Mona Mills is the kind of girl that a man only meets
once in his life. I am hesitant to use the word girl, not
because she isn't a girl, but because that great
four-letter-word doesn't encompass the entire MONA. She
is also a woman. She is a lady. She is a broad. She is a
dame. She is a damsel in............
She drives a rickshaw around Manhattan, speaks in a
tongue that only a handful of humans can understand.
She has the spirit of Kate Winslet's,Clementine Kruczynski,
from Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Also, Annie
Potts', Iona, from Pretty in Pink.
She will treat a perfect stranger like a best friend,
pick up a hitchhiker just to hear his story, drop a
television in the ocean just to see the splash, and
then dive in and retrieve it so it doesn't pollute
the Atlantic.
Mona Mills deserves her alliterative name. Few
deserve such a priveledge. Characters in novels and drama
and cinema often carry alliterative names. Comic books
have exhausted the device. Clark Kent, Peter Parker,
Lex Luthor...
Mona Mills is a woman that lives up to the hype.
She can back it up. Tromp through the mud, scale sheer
cliffs, fjord rivers and bound over tall mountains.
From the moment one meets Mona Mills, one is struck by
her eccentricities. Her confidence is over-whelming,
bordering on nuisiance, but quickly forgiven.
We forgive the beautiful easily for their shortcomings,
as long as they are kind and sincere. Mona Mills could
kick a puppy, but her laugh and her regret could mend
war-torn nations. But never forget that just underneath
that confident exterior lies a very sensitive pixey.
And reading Mona Mills on a page is just as
mind-boggling as meeting her for the first time. So the
great question is...
Who is the actress, so rare and special, that can play
Mona Mills?
Who is our whimsical, magical beauty? (Beck lyric)
Please share your ideas....
Your Faithful Servant,
Austin Nichols
post script: I just read what I wrote and none of it makes
any sense, but with Mona Mills, that makes a lot of sense.
Farewell.
Comments
Nora Zehetner
Rachel Bilson
Kristen Bell
Alyson Hannigan
Autumn Reeser
Amanda Seyfried
Alona Tal
Lindsey McKeon (More in the style of her Supernatural look than her OTH look.)
I loved how when you described this Mona, you captured this generation....most times when someone describes a person, it almost seems not of the times....but it was very now, and it was refreshing to read. You did a great job with this post, and when you said at the end it didn't make sense....you must have been tired because it made perfect sense...well to me anyway..:) Well I look forward to following this blog, to live vicariously through you guys through this exciting journey lol.....oh how I wish I pursued my dreams of this, but then I wouldn't have what I do now....but I digress...
Look forward to reading more!
First off, I am so uber excited about Southern Gothic Productions. I cannot wait for it to take root and blossom into the amazing, steadfast organization I know it will be. It's a beautiful thing to know that there are such talented artists that care so much about the welfare of independent film and the southern culture and community. I am so looking forward to your first project "Pedestrian". I feel no matter who you choose to play Mona, in the long run you have an amazing story to share with the world, and everyone will fall in love with both characters. Best wishes to Southern Gothic. May you have a prosperous and amazing future.
Kristin--NC
Hi,
first of all I REALLY love this blog and everything that I have read. Pedestrian sounds amazing. If I could choose I would go for Michelle Williams. She has something I can't really discribe it. I wouldn't choose sophia bush or bethany joy galeotti because people would relate it to much with OTH. for the record really love them.
sophia bush
bethany joy galeotti
anne hathaway
I'm loving this character. I loved Clementine in ESOTSM.
I think Kiera Knightley would be ideal (there you go, alliteration and all...) - Kirsten Dunst also, she does her best work in those roles.
If you want to keep it local, Sophia Bush would make a great choice - in a way, if you strip Brooke Davis of her love for all things fashionable, she resembles Mona a bit, and I'm sure Sophia could pull it off.
On the other hand, I'm sure you guys want this to be unique and being that Sophias is already paired up with Austin in OTH, it might be overkill (yet, I'm sure it'd be really great to watch).
In any case, this project seems great. I literally can't wait.
She's been mentioned a couple of times already, but the first actress that came to my mind while reading about Mona Mills is Zooey Deschanel. She would be perfect.
Rebecca Hall - great actress.
maybe Rachel McAdams???
I think Joy would be a good call since she is such a unique girl, and the character seems to be unique as well, plus she can pull of anything :)
i think, no offense, it'd be really silly if you casted a bunch of one tree hill character.
broaden it a bit
i agree with some of the other who said Zooey Deschanel. her part in tin man & manic define her role as mona mills (i think)
also me?? yea i think id be hella good as mona mills. (=P)
Jennifer Morrison
Olivia Wilde
Michelle Monaghan
ouch.. kate voegele..sry!
i think, no offense, it'd be really silly if you casted a bunch of one tree hill character.
broaden it a bit
i agree with some of the other who said Zooey Deschanel. her part in tin man & manic define her role as mona mills (i think)
also me?? yea i think id be hella good as mona mills. (=P)
Jennifer Morrison
Olivia Wilde
Michelle Monaghan
ouch.. kate voegele..sry!
natalie portman. she would be perfect for this role.
