000 a month through February 1983 and $1,000 a month thereafter - not as alimony, but merely to pay back the loan Dennis owned her. Attorney Marvin Mitchelson took $19,000 of it in fees. On the bottom of the dissolution decree was a handwritten note that said, "So sorry, Dennis Wilson".

Dennis lived with Christine McVie for over two years, and during this time his drinking and cocaine addiction increased alarmingly. According to reputable sources, Christine McVie loaned or gave Dennis approximately $100,000 during that period, including a $20,000 loan to make repairs on the Harmony. Said Bob Levine, who had become Dennis's business manager in 1978, "How can a man with any dignity live in a situation like that? Even though she did it without any strings in a very nice manner, he felt like he's a gigolo, sponging off her".

Still Dennis did not have enough money to pay for all the cocaine - at one point he had run up a coke bill of over $10,000 with a hard-nosed dealer. Reportedly, Dennis settled his debt by giving the dealer a 1935 classic Ford automobile - a wedding gift from Karen.

Dennis brought all his personal problems into Christine's life. At one point, on vacation in England, he thought he had stomach cancer. Christine checked him into a hospital for treatment, only to discover he was perfectly healthy. At any time of day or night half a dozen people might arrive at Christine's house at Dennis's invitation for shelter and food. Jack Rieley spent nearly a week with them in the summer of 1979. One day, Dennis's daughter Jennifer was deposited at Christine's doorstep with a suitcase and a note, and Christine took her in. Jennifer's mother, Carol, was besiege with personal problems at the time. "I had remarried and was getting a divorce. I was a having very, very big problem," Carol said. "Jennifer loved living there. She always spoke highly of how nice Christine was. The problem was that Dennis was a heavy drinker. Jennifer started to experience some of the real things that go on out in life. She was exposed to drinks and drinking. After a few months... she didn't want to come back.. she was having a great time".

Dennis's stepson, Scott, also came around the house, and was soon employed as an assistant to Dennis while he was there. But relations between stepfather and stepson were less happy than Dennis's relationship with Jennifer.

With Dennis, any kind of disaster was possible. One night, because Dennis left candles burning in the pool house, or perhaps because of an electrical short, the pool house burned to the ground. There were, of course, romantic moments, as only Dennis could orchestrate them to make up for all the problems. On a trip to Hawaii with Fleetwood Mac, Dennis bought Christine an unset ruby as an expression of his love. He presented it to her in Rex's restaurant in Honolulu, where he got down on his knees in front of the whole band and asked Christine to marry him. Back in Los Angeles, Dennis was showing the stone off to her friends and he dropped it on the floor. It was recovered by Dennis's long-time assistant Chris Kable, who found it in the vacuum-cleaner bag. One July, for Christine's birthday, Dennis hired a team of gardeners to construct a heart-shaped flower bed in the backyard, and even hired a string quartet to play for her. Unfortunately, the bill for the party was sent to Christine. That same night, Dennis managed to take Scott's girl friend to bed, and the entire household was up in arms over the incident.

"He did crap to Christine," Chris Kable said. "He would be gone for days, and he would call her every hour while he was off with somebody else. But for whatever reasons, he didn't intentionally set out to hurt her by his actions".

After an onstage fight with Mike Love at the Universal Amphitheater, where Dennis performed drunk and on Quaaludes, , he was officially thrown out of the Beach Boys, learning of the decision by telegram. Now almost broke, Dennis needed Christine more than ever - he became completely dependent upon her, both emotionally and financially.

Page 409:

Christine McVie's personal life was nearly destroyed by the end of 1980. She had tried, unsuccessfully, to end the relationship with Dennis several times. Each time she asked him to leave, he came back like a sheepish dog, and Christine's heart went out to him. Like Karen Lamm before her, she forgave Dennis more times than she should have, and always let him back in. But by Christmas of that year her neighbors were up in arms over the loud arguing and public scenes taking place in the street, and her own lawyers advised Christine to end the relationship. Sadly, Dennis moved out and rented his own house on Wavecrest Avenue in Venice Beach with his friend Steve Goldberg.


