Ryan Gosling Archives - Lee Marvin: Point Blank Biography by Dwayne EpsteinLee Marvin: Point Blank Biography by Dwayne Epstein

Who could play Lee Marvin in a biopic? I’ve been thinking about that question for quite some time now. Several suggestions have been made to me while I was working on Lee Marvin: Point Blank and I do have some ideas of my own, of course, but I’d be very interested to find out what others might think, since biopics, when done well, are always worth thinking about.
Marvin was a unique presence and not comparable to many actors before or since his time. His height, his build, his amazing voice, all contributed to a film presence unlike any other. I think it was best described by film critic David Denby, who wrote, “Lee Marvin is a superb physical actor…That long face with its great, heavy warlord’s brow, sardonic eyes, and huge snout, is a movie all in itself, both funny and threatening. The voice is a rich, actor’s bass, gravelly and black, yet with a surprising lilt that makes the simplest line vibrate with insinuation.” Tough order to fill, isn’t it? In my opinion, as well as others I’ve spoken with, it may even be impossible but you never know. Besides, it may simply be a matter of the one who might comes closest and then miraculously rises to the challenge. And what actor’s actor worth his reputation doesn’t like a good challenge?
I’ve listed some possibilites below so please feel free to comment, like, dislike and/or by all means add your own thoughts or ideas. Images below are in no special order other than alphabetical. ALL comments are welcome and there’s more to come!