Alex – Edmond Dantes (The Count Of Monte Cristo)
Whenever there’s a chance for me to write about anything related to a film adaptation of a literary classic, my brain immediately rushes to one book: The Count Of Monte Cristo. The reasons are simple. It’s arguably the best revenge story ever told, it’s a phenomenally written piece of literature, and most importantly, it has the illustrious title of being my favorite book of all time. So when thinking of a character whom I’d like Leonardo DiCaprio to play, there really isn’t any question – it’d be Edmond Dantes.
Let me first say that I’m well aware that Leo isn’t French. That is totally okay. The Aussie Hugh Jackman did an excellent job at playing another French icon, and there’s also always the possibility that the story could be modernized to the point where the nation doesn’t matter, which I’m totally in favor of.
Really, a quality film for this movie has to be made. I’m talking modern, big blockbuster, under three hours quality. I know that’s hard to do with a story of such a wide scope, and I will undoubtedly be upset about various things that are cut from the plot. But still, it has to be done.
Leo would be phenomenal as Dantes, there’s no one I’d rather see in the role. Some of DiCaprio’s best performances are when he’s searching for lost love. Well, Dantes’ love that was lost is one of the most dramatic losses ever imagined. It’s horribly heartbreaking. To watch DiCaprio handle that would be wonderful!
What would be the most exciting though is the range DiCaprio would get to show. From young boy on a ship to young lover, from prisoner to wealthy vengeance exactor, there’d be a whole slew of things we’d get to watch Leo do. We’d get to see him come back with such fury, such anger, that it has to be a dream for any actor to take on. But he does it with such cunning, another trait that Leo just thrives at portraying. Oh yeah, and the film would be absolutely awesome. Honestly, the other picks are all quality, but come on, let him play the Count, and give Dumas’ book the adaptation it deserves.
The arguments have been made! Now it’s your turn, head to the comments section and weigh-in on which literary characters you’d love to see Leo play!
And if you liked this Throwdown, maybe you’d like to check out one of our past arguments, such as Which Is The Most Memorable Phone Call In Film?