Chick on Page 8 of the book:

http://books.google.com/books?id=spwdCTYbJP4C&lpg=PP1&pg=PA8#v=onepage&q=mcvie&f=false

Dennis's ineluctable appeal had its spoils. From the time he was twelve years old, he bragged, girls were lining up to sleep with him, and he tured down not a single one. Indeed Dennis was addicted to women as he was to his other vices. He was obsessed with sex. Getting laid was a major preoccupation for him. He called himself "The Wood," because he was always hard and ready. Although he had been married five times previously and was father to five children, throughout all his marriages he had countless affairs - daily- including one with Patti Reagan, the prsident's daughter. He recently ended a turbulant, three-year liaison with Christine McVie, the singer-composer of the English rock band Fleetwood Mac.

[ButterCookie]

Director Randall Miller told Variety that Farmiga, a classically trained pianist, will get a chance to rock the Mac's finest ballads. "She has a number of duets with Eckhart in the film," he said. "The combination of Aaron and Vera will be pure magic." I'm betting there will be a cathartic performance of "Hold Me," the '83 Fleetwood hit that was written by McVie about Wilson.

Wut?

This had better be good.

[michelej1]

Wut?

This had better be good.

Going to be good, or really cheesy. I don't want no damage, but how'm I gonna manage . . .

I wonder what her bandmates think about this movie news. I'd love to hear their comments on it. Mick loves to talk. I hope someone asks him about it soon.

Michele

[ironman_01701]

Going to be good, or really cheesy. I don't want no damage, but how'm I gonna manage . . .

I wonder what her bandmates think about this movie news. I'd love to hear their comments on it. Mick loves to talk. I hope someone asks him about it soon.

Michele

The worm is on the hook, and when it comes to "show business" is not just about money, its the only thing!!

Makes you think highly about Fleetwood Mac and the band members. Chris has/is been a class act, and everything printed about her and said about her is nothing but positive.

She has to make some money on this movie, but I believe she will shine brightly in this movie.

[HomerMcvie]

but I believe she will shine brightly in this movie.

Unless the focus on her drinking. Still, he outdid her by leaps and bounds, so I guess it's all relative...

[TrueFaith77]

I have not.

Don't bother. But DON'T miss her in the movie which provides my avatar. It is a great film--and her one moment of promise.

[michelej1]

Something Else Reviews, February 3, 2012
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/02/03/new-dennis-wilson-biopic-will-feature-vera-farmiga-as-fleetwood-macs-christine-mcvie/

A forthcoming film focusing on the last six years of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson’s life will include Oscar-nominated actress Vera Farmiga in the role of his love interest, Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie.

Their “passionate and tumultuous” six-year relationship, before Wilson’s passing in 1983, promises to be one of the more interesting moments in the movie, called The Drummer. Producers are Randall Miller, Brad Rosenberger and Jody Savin.

“Jody and I are thrilled to work with Vera,” Miller told Hollywood Today, “Her commitment to every nuance will illuminate the character and having Aaron and Vera on-screen singing together will be pure magic.” Rosenberger added: “She is a superb actor and we can’t wait to see and hear her as Christine McVie.”

Shooting in southern California and Savannah, Georgia, is set to begin in June to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys.

[louielouie2000]

Something Else Reviews, February 2, 2003
http://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/02/03/new-dennis-wilson-biopic-will-feature-vera-farmiga-as-fleetwood-macs-christine-mcvie/

Your number reversal gave me a momentary panic attack thinking this rumor of Vera playing Christine wasn't true. :lol: The article is actually dated February 3, 2012. :)

[michelej1]

I also like it that Vera is not some plain frump. Our girl's going to have sex appeal.

Michele

[Gailh]

Did their relationship last 6 years? I think not

By the time Dennis died Christine was involved with Eddy Quintela

Gail

[vivfox]

Did their relationship last 6 years? I think not


In the movie it will:)

[michelej1]

Did their relationship last 6 years? I think not

By the time Dennis died Christine was involved with Eddy Quintela

Gail

The movie will have her on the shore, frantically trying to get to him as he succumbs to the waves.

Michele

[jbrownsjr]

The movie will have her on the shore, frantically trying to get to him as he succumbs to the waves.

Michele

She's underwater playing Songbird at the end.

[bombaysaffires]

Vera is American, no?

[michelej1]

Vera is American, no?