For me Sophia Bush would be perfect for this role. Plus they have so much chemistry together. I also see someone like Katherine Heigl or Autumn Reese. The kind of actress who can make you laugh and the next time make you cry.
Sophia Bush. Make it a Wilmington family thing. She sounds perfect for the role. Her presence can fit just that (re: Forty's episode of OTH or The Narrows).
Why would you even be questioning this? SOPHIA BUSH. HELLOOOOOOOOO!
Zooey Deschanel
I can't think of anyone who could play a role like that more perfectly
Awww... I'm in love with Mona Mills already!
Honestly I think that Mona would be great played by a number of people... Hil, Joy, Claire Danes, Autumn Reeser, hmmmm...
Oh I just had a flash... LINDY BOOTH! She could totally do this character justice I think.
Good luck with the search!
So I'm horrible at thinking of who would be awesome at playing a certain part. [[I of course think Hilarie would be awesome, but I'm sure she wants to stay behind the camera]]. So I just really want to say that I can't wait for you guys to pick a Mona Mills because her character sounds interesting!
Austin and Hilarie, I have to say you two are fantastic writers :]
I still say Busy Philipps from Freaks and Geeks would be an excellent choice! She is a brilliant actress and very believable!!
Smiles,
Angie
Bethany joy galeotti! she is just so unique and that's the first person who came to my head
I've got one name and one name only...the always odd, always beautiful, and always charming, Rose McGowan. She's so old school, she's so new wave. She's got the ability to play hilarious and kooky, but brings you to your knees when she plays vulnerable and scared. And the actress isn't afraid to try anything.
Jill
This just came to mind...
Cassandra Lawson. She was in a short film called Relapse. You can check out the trailer at http://vimeo.com/1101946
New York votes for... KIRSTEN DUNST!!! 5 Kudos!
KIRSTEN DUNST: "She is the woman that lives up to the hype. She can back it up. Tromp through the mud, scale sheercliffs, fjord rivers and bound over tall mountains."
She and Austin have perfect chemistry on film. This is going to be Hilarie and Kelly's first project and they only deserve no one but the best actress to play Mona Mills...And who else can play it best other than Kirten Dunst! This is bigger than Twilight! Watch for it. It's worth all the production costs.
I can't imagine watching this film with popcorn and Orange Juice (coz Soda is unhealthy) without Kirsten Dunst playing Mona Mills. I know Mr. Faithful Servant agrees. Don't you think?
Oh darling, Austin, you sound so busy over there in Wilmington what with the script reading, the casting. When DO you find time to care for your Baby(ies) Tile?
wow, that sounded like it was coming from someone in love with mona because i'm not sure if a girl exists that can live up to all that jazz. haha. that was a fantastic breakdown of her. kudos austin! the movie sounds amazing. i love period pieces!
hilarie, you're the definition of awesome.
Is this even a question!
uhh, Sophia Bush.
Sophia Bush = Mona Mills
Mona Mills = Sophia Bush
1. Confidence!
Sophia has that same overwhelming confidence that Mona seems to possess. Plus, she is breathtakingly beautiful. It would fit Mona snuggly. It's perfect
Everything else can work up from there. If Sophie agrees to do this movie, you are in it to win it. Austin + Sophia = Oscar.
Plus, you will get so much hype it's not even funny.
With this amazing script, story, and ensemble, nothing can go wrong.
Obvious...Hilarie is perfect for the part of Mona!!! But if she want to stay behind the camera, I'd like Sophia Bush!!!
I'm italian...so...why not an italian actress??:-)
Ciao ciao!!! Giulia
I'm thinking about Kristin Kreuk or Chyler Leigh BOTH would be great.
i think joy would be great. but im sure whoever you will pick, it'll be the right decesion, this movie is becoming more and more amazing as it progresses, nice work! im excited!
Honestly, from the role hilarie plays as "Peyton".. I think she would be perfect for the part. She (you) if you are reading this Hilarie is amazing at reaching various depths of emotion. I can't wait to read more!! I hope that being busy with this doesn't mean you'll be leaving OTH anytime soon... that show is my vice for the week!!! Love it and love you!!!!
I must go with....myself. Or, Rosario Dawson.
definatley Bethany Joy Galoetti.
