by FH Glasgow on Mon Oct 26, 2009 6:48 pm
I have read now on many forums about the possible casting of David Tennant in the role of Bilbo, in the forthcoming film version of The Hobbit.
As a fellow Scotsman, and someone who has watched and appreciated his contribution to the continuing success of popular mainstream British television in recent years, I can understand the rise in speculation surrounding this casting whether it is based on fact or not.
However I sincerely hope this speculation is unfounded, as casting him in this role would be an unmitigated disaster. Although his particular style is well suited to many of his roles, his acting is not exactly what you would call “under-stated” and in my opinion this is exactly what is required for the role of Bilbo, – And I’m not just referring to Tennant’s Doctor Who, but the many other roles I’ve seen him in on screen, and once on stage, where the rolling eyes and facial tics, seems to inevitably creep in. The increasingly tired manic oddness and the attempted hammy irony that permeates every interpretation of his, would be solely at odds with the quiet determination, bravery and naivety of Bilbo.
Seeing Tennant being interviewed numerous times, he comes across as a thoroughly decent bloke, with a lot of likability, and I’m in no doubt he will continue to grow in popularity with television audiences by cultivating and adapting his now trademark style. However hopefully I am not alone in hoping and praying he is given a wide berth from this project by the casting directors, and an actor with the correct skill and subtlety is given the opportunity to bring us the Bilbo that so many million fans deserve.
F H