Yes, she was born here, but her parents were immigrants and English was not her first language. I read that she even started in a Ukranian school at first.

Michele

[jbrownsjr]

Did it say when the movie was due out?

[michelej1]

Did it say when the movie was due out?

No, I don't even know when it starts shooting. Michele

[HejiraNYC]

No, I don't even know when it starts shooting. Michele

I thought it said shooting was starting in June. Given a standard 3-month shoot for this kind of movie, I would say this will be finished in time for release during the post-holiday doldrums in early 2013.

[jbrownsjr]

I thought it said shooting was starting in June. Given a standard 3-month shoot for this kind of movie, I would say this will be finished in time for release during the post-holiday doldrums in early 2013.

In the Meantime

[michelej1]

I thought it said shooting was starting in June. Given a standard 3-month shoot for this kind of movie, I would say this will be finished in time for release during the post-holiday doldrums in early 2013.

Yes, I went back and saw June 15, in California and Georgia. I'd love to see the real Christine in Savannah.

Michele

[jbrownsjr]

Yes, I went back and saw June 15, in California and Georgia. I'd love to see the real Christine in Savannah.

Michele

that would be pure bliss.. Makes me wonder how much footage is out there unpublished..

[gypsy4life]

Farmiga To Play McVie In Dennis Wilson Biopic30 January 2012 2:06 PM, PST | WENN | See recent WENN news »


Actress Vera Farmiga has signed on to play former Fleetwood Mac star Christine McVie in a new Dennis Wilson biopic.

The Up in the Air star won the role thanks to her likeness to McVie and her musical talents - the actress is a trained pianist.

She'll join Aaron Eckhart, who will portray Wilson, in The Drummer.

The film charts the last six years of Wilson's life. He and McVie had a passionate and tumultuous relationship in which they served as each other's inspiration.

Farmiga will both sing and play the piano in the film.

Director Randall Miller tells WENN, "She has a number of duets with Eckhart in the film. The combination of Aaron and Vera will be pure magic."

The film starts shooting in June.


This seems to elude that the film is going to be largely based on their relationship alone. Are they planning on doing the entire film about Chris and Dennis...and nothing else?

Either way, it will be interesting...I hope, factual.
Has anyone read any reaction from Christine?

[HejiraNYC]

This seems to elude that the film is going to be largely based on their relationship alone. Are they planning on doing the entire film about Chris and Dennis...and nothing else?

Either way, it will be interesting...I hope, factual.
Has anyone read any reaction from Christine?

It really does seem that this movie is going to be based mostly on Christine and Dennis, that is, if the early press is any indication. I have seen nothing mentioned about the role of Shawn Marie Love, who I assumed would be the focus of the movie, since they were married at the time of his death. But if you really think about it, it is likely that Christine had to deal with Dennis when he was at his worst- kind of bouncing along the rock bottom until the inevitable. And from a cinematic standpoint, this is a film about musicians, so music will play a central role. If I recall correctly, I believe Christine sold her publishing many years ago, so I suspect we will see a lot of her songs featured in the film, regardless of whether or not Christine wants it. It remains to be seen the extent to which the rest of Fleetwood Mac will be featured!

[nicepace]

Has anyone read any reaction from Christine?

That is what I've been wondering since this news surfaced. I suspect the Dennis Wilson episode in her life is something she'd rather leave behind. She loved him madly, it was a sick relationship in many ways, she left him, he died tragically. Although she was in a new relationship by the time he died, it was still a huge shock and a loss for her. These aren't happy memories for her, and maybe this movie is digging up a time in her life that she'd rather stay buried.

On the other hand, being the first member of Fleetwood Mac to be portrayed in a dramatic film is something of a feather in her cap. She's probably curious to see "herself" on the screen. Who wouldn't be? I'm not familiar with the actress (I don't watch many current movies) but she seems like a good casting choice. I think it's actually possible the portrayal will be complimentary to Christine.

Will the other members of FM also be depicted in the movie, in minor roles?