From the handful of roles I've seen Hilarie play she is who came to mind as I read Austin's description. If you want to keep it close to home I say Hilarie or Sophia. Sophia was tough and held her own in Hitcher but you could see her cute and pretty in a dress. For Hilarie the edge I watch every week on OTH tells me Hilarie could be the rare and special Mona Mills.
Wait and be patient for the perfect person, it sounds like an amazing part.
Best of luck!
I'm selfish, so I would love to see Hilarie play Mona, but I don't think that's going to happen.
Natalie Portman would be a great choice, IMO. I could also see Joy take on this role.
Hilarie you should definetely be Mona. This looks like once in a life time role and you shouldn't miss it. I'm sure Austin and you would be phenomenal as Mona and Lincoln.
But if you're still looking for another actress Rebecca Hall or Rachel McAdams could be great.
xo Ecem <3
Hi from sweden! Hope everythings fine with you!? Its nice you got a blog on the internet, so we all can follow you wherever you go, Hil :) Thats great! Cause youre an great actress!! And i love your acting in one tree hill, as Peyton. Shes my favorite, youre my favorite :) Take care. /Linda
Austin, thank for the update. As I read, I felt like I need to see this movie. It is going to be great and lots of fun
Helene
PS: Hilarie, thank you for having casted Austin for this job. I guess I will have to wait to see who will be Mona
Pauley Perrette
Liz Vassey
Vanessa Ferlito
all from weird csi-ish shows that i strangely enjoy.
m.m.
A few years ago I saw a great independent film at Florida State Uni in Tally while visiting some friends. Two actresses stood out to me that I had never really payed much attention to. They were Clea DuVall and Elisabeth Harnois. The characterization of the role they portrayed was done to a tee and I was very much impressed. That being said, I see a lot of people are thinking along the same lines as me with Joy Galeotti. Speaking from a completely non-biased standpoint, I think she could bring out a lot of the trivial and overlooked traits of Mona and make her a more relatable character onscreen because of her great command of the craft and likable underpinings. I will keep ya UD if I come across any other worthy candidates.
-AJL
I would have to go with Adrianne Palicki. I would love to see her in a role like this.
I wish you all the best of luck with everything!
I agree with the above poster who suggested that Mona be played by an unknown actress. All of the great actresses listed here are very talented but after reading this I didn't see any of those actresses in that role with the exception of the girl from Twilight.
Hilarie - if you read this, google Alix Paige. She is an amazing actress. You can see a short clip of her in "Vanished." For me, she fit the part as soon as I read this. Be enlightened.
BTW, love the blog and can't wait to read more from you and Austin. You both have a very talented way of drawing in readers with your words.
^Sorry for the typo above.I meant Amelie Poulain from the film "The Fabulous Destiny of Amelie Poulain"
Austin, I love the way you write. You should write more often. It’s a pleasure to read your observations and style.
By your description, I see Mona as a sort of Amelie Paulin. I think a European actress would be wonderful for this role. Actresses like Audrey Tautou, Marion Cotillard, Julie Delpy, Rachel Weisz come to my mind because they would create Mona with all her depth, complexity and contradictions.
I think you should forget all the suggestions and choose her following your intuition blindly from Lincoln's POV. I think Mona will find you.
Wow!!! Amazing!!!!
I think that of course Hilarie SHOULD play the part but if not then...
1. Lauren Graham (in a tongue that only a handful of humans can understand.)Did we not see her performance on Gilmore Gilrs= Amazing!!!
2.Bethany Joy Galeotti
3.Sophia Bush
4. Minka Kelly
5. Mila Kunis (from thats 70's show)
6. Anne Hathaway
7. Katherine Heigl
8. Krysten Ritter (gilmore girls, 27 dresses,what happens in vegas)
There are so many but it think the most obvious choice and the most wanted, the AMAZING
HILARIE BURTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
p.s. I hope I deserve MY alliterative name... My initials are M.M.M. maybe I AM Mona Mills :) har-har
austin. first of all, youre a beautiful writer. i didnt read who's post it was until i got to the very end so i was sooo delighted to learn that on top of being a wonderful actor, youre a talented writer as well.
with that being said..
may i suggest:
emily van camp
xx
good luck! & keep posting PLS!
I would have to say Elisabeth Harnois, Leighton Meester or I think the best may have to be Busy Philipps from Freaks and Geeks! Yep, she's the one :) I saw her in a movie the other day, Home Room ~ she was fantastic! If you haven't seen it, please check it out.
Thank you for asking. That was very sweet!!!
Smiles,
Angie
Hilarie should play in this movie ,maybe she don't want to because she's the producer but like Drew Barrymore she can be IN the movie and produce and make a great movie
From the perfect girl for this job is Hilarie burton(i'm a huuuuge fan)but rachel mc adams could be great too
xoxo
ps:Hilarie you are the BEST