[ironman_01701]

It really does seem that this movie is going to be based mostly on Christine and Dennis, that is, if the early press is any indication. I have seen nothing mentioned about the role of Shawn Marie Love, who I assumed would be the focus of the movie, since they were married at the time of his death. But if you really think about it, it is likely that Christine had to deal with Dennis when he was at his worst- kind of bouncing along the rock bottom until the inevitable. And from a cinematic standpoint, this is a film about musicians, so music will play a central role. If I recall correctly, I believe Christine sold her publishing many years ago, so I suspect we will see a lot of her songs featured in the film, regardless of whether or not Christine wants it. It remains to be seen the extent to which the rest of Fleetwood Mac will be featured!

Christine's publishing company called Alimony Music.
Is this supposed to be veiled picking upon ex-husband John?

In 1984 Alimony Music (BMI)/Cement Chicken Music ASCAP Lyrics reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

http://discog.fleetwoodmac.net/songs.php?sid=379&perfid=810

[vivfox]

Will the other members of FM also be depicted in the movie, in minor roles?


Maybe the part of Stevie will go to Lindsay Lohan.

[SortaSavageLike]

I for one am looking forward to Veal Parmigiana's performance as Chicken McGridle of Big Mac.

I need to stop posting when I'm hungry.

[ironman_01701]

Carli Muñoz on piano, rehearsing "You are so beautiful" with with a chamber orchestra directed by Jimmy Haskell at the backyard of Christine McVie's (Fleetwood Mac) home in Beverly Hills, California. Dennis Wilson sang it for Christine as a surprise birthday party present.

Dennis really love her, but at Christine's expense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iMiOJZyOnM

[vivfox]

Carli Muñoz on piano, rehearsing "You are so beautiful" with with a chamber orchestra directed by Jimmy Haskell at the backyard of Christine McVie's (Fleetwood Mac) home in Beverly Hills, California. Dennis Wilson sang it for Christine as a surprise birthday party present.

Dennis really love her, but at Christine's expense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iMiOJZyOnM


My favorite part of this video was when Christine walked up to the conductor with a cigarette in one hand, handed him a glass of spiked lemonade and then exhaled the smoke in his face.:laugh:

[ButterCookie]

Carli Muñoz on piano, rehearsing "You are so beautiful" with with a chamber orchestra directed by Jimmy Haskell at the backyard of Christine McVie's (Fleetwood Mac) home in Beverly Hills, California. Dennis Wilson sang it for Christine as a surprise birthday party present.

Dennis really love her, but at Christine's expense.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iMiOJZyOnM

This is the only way to wish a lady like Chris Happy Birthday. With pure class.

[HejiraNYC]

This is the only way to wish a lady like Chris Happy Birthday. With pure class.

Yeah, except I think Chris actually ended up paying for all of it!

[jbrownsjr]

It really does seem that this movie is going to be based mostly on Christine and Dennis, that is, if the early press is any indication. I have seen nothing mentioned about the role of Shawn Marie Love, who I assumed would be the focus of the movie, since they were married at the time of his death. But if you really think about it, it is likely that Christine had to deal with Dennis when he was at his worst- kind of bouncing along the rock bottom until the inevitable. And from a cinematic standpoint, this is a film about musicians, so music will play a central role. If I recall correctly, I believe Christine sold her publishing many years ago, so I suspect we will see a lot of her songs featured in the film, regardless of whether or not Christine wants it. It remains to be seen the extent to which the rest of Fleetwood Mac will be featured!

What would really be amazing if the setting of the movie was the Christine Era, and they flashed back and worked up to that point again, and then his death.. But worked it all around that relationship.. (boy I know that's wishful thinking tho)

[ButterCookie]

Yeah, except I think Chris actually ended up paying for all of it!

Oh more than likely, just like everything else. I know she loved him when they were together but I can't stand Dennis.

[TrueFaith77]

My favorite feeling in life is being proved wrong.

Just saw SOURCE CODE on dvd. And was pleasantly surprised to discover that, along with being a very interesting and enjoyable film, it also features a superb performance by Vera Farmiga. So, along with the modern classic RUNNING SCARED (in which she voices that film's awesome morality), she is also the HEART of SOURCE CODE. I'm hopeful she will be equally humane and imaginative in her portrayal of Christine--she certainly has the eyes and cheekbones for it ;)

[Gailh]

Oh more than likely, just like everything else. I know she loved him when they were together but I can't stand Dennis.

Me neither

Gail

[jbrownsjr]

My favorite feeling in life is being proved wrong.

Just saw SOURCE CODE on dvd. And was pleasantly surprised to discover that, along with being a very interesting and enjoyable film, it also features a superb performance by Vera Farmiga. So, along with the modern classic RUNNING SCARED (in which she voices that film's awesome morality), she is also the HEART of SOURCE CODE. I'm hopeful she will be equally humane and imaginative in her portrayal of Christine--she certainly has the eyes and cheekbones for it ;)

gonna rent it!

[ButterCookie]

I saw a billboard for the new film Wanderlust the other day and noticed how much that guy on the bottom left looks like Dennis. I think he would have been a better choice for the role.

http://cultureby.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/wanderlust-poster.png

[wondergirl9847]

He does look a lot like Dennis there.

That's Justin Theroux. He's dating Jennifer Aniston right now.

[ironman_01701]

Though I would show a light side of the movie::angel:

http://i1048.photobucket.com/albums/s379/ironman_01701/ChrisandDennisholdme-Copy300x400-Copy-Copy-Copy600x800.gif

Fleetwood Mac - Hold Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wWdgTraidlU

[michelej1]

Two New Cast Members Announced, including Ron Weasley!

http://www.nextmovie.com/blog/rupert-grint-chloe-moretz-the-drummer/

Tom Felton isn't the only "Harry Potter" alum to score a new gig today.

Rupert Grint, who until now has kind of been sitting on the bench as Daniel Radcliffe and Emma Watson have been shaping their post-"Potter" careers, has joined the cast of "The Drummer," according to Variety.

"Hugo" star Chloe Moretz has also signed on for the film that chronicles the last six years of Beach Boys drummer Dennis Wilson's life, during which he released his solo album, "Pacific Ocean Blue," and struggled with alcohol addiction. Wilson drowned in Marina del Rey after a day of drinking shortly after his 39th birthday in December 1983.

Grint will play the role of Stan Shapiro, a mailroom intern at William Morris who befriended Wilson, and Moretz will play Jennifer, Wilson's daughter with Carole Freedman. The duo join Aaron Eckhart as Wilson and Vera Farmiga as Christina McVie, the Fleetwood Mac singer-songwriter with whom Wilson had a passionate affair.

Rupert Grint is currently attached to the role of Eddie Edwards in "Eddie the Eagle," the story of England's first ski jumper to enter the Winter Olympics, and to the horror thriller, "Cross Country." Chloe Moretz will next be seen in "Hick" and Tim Burton's "Dark Shadows," both opening May 11.

"The Drummer" will commence with production on June 15 under the direction of Randall Miller ("Nobel Son"). The film is being produced by two of Dennis Wilson's children, Carl (one of his sons with Barbara Charren) and the real-life Jennifer.

[jbrownsjr]

Does anyone get the impression this is going to be McVie heavy???

Please say yes, because I want to believe it.

[Fannymac]

Hmmmmm......they may actually portray the concert here in LA (at the Universal Amphitheatre) where Dennis was SO drunk and bad-mouthing Stevie on stage....he was trying so hard to get Chris up there with him, but you could just FEEL her total embarrassment from the audience!
I think it was shortly after that that they broke up.

[The Chain]

Hmmmmm......they may actually portray the concert here in LA (at the Universal Amphitheatre) where Dennis was SO drunk and bad-mouthing Stevie on stage....he was trying so hard to get Chris up there with him, but you could just FEEL her total embarrassment from the audience!
I think it was shortly after that that they broke up.

Wow, never heard that story. What did he say? :distress:

[aleuzzi]

Hmmmmm......they may actually portray the concert here in LA (at the Universal Amphitheatre) where Dennis was SO drunk and bad-mouthing Stevie on stage....he was trying so hard to get Chris up there with him, but you could just FEEL her total embarrassment from the audience!
I think it was shortly after that that they broke up.

Wow, I'd never heard this! What's the scoop on this? I'm getting the sense you were there. Were you? If so, tell us more!

[jbrownsjr]

Wow, I'd never heard this! What's the scoop on this? I'm getting the sense you were there. Were you? If so, tell us more!

I remember it, but it's been so long... Michele?

[michelej1]

Wow, never heard that story. What did he say? :distress:

I don't know what he said about Stevie. He was arguing, actually fighting, with Mike Love.

Michele

[Fannymac]

Wow, I'd never heard this! What's the scoop on this? I'm getting the sense you were there. Were you? If so, tell us more!

Yep, I was rhere.....in fact, at the time the only bands I really listened to were Fanny, Fleetwood Mac and the Beach Boys!

As stated, he was BLITZED (if I remember correctly, they actually had TWO drummers that night, just to cover up his shortcomings!) Anyway, he had come out front to do a solo song and was dedicating it to Chris....but he just started rambling on about how beautiful Chris was and how he just didn't get how Stevie got all the attention..."I mean, she's not THAT good looking!"...just going on and on!
This rant/ramble had to go on for a good five minutes - people were actually yelling "You're drunk!!!" - and, like I said...even seated across the amphitheatre, you could FEEL Chris just shrinking into her chair! (If I remember correctly, she left after the song was done).
Actually, I think that was the last time I saw the Beach Boys live.

[jbrownsjr]

Yep, I was rhere.....in fact, at the time the only bands I really listened to were Fanny, Fleetwood Mac and the Beach Boys!

As stated, he was BLITZED (if I remember correctly, they actually had TWO drummers that night, just to cover up his shortcomings!) Anyway, he had come out front to do a solo song and was dedicating it to Chris....but he just started rambling on about how beautiful Chris was and how he just didn't get how Stevie got all the attention..."I mean, she's not THAT good looking!"...just going on and on!
This rant/ramble had to go on for a good five minutes - people were actually yelling "You're drunk!!!" - and, like I said...even seated across the amphitheatre, you could FEEL Chris just shrinking into her chair! (If I remember correctly, she left after the song was done).
Actually, I think that was the last time I saw the Beach Boys live.

Thanks for sharing Fanny!!!

[Villavic]

Has anybody Heard anything new about this production? I was checking Aaron and Vera pages at imdb, but since it's in "development", there is only info at imdbpro.

Then I found this: Aaron Eckhart was contracted to play Dennis Wilson in a new movie called The Drummer. However, he decided he wasn't a good enough drummer... so out of respect turned the part down. Gregg Jakobson wants Taylor Hawkins, the drummer in the Foo Fighters, to play Dennis Wilson, but Hawkins has just been cast as Iggy Pop in a new Docu-film... so The Drummer, is now shelved and may in fact never be made...

http://www.maybellinebook.com/2012/06/beach-boy-dennis-wilson-movie-drummer.html

[jbrownsjr]

Has anybody Heard anything new about this production? I was checking Aaron and Vera pages at imdb, but since it's in "development", there is only info at imdbpro.

Then I found this: Aaron Eckhart was contracted to play Dennis Wilson in a new movie called The Drummer. However, he decided he wasn't a good enough drummer... so out of respect turned the part down. Gregg Jakobson wants Taylor Hawkins, the drummer in the Foo Fighters, to play Dennis Wilson, but Hawkins has just been cast as Iggy Pop in a new Docu-film... so The Drummer, is now shelved and may in fact never be made...

http://www.maybellinebook.com/2012/06/beach-boy-dennis-wilson-movie-drummer.html

This was the last thing I read too... :(

[whitewingdove]

I'll be watching it just to see how good her Chris accent is. See if she'll pass my test :]

[NeonGypsy]

Does anyone get the impression this is going to be McVie heavy???

Please say yes, because I want to believe it.

I hope so!

[michelej1]

Beach Boy Biopic 'The Drummer' Back On The Shelf

http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/5820114/beach-boy-biopic-the-drummer-back-on-the-shelf

By Patrick Flanary, The Hollywood Reporter | December 12, 2013

Aaron Eckhart was too exhausted from shooting "I, Frankenstein" in Australia to portray Dennis Wilson -- the Beach Boys drummer who drowned 30 years ago this month -- in a film about the musician’s final years, and left the production just before shooting was to begin in June 2012.

His departure has indefinitely delayed "The Drummer," and now, producers tell The Hollywood Reporter, the biopic's future is murkier. “It was a huge blow for us when Eckhart pulled out,” says Brad Rosenberger, the film’s music supervisor and a publisher of Wilson’s songs, adding that Eckhart had spent six months learning to sing and play the piano and drums. (Vera Farmiga also was cast as Fleetwood Mac’s Christine McVie.)

The latest setback, however, might be the most unsurmountable. The trustee for Wilson’s estate, which represents his children, suggests that the project is now officially off. “The Dennis Wilson Trust can confirm that there is no plan for proceeding with the Drummer project,” Shelley Surpin said in an email, declining to elaborate.

Wilson’s son Carl and daughter Jennifer -- children from separate marriages -- had signed on to co-produce the film in October 2011. The deal represented the first time the family had sanctioned a movie, enabling director Randall Miller to secure the rights to use songs from "Pacific Ocean Blue," Wilson’s solo album. But their unease about the screenplay, written by Jody Savin, has contributed to the project’s delay, Wilson’s producer and writing partner Gregg Jakobson reveals. “The kids, they get bad counseling,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s the estate -- they don’t know anything about the entertainment business. They hardly even really ever knew their dad.”

Rosenberger, who spent 20 years at Warner-Chappell, approached Wilson’s family with the film idea in 2008 and said that the children remain interested. “With everything in the right place, they would love to see a movie honoring their father,” he tells THR. “There are no plans to make this Dennis Wilson movie now, but I don’t think it would be accurate to say we don’t want a movie to be made.”

Several involved with "The Drummer" insist that its current script does not exploit Wilson’s alcohol and drug addiction, and avoids his relationship with Charles Manson, which predated the 1969 Tate-LaBianca murders. It picks up in 1977, when Wilson recorded "Pacific Ocean Blue," and shows another side of the handsome surfer and consummate beach boy, whose hard living cost him his home, his boat and several marriages.

Wilson drowned in Marina del Rey, California, on Dec. 28, 1983, during an afternoon of drinking and diving, just weeks after his 39th birthday. Seven days later, the Coast Guard buried him at sea, a family request President Reagan helped facilitate.

Julie Sultan of W2 Media, the distribution company committed to finding a buyer, said that it no longer represents "The Drummer." In the meantime, Unclaimed Freight Production, which shifted its crew and resources over to CBGB, released in the fall, will begin work in January on "Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story," based on his memoir, "My Cross to Bear."

Movie or no movie, we haven’t heard the last of Dennis Wilson. In August, Capitol Records issued "Made in California," a Beach Boys set including bootlegged and previously unreleased songs. Archivist Alan Boyd said that more remains in the vault, including “Carry Me Home,” an outtake from 1973’s "Holland." “There’s a handful of things, maybe half a dozen or so that actually have vocals on them,” he said.

A six-minute version of Wilson’s unfinished “Holy Man,” featuring Foo Fighters’ Taylor Hawkins and Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor, which Jakobson produced, will likely remain unheard, given the movie’s unclear direction.

[jbrownsjr]

I read a while back that it was unlikely to happen. But at least they leave some hope.

[michelej1]

I wonder what Christine thought about the prospect. If she starts doing more interviews, I hope someone asks her.

Michele

[aleuzzi]

If the writers don't have the freedom to represent (as opposed to exploit) Dennis's life as it was (including the Manson connection, the drinking and drugs, etc) then the film company should abandon the project. What would be the point if the story ignores some serious, admittedly uncomfortable truths?

[louielouie2000]

If the writers don't have the freedom to represent (as opposed to exploit) Dennis's life as it was (including the Manson connection, the drinking and drugs, etc) then the film company should abandon the project. What would be the point if the story ignores some serious, admittedly uncomfortable truths?

It doesn't sound like they're editing Dennis to make him look better, per se. I think they are just focusing on a part of his life that is less famous than the whole Manson Family chapter, which is pretty well known. That being said, I don't know how they can focus on the last several years of his life and avoid his addiction/substance abuse issues, either. That's why the man's relationships all unravelled, and why he died at such an early age. :shrug:

[PenguinHead]

Right, same here. I really have no interest in The Beach Boys, or Dennis, outside of his time with Chris.

Understandable. But remember - Lindsey is a huge Beach Boys/Brian Wilson fan, as I am. Many people unaware that their body work is much deeper than the popular "beach songs." They are much more than